Hello folks,


I've just registered on your forum and I'm planning on picking up a Durango in the near future. I'm no stranger to car forums so I thought I'd sign up here to ask a few questions before I jump into the purchase.

A week ago I ended up renting a Durango SLT from Enterprise and I was hooked. I'm planning on selling my Formula and the daily driver Grand Prix and putting down some cash to buy one before the employee discount and cash back deal ends. One of my questions relates to the current offer. Has anyone purchased their Durango recently during this promotion? If so, is it likely I could haggle the pricing down further beyond the promotion deal or does this promotion end up being a good deal in the end as is? Would it be smarter to look at low mileage 04 models to save some cash?

Is the 4.7 a pretty trouble free reliable engine when maintained well? Has it been in Dodge trucks for a while or is it a new design? How does it sound through an aftermarket exhaust setup? Does this engine gain much from simple bolt on intake\exhaust upgrades? Is there a big difference in fuel mileage between the 4.7 and the Hemi?

Thanks

-Joe

 

The current pricing incentive is the cheapest you will ever buy a new vehicle from DCX. So there will be no haggling unless you want some free oil changes or something thrown in. Also keep in mind, the current rebates also come off the discounted price. As far as the 4.7 or the Hemi, I'm biased on the Hemi. I bought an 04 SLT with a Hemi and it simply will hand it to any 4.7. As long as you stay off the gas, you will get the same or better mpg as the 4.7. There are not quite as many aftermarket modifications to the Hemi as the 4.7L, but really with the current hp, you shouldn't need much more in a SUV. Because I traded my 99 2500 Ram in on the Durango, I use it for towing also. With the hemi, I really don't have much problem pulling almost 8000lbs.

hope this helps

 

I too have an 04 hemi limited,and I get 23 mpg highway at 75 mph on regular gas 87 octane with dual air and the towing package.Ya just gotta have a hemi! They are so much more powerful than the 4.7,and I feel they get better mileage.
My friend has an 02 dakota 4.7,and he gets about 17 mpg highway,but I don't know what rear end gear he has.The
hemis are only about 800.00 more than the 4.7,too.

 

I was able to haggle more out of them but it was "on my trade" kind of thing. I just find all the employee pricing plans to be a scam. We've bought all of our last 4 cars at these kinds of prices so it's just another promo. I got 05 limited for about $2000 less than what they wanted it to sell it at, but I walked out without it twice and I don't know how many phone calls back and forth and then settled on the last day of the month and they were ready to meet my deal. Then I had to do it all over again with the interest rate, I told them they had to beat my current rate and they really balked, but in the end I got it out the door for my price plus my interest rate.

It depends on how motivated they are and how many people are looking.... Even at these prices they are making money - if they weren't it wouldn't be happening.

 

I'm leaning toward getting a slightly used 04 at this point. I was wondering if you guys could explain the AWD deal to me. I know the 4.7L Durangos have full time AWD, and a switch for 4wd, but I don't see awd listed for the Hemi version. Does the Hemi run in 2wd with a 4wd switch option? Also, sorry to ask such a retard question...but I've never owned a truck...only cars. 4wd is just for offroad conditions like sand, mud, and heavy snow am I correct? The way I understand it is that running 4wd in any other conditions can cause severe damage? Is that right?

 

About the AWD... my brother in law owns a 2004 Limited 4wd and you can only set it from AWD to 4WD Lock to 4WD Lo. I tested-drive a 2005 SLT AWD and has no 4wd Lo option. That's really bad. So... if you go through the AWD version you will not be able to run in 2wd. The major effect is in gas expense which is around 15.6mpg (according to the Trip computer) on a Limited'04 with AWD and HEMI engine.

About riding on road: totally safe because the AWD will disengage the front tire that may cause the "lock" feeling like in regular 4x4 SUVs with part-time mode.

About the engines: 4.7L vs 5.7L, the 5.7L is better by far because of technology and huge power/torque. The 4.7L feels crispy and very responsive. I have the 4.7L and have never take it to its limits yet but you can feel that it can go without hesitate. So... imaging the 5.7L.

For example, the Durango SLT 2wd with the 4.7L engine weights 4,700 pounds. 700 pounds more than a 4wd Montero Sport with a 3.0L engine. What I'm trying to say here is that the 4.7L is more than capable to move this 4,700 pound SUV. And this engine have been in the market since 2001.

Good luck!

 

when in AWD, its actually powering the rear wheels. The front wheels will engage when there is slippage off the back. Its kind of fun to play in the snow with it. 4WD send power to the front and rear at the same time. 4LO should only be used in extremely slick or deep conditions. It will allow maximum power to get to the wheels.

 

Thanks for the info. I found what I believe to be a pretty sweet deal on an 04 limited locally. I think I will be jumping on it soon.

 

Just got my 04 Limited 4x4 with 4700 miles on it. Damn I love this truck. Thanks for all the info people.




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hope you enjoy it