Hi everyone,

I am trying to research before making a decision. Both are the 4.7 liter V8. The 04 is the SLT model with the towing package, 3rd row seating, and has 70k. The price is 10k.

The 06 is the SXT model. It also has the 4.7 liter v8 but unlike 04 it only seats 5 and does not have the towing package. This one has 64k and they are asking 10k for it.

I will say I have no need for the towing package. This is going to be my daily driver to work. Cosmetically the pictures of the 04 make it look a lot more appealing than the 06 but I'm trying to focus on mechanical soundness. Also, both are one previous owner and have clean car faxes.

If anyone can help by offering any insight or opinions I would appreciate any help and/or comments. I look forward to learning more about the Durango!

 

Natron:

One thing to keep in mind at this point is that SUVs are pretty much a buyers market due to the price of fuel.

Those prices should have some wiggle room in them especially if you are not trading a vehicle in.

Since you do not tow, the power of the Hemi is not a necessity, but I would venture that if you drove, one, you would like the extra power.
Keep in mind that the difference in MPG on an 04 or 05 between the 4.7 and 5.7 will not bee too great because they do not have MDS which shuts of 4 of the cylinders when not needed.
The MDS came about on the 06 Durango, and only on the Hemi.

From your description, the SLT will have many more options than the SXT does. The SXT although a Durango just the same really is a bare bones model.
More of a utility model in my view.

Between those two, I would not worry about the extra 7k on the 04, and look closely at that.

While you might not forsee the need for a towing package now, you never know when you might need to rent a U-Haul or some such.
Having the tow package will work to your favor when you go to find it a new home someday.

I am slightly biased being that my D is an 04 Hemi SLT, but the one before this was a fantastically loaded 2001 SLT Plus that had the 4.7 engine.

In its own right, the 4.7 is a tough engine that moves the D around just fine. You wont win any races, and towing is not its strong suit.

There is also a trim level called Limited which is pretty nice also.

Don

 

Thanks for the response. I guess my concern is whether or not the '04, being the first year of the new models, has any known, serious mechanical concerns. I swear these forums are tricky things. I can scare myself out of buying anything by reading them enough. I have to keep telling myself that not everyone who owns an '04 Durango is on this website complaining about a problem. I doubt many people make it a point to post when their vehicle is running fine!

Right now I am 80/20 to the '04 SLT model.

 

I've been looking into '04 Durangos because my wife and I just purchased one.

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/Durango/ might be helpful to you. Not sure how reliable the sight is, but 2nd gen complaints start high in 04 and taper down as the model goes on.

We JUST got a 2004 Durango Limited and it was fully loaded with power leather heated seats (both front seats), 3rd row seating, power sunroof , windows locks, DVD player, 6-disk MP3 CD changer, tow package, running boards, and the 5.7L HEMI... for 11.5k. So I would think 10k for what sound like base model-ish a little high.

It's definitely a buyers market when looking at SUVs because dealers have a hard time selling them because of the price of gas. The only difference in gas mileage on an 04 between the two engines is 1mpg highway. So we decided to go with the Hemi and couldn't be happier with the extra power. The only issue I've noticed, is the horn button doesn't work currently.

 

It depends a LOT on your area. Up here, the wife and I got her 2006 SLT 4.7 (3rd row seat, but no towing package, for comparison sake), 85k miles, for $10,800. And that was a STEAL of a deal up here. They were about ready to send the vehicle back to auction, had been sitting on it for a few months. According to the manager's paperwork (I saw the actual spreadsheet, so I don't think he was pulling my leg), he had paid $11,400 for it at auction, and admitted he paid to much.

It had a slightly rough idle and broken fog light, which turned a lot of people off, I think. New O2 sensors, new TPS, new fog light. Out maybe $250 tops to fix those things, and she runs great now.

Anything with AWD/4x4 is high priced in the midwest regions. The cheapest HEMI Durango in the 04-06 model years, with under 100k miles, is usually $13k-$14k.

 

Natron:

Looks like you are getting lots of good info here. I knew that would be the case.

I agree that the Hemi equipped units usually do command a littler higher price, but not always especially if the seller has been sitting on it a while and wants to move it.

If you are so inclined, let me recommend autotrader.com. I found my D there, and have seen lots of good deals there.

During my search back in the spring of 2010, I was finding Hemi Durangos out the ying yang, and they were selling before I could get to the lot to see them!

I ended up making an 8 hour round trip to a Cleveland Nissan Dealer who claimed no one liked the Flame Red color or gas mileage.

That all worked in my favor as far as I am concerned.

Don