Guys, this is my first post so take it easy on me.

I'm in the market for an AWD SUV with usable 3rd row seating and I'm a big fan of the Durango's look. Right now, I'm looking at a new SXT that is pretty much a base model with the 8spd tranny and a fairly loaded '12 CREW with 12k miles that is CPO. The new SXT is only about $2k more. Both of them have the 3.6L Pentastar engine and AWD.

First, how do you guys like your Durango? I will mainly be using it for a family commuter when everyone needs to go somewhere. Can adults sit in the 3rd row and have a little room?

Second, which one of them would you choose? You don't even have to list any of those 2 vehicles. I need a decent sized SUV with a usable 3rd row, AWD and get 20+ mpg. Also, I'm really not trying to spend much over $30k.

Thanks in advance!!

- Jason

 

I am 6-2 and 236 pounds. I sit in the 3rd row no problem. Try that on most other cars this size... Not.

The 14 with the 8 spd hands down. Had a 13 and the 6 spd is awful. I have 14 R/T now. Had a 13 Citadel Hemi.

 

i had a 11 Crew with the 3.6 and now i have a 14 Limited 3.6. The 14 with the 8 speed transmission is by far a lot better.

As for comfort i am 6' 2" 280 and i fit comfortably in the 3rd row. I dont know how comfortable it is for an extended drive but short term is good.

On the 14 i have gotten as much as 28 mpg and got over 620 miles to 3/4 tank. but normal driving is around 17-19 mph depending on traffic.

Overall its a great SUV for daily commuter I Highly Recommend

 

That's a tough call. I have a loaded 2012 model. I love all the luxury options this thing has. There's a lot of little stuff that you are probably not getting in the new one. (NAV and rear seat entertainment are two big items that the used one might have, but probably not a bare bones new one)

However, the transmission is the weakest component (in my opinion) of the 2011-13 models, and that's been addressed on the 2014 model. You may also want to examine the stereo and touch screen on both and see how you like the updates.

This would be a very tough call for me. I think long term a used one that already took the depreciation hit is going to be a better decision financially.

But the new one will get a few more mpg.

I think it really comes down to whether or not you value newness and more warranty, or the toys. Let us know which you decide on. There is no wrong answer.

 

You guys are giving me some good info.. How many more mpg's will the '14 get over the '12 with the 8 spd?

 

I live in NYC and drive to Manhattan from Staten Island every day for work which is about 40 miles round trip. So I see about 17-19 mpg with both trucks but with the added acceleration of the 8 Speed. I guess the 14 is better in that respect.

The first week I bought it was the week before my wedding (best wedding gift ever to myself lol) and I drove from Staten Island to long Island for 6 days in a row which is about 130 miles both ways and one of those days I went from Staten Island to Manhattan to Long Island to New Jersey to Long Island and got about 25 mpg. That week I did over 600 miles on one tank which is one of the big selling points on Dodge 's commercials.

This truck is by far better than the 11 and the 14 Limited comes with more features than the 11.

 

I see about 2 mpg more with the 8spd. I had/have the Hemi in both. Depreciation is a concern with Dodge. I paid $44k for my 13 and traded it for $33k. Not what I'm used to with my 4runners in the past. Overall very pleased with the 14

 

PDWelch, the depreciation is normal. ALL cars at that price will take a 10k hit the first year because dealers look at what price they can sell a 1yr old for vs. what they can sell a brand new one for. After that they depreciate at about 3k per year!
That being said, any differences in those numbers are a reflection of the dealer and what you negotiated when you bought it and are trading it.

 

That's another thing has I keep thinking about... The 2012 has taken the hit and is priced below what NADA, KBB and Edmunds says it should be sold for as Dealer Price and CPO. Am I crazy thinking they be worth close to the same once driven off of the lot?

Also, from the 2 posts above, 2 mpg would be good, that's about a 10% increase.

 

I have the 2014 R/T and would NEVER have bought the 2013. The 2014 is far ahead of the 2013. Do your homework and negotiate!