Obviously, I expect people on this forum to be biased but I am curoius to know what other vehicles you looked at, why and if you have any reqrets. I am considering the Durango or the Pathfinder or the 4Runner. I currently have a 2WD '01 Dakota SLT QC with 4.7L with 4 wheel ABS, limited slip, auto. It was (and still is) the perfect size. Dependablitity has been ok; not great but it could have been worse. Specifically the major repairs have been: new A/C controls at 20k, new trannie at 35k, new rear end at 45k and again at 95k, new front suspension (almost everything) at 98k, new brakes/rotors at 110k. Main reasons looking at the imports is reputation for dependability, higher mileage. I need 5000# towing to comfortably tow a 4200# boat and trailer. There are very few choices that offer 5000 towing with better mileage and I don't like the Liberty. I appreciate your advice.

 

Hi there,

When I was on the road looking for my new car, I considered the Pathfinder vs the Durango. I didn't look at Toyota because they're way expensive when comparing features.

Pathfinder has a more responsive engine vs the 4.7L Durango (of course) but the center seat at the 2nd row has a fixed upright position very uncomfortable. The 3rd row is for kids while Durango's has a better 3rd row.

Both SUV's will catch your eye but you will get more standard features on a Durango SLT vs the Pathfinder LE. Once you see the Pathfinder SE you will not like the LE but then the price will compare with a Durango Limited and there's no comparison starting with the engine. On a Pathfinder LE you will not get rear A/C controls and the A/C rear vents are located on the front center arm rest (like on Ford Explorers XLS). If you want roof A/C vents you will have to upgrade to the SE level. The only DVD is available on the SE while you can get DVD on the SLT.

The Path-LE will not come with running boards and no fog lights. Durango-SLT have both and the fog lights are Hella with a cristal lense (well known brand on lighting off-road products).

Both Pathfinder levels come with the trailer hitch as an standard. Bad with the Durango SLT. That's an option that can cost you $225 installed without the wiring harness (additional $50).

Both vehicles are big and within a luxiry level so the off-road hobby is out of question.

Why I decide for my -D-? Mostly price and equipment. And with the difference I paid the extended warranty (7/85 Bumper-to-Bumper). The Pathfinder-SE would cost over $34K and the regular warranty 3/36.

I was looking for a 3-row SUV. Toyota too expensive, Ford.... NO WAY (too many bad experiences on insignificants things), GM Trailblazer... almost but $2K higher and too sloppy on its movements.

Well.... my 2 cents.

Regards,

 

Im with Erwin.

I was looking at the pathfinder as well, but the D just had so many things going for it, the size, the features etc... I know the pathfinders engine may be more responsive, but i love that domestic rumble, the imports sound too tinny even with an upgraded exhaust. I have the 4.7 and it is very smooth, throughout all RPM ranges.

Some people say that they feel a drop in power after it hits 100 km, but mine is smooth i ve managaed to hit 140 a couple of times without even knowing it. Which is a testament to how smooth the engine is.

The handling of the D was something that also really surprised me, it is a big truck, but when you are behind the wheel it doesnt feel like it at all. I am able to back into tight spaces and hook U turns with relative ease considering its size. Dodge did a good job with the handling and suspension in this truck.

The third row is the roomiest i have found in an suv, the pathfinders third row is very cramped so is the ford explorers. Most midsize SUV with third row seats are useless unless you put a child or a midget back there. The D is the most comfortable. Sit inside one, and youll see how cavernous it seems on the inside.

I had an Exlporer before this and it was a piece of garbage, that turned my mind against Ford, i dont think id ever buy another Ford vehicle again.

The 4 runner is nice, but they can't compare to the D, too expensive, cramped and a little ugly if you ask me. But if proven reliability is a main concern then Toyota's have the rep for being the best. Dodge would be my pick if i were you, but it is a big vehicle and it does drink gas. The 4 runner would be a close second though.

 

I forgot to mention that I rode behind a Grand Cherokee once (V8 4.7L), and my D kept the pace very well. Not enough power to pass him but just the required to keep reading its license plate and impress the guy in the Cherokee.

Now, on the braking department, they have GREAT brakes but everything over normal speed would be totally dangerous. Over 70mph, a hard brake will make the D start to wonder its rear end from side to side. No tire lock but the combination of the ABS and smooth suspension create a very freaky feeling. So if you drive normal (not chasing Cherokees) you will be all happy with your brakes. And, by the way, the huge rear disc rotors looks great and the are the biggest out there!

Regards,

 

erwin - I see yours is a 4.7. Im strongly considering the Hemi. I have the 4.7 in my 01 dakota. What are your thoughts and why did you choose the 4.7?

 

The HEMI is the best choice. As I heard hear and from a friend, the HEMI is even more efficient in gas economy . The HEMI will take you out from 0 to 60 in less than 9 secs. And... you will get a lot of cool extra gadgets with the HEMI. I'm not sure about the trimming level (does Dodge has an SLT with the HEMI?).

If you can... go for the Limited with the HEMI and include the Towing Package. Why? It will includes the foldable side mirrors, the hitch receiver, and a BIGGER rear diff. (in case you want to tow something big).

I purchased the SLT with the 4.7L because of price. I got the Family Package (DVD, Infinity System) for $28k. But I don't have the foldable mirrors and the hitch receiver [&o]. I do need the hitch receiver for my bike rack. The mirrors I can live with them (non-foldable and smaller) but I have my eye on the foldables ($145 each OEM).

Good luck!

 

If money were no object, I'd go for the 4Runner V8. If you can afford to live in Roswell these days, you can probably afford either of the three . The traction system on the 4x4 is unbelievable offroad, the handling is great, and well....it's a Toyota. Look at the resale value of them versus a Durango. Our '05 Limited Hemi with Navigation, tow package, chrome rims, and everything else except moonroof and DVD was $24k out the door with 4000 miles on it. I rent A LOT of vehicles and the performance of the Durango Hemi out in the mountains of Colorado versus the other two you mentioned was what swayed me towards it (and it was for my wife and she loved driving the one I had for four months). Also, if you drive the three you'll see that the other two feel like you're going from a full sized vehicle to a compact almost. The Pathfinder SE I had for a month had a few rattles that annoyed me and its handling is not as solid as the 4Runner or D (feels more topheavy). Most of what it came to for us was what you got for the money with the Durango (at least used). If you shop around low mileage used ones, you'll see what I mean.

 

Hi there,

Regarding the previous post, it's correct about the resale value. American cars devaluate faster than imported. And, when compared against Toyota it is totally depressive for us with Durango's.

You will need to evaluate some points prior to make your decision:
- For how long are you expencting to own this SUV?
- Do you usually change cars on a frequent base? Less than equal 4 years?
- Do you need space (passenger and/or cargo)?
- Do you need heavy power (towing)?
- Do you need 4wd capabilities?
- Warranty: compare the default warranty on both vehicles, any additional contract available and their cost. This is something that probably the Durango will get a step forward. Toyota and Dodge will give you a 3/36. But, with the money saved with the -D- you may pay for a full bumper-to-bumper transferable 7/85 Chrysler Contract (around $1,600). Of course, this will greatly depend on how long you will keep the vehicle with you.

When I was in the search, I compared the Durango against the Sequoia because they're very similar in size but price was a huge difference. I didn't look at the 4Runner because it is a mid-size SUV. The Pathfinder has the 3rd row but I looked at it first because of its external appearance.

Regards,

 

Just yesterday I took a more in-depth look at the 4Runner and the Pathfinder. I liked them both, actually like the looks of the Nissan better. Fact is they are both much smaller than I thought. Left both dealers looking at the Sequoia (that I have never really liked) and the Armada, repectively. My needs are as follows:

2 Kids - 12 and 6.
1 21' boat, 4200# on the trailer with gas. Can easily add another 500# of gear and/or people in the car. I don't tow often or far (12 times a year about a mile to the lake; maybe once a year 300-500 miles to some other body of water)
Soccer dad kinds of errands (lots of kids) maybe once a month
In laws and or parents (they don't drive any more) maybe once a month
Wife has a '02 Honda Odyssey with 85 k on the clock. It will have to be replaced next year. Thoughts are that if I get something big enough to substitute for minivan duties, she can get something smaller / more fun / efficient next year...no since in both having large, inefficient cars.

Obviously, cost is a HUGE issue. I almost bought an '05 Durango last weekend. It was Limited with DVD, leather, roof, everything exept nav system. I was about 2K apart with the dealer and they sold it on Monday. It only had 11,000 miles on it! In comparison, an armada or sequoia would have been at least +$10k more. On the flip side after 5 - 6 more years a Sequoia or Armada will likely be worth $8-10 k more with 100,000 miles. Net effect is that the overall cost of ownership is about the same regarding depretiation (when looking at an '05 used) New purchase would be advantageous to buy Toyota or Nissan. Fuel use is comparable. MAintenance is sort of a non-issue to me as I always buy an APCO Easycare 100,000 mile full warranty. FYI, these have been great on my last 5 cars, no probs with claims or promptness in dealing with any issue, and they can be used in ANY repair facility.

I think I have analyzed, re-analyzed and over-analyzed this decision over the past few weeks and have finally decided I should just get a Durango. Now to wait and find the right one...again.

 

Was it a black one at Palmer Dodge?