A friend of mine is looking to buy a new Durango and I thought I'd get some feedback from owners about a couple things. He is looking for a no frills machine, only thing he for sure wants is the tow package. Probably looking at the V6 for gas mileage.

1) is it worth waiting for the 8 speed in the 2014? How do you feel about your 5 speeds?

2) are any NAV/stereo packages better than others if he later wants to upgrade to aftermarket head unit? I know when I bought my 370Z I specifically looked for the base stereo, the optional units were a nightmare to replace with aftermarket parts.

3) Any options that are just must haves?

4) Any thing else to consider?

 

Get the towing package from factory instead after the fact. The integrated tow units will allow full weight spec ~6000lbs and added after will only tow ~3500lbs.

 

I'm sure the 8speed will help in regards to mpg's but judging by the deals I see the guys getting on '13 r/t's saving $10,000 off Msrp... It might be a far better deal to get the 6 speed and the V8 over the '14 with the 8 speed. Good luck in whatever u choose!

 

Reading your post and seeing the words "no frills" and "MPG" leads me to believe he will be looking for the best deal on a lower optioned vehicle. If that is the case I would suspect the 2013's still on the dealers lots when the 2014's come out will provide the best value for your friend.

 

He can haggle so getting the best deal isn't an issue. Any advice on the topics I posted?

 

I bought mine last week and saved 10K off MSRP and 1500 off the extended warranty. It is time to shop right now, their is not many 13's on the lots right now trust me, It sounds like your friend wants the SXT model with tow package. Use the Dodge.com site to search I found it to be accurate for the days I was looking to what is available. Build what he wants then hit the search button. with the amount he can save he might want to add some more options, second row capt chairs and console are awesome. get the better Nav 730N its only 300 bucks more and well worth it. Good Luck, oh by the way I am only seeing 10 mpg around town on my Hemi R/T. but I dont care about the mpg I have the need for power over consumption. I love my truck!

 

And when that craps out or he just wants to replace it will it be as easy as the base model? External amps were enough of a pain, now all sorts of electronics are tied in with the optionable NAV units it is almost impossible to remove them (the situation on my Z).

 

I prefered the 730N after trying both as well, if he has kids I would recommend the rear entertainment set up for sure!

 

Brandon> Pretty self explanatory, everyone will have a different opinion on which options are must haves. I have a loaded Crew V6 AWD model and myself wish I would have ponied up for a V8. I like power.

But that aside, it's a really nice truck, he should be pretty happy with it I think. One of my gripes about the lower optioned models is that I hate seeing such obvious panels where the switches would be if you had the features.

Stereo - I have the 430N. Works well enough for a dad-mobile.

If he's really looking for a deal he may also want to look at some used 2011 or 2012 models. The only problem with that is you don't get the sweet financing rates of new.

Steve

 

The 730N is not available on the SXT.