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Comments
Thoughts anyone?
It's still smaller than what I need, though bigger than last years, probably even a tad smaller than the Sequoia, but close to it, so it's a 7/8ths sized full size SUV I guess.
Positives for me included the style, inside & out. Very attractive. No squeaks or rattles, was solid. Negatives: Pushrod Hemi engine was a disappointment, it wasn't that fast for the displacement of 5.7L. Second row seats quite small, and no legroom at all if front seats are back. Third row, for kids only. Seats fold flat, but not that flat, and on a severe incline.
Car felt tinny. Rode like a Buick Park Avenue - not altogether a good thing for an SUV. Kinda twitchy. YMMV.
Great news as far as the new rebate that's available--Dodge replaced the $1,500 trade-in assistance with straight cash--which save me the hassle of finding and buying a $100 POS that I was going to dump on them.
When all is said and done, I'll wind up with almost a fully loaded Hemi for at least $5K less than the Armanda I was considering. Even assuming Nissan gets all the kinks worked out (which I'm fairly certain they eventually will), dollar-for-dollar, I haven't seen anything out there that gives you nearly as much for your money as the Durango (just my opinion--please, I don't want to start another discussion about resale value).
You can definitely get more for your money going with an aftermarket system (bigger, brighter, better screen). I looked into it, but in the end, I went with the factory sytem--mostly because I didn't have the time to find out where/how an aftermarket one would get power or run the cables (i.e., does the headliner need to be removed etc.). If I could have waited to order, I would have visited a high-end auto audio/video, or maybe even Circuit City to ask some questions. There is also a couple of car audio/video installer message boards that may be of some help to you. One that I found was "caraudioforum.com"-but there are several out there--I just don't remember the names.
Steve, Host
Chas, I understand on the moonroof. I like it, but every time I open them it bothers my wife, so it just stays closed. And I don't plan on getting rid of it either!
What kind of deals did you get on the extended warranty? Or did you even get one? I am definitely getting Gap insurance, but contemplating the extended warranty.
To be honest--I screwed up getting the warranty though--because I was so focused on getting the deal I wanted that it totally slipped my mind.
Either way, I'll give the dealer a shot later on or simply buy the warranty from another dealer. As a general rule, I would not pay more than $200 over dealer cost for a warranty----since it's only paperwork on their end.
As for insurance, Don't really know too much about GAP--I thought that was mostly for leased vehicles.
I've always insured my cars with Chubb for replacement value. It's "replacement value" for the first year and then "stated value" (a number I choose up to the current year's MSRP) for the following years. Maybe it's something your insurance company offers.
Anybody know when a NAV system might be available for the D?
Anybody know when a NAV system might be available for the D?
What I do not know, is if it is truely available. The catalog says available 1st quarter, 2004.
Ironically, during the time it took them to straighten this out, Dodge increased the standard rebate. So, including the $500 loyalty rebate, I wound up with a Hemi Limited 4x4 with sunroof, DVD, supplemental airbags, 3:92 gearing, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, heated seats, split third row, tow package for 33K even (plus tax & title).
Just a friendly reminder, make sure you get credited with the rebate available at time of delivery, NOT just what was available when you placed your order--and don't let them tell you otherwise. If you have any questions, simply call Dodge's Rebate and Incentive department to confirm what's available and how it should be credited to you. I don't have the number with me today, but can post it tomorrow if you or anyone else needs it--though it's not too hard to find.
My dealer had first told me I couldn't get the loyalty rebate because it only applied to a new leased vehicle and not a purchase. When I gave him a name and number for Dodge's regional business center and the number for the Rebate and Incentive office, he left to look into it--came back literally three seconds later and told me he stood corrected (must have had speed dial or telepathy).
Also, I don't know about any other states, but in mine, sales tax is owed on the full purchase price notwithstanding any available rebates--so I paid tax on 36K. You should check that with your state's motor vehicle department before you pick up your vehicle.
Also, I was told (by the dealer) that you have until the end of the basic warranty period (3 year/36,000 miles) to buy the extended warranty--but I'm going to call Dodge to confirm that option.
Now, as for the vehicle itself, I picked it up with 4 miles on it and it now has 5--won't be using it until this weekend--but I'm certainly looking forward to it.
All that's left for me to do is find some black tube steps for it, put a light tint on the front windows to match the factory tint (I think it looks better and I feel a little better knowing it's not as easy to see who's driving the vehicle when it's just my wife and son), and to decide on an aluminum grill insert--oh yea, and to drive the damn thing!
I am leasing for 39 months with 1500 out of pocket with a monthly note of 380.(including NJ state taxes)
Seemed like a good deal to me.
Does anyone know if the CD player plays CD-RW discs with MP3's on them?
Thanks.
Has anyone had these problems? I'm bringing it in for service when the plates come in.
Press the remote unlock button twice--the first time opens the driver's door, the second unlocks the rest.
The lights are on a timer, they stay lit for about a minute (maybe 30 seconds, I forgot what I read in the manual). It's designed to illuminate wherever it is your going (front door, driveway, etc.) when you arrive at night--long enough for you to find your keys and get inside.
Yes, sawyerjon, once you get over the excitement of your new truck, crack open that owner's manual!
-- Mark
The headlight issue was well beyond the courtesy period, it was close to half an hour!
The door locks for the passenger doors won't work with the remote or the inside button, unless I lock and unlock 2 - 3 times.
-- Mark
Keep a lookout for the small wheel covers with the Ram embossed on them. I lost the front two, took it to the dealer and they replaced both. The back ones were fine but for whatever reason, the front ones just popped out somewhere.
Have a whopping 960 miles on it so far and enjoy it very much except the trips to the pump, especially nowadays. Still, great truck.
Long story short..er, took our 99 Durango in to a Dodge dealer about 3 weeks ago to have the A/C looked at. They found the intake manifold gasket was leaking and replaced it (extended warrenty covered right b4 running out). Got it back and the next day oil pressure was low @ idle!!! Took it back, cause it looked like they could have contaminated the engine!!! The found oil pump cracked, and replaced, took em 3 days!!! Got it back drove it home, but problem was still there!!! Took it back again! Now crankshaft scored and at least 2 bad bearings!!! They fix the entire thing for the cost of the parts. This is where the story gets good.
Dealer tried to get me to trade vehicle in for 04 instead of paying for repair. They wouldn't give me BB for my trade, no where near it! Had them fix it for $436 took it to another dealer same day. Within hrs of getting it back was driving 04 Limited HEMI with everything but the sunroof and skid plates, and only paid $25,517 (tax and tag included)!!! Added extended BtoB warranty and MOPAR alarm and financed $27,717. We love this thing!!! Even better than the 99 we had.
We negotiated on the price of the warranty, trick is to shop late, 1-2 hrs b4 they close. By the time you see the finance person they are ready to go home. So when they pitch the "extras" and show you the price increase and payment increase you can complain about it, but appear to be interested. The finance guy droped the price considerably. We paid a little more for the alarm than what an after market one would cost, but not enough to have to shop around for one.
Maybe a few owners of older Durangos without problems can pipe up?
Steve, Host