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Dodge Durango
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Also, I am hearing a thumping noise from the front right side......sounds almost like something loose under the car thumping at times....any ideas???
This is the first thing I have noticed on my 2003 I bought in August. 2,500 miles and no other problems.
The Hemi is an excellent engine and feels decent when propelling the Durango. I think it should be the standard since the regular V8 and the V6 feel a little under-powered in this truck.
The fit and finish in the Limited models is very good overall. There is plenty of room when compared to other Mid-Size SUV's like the 4Runner, Jeep Cherokee, and Chevy Trailblazer.
Unfortunetly since the Durango doesn't have an DVD-NAV option I can't really put it at the top of my list.
I'm also waiting to see how the vehicle holds up quality and reliability wise over an extended period of time.
And what an EXPENSIVE option! Over a thousand on many vehicles! Stop at a gas station and buy a map. OK, someone who loves it, will you let me know?
I think I've figured it out. You know what they say about men never asking for directions. Now they don't have to.
Regards,
Dusty
Also, I am hearing a thumping noise from the front right side......sounds almost like something loose under the car thumping at times....any ideas???
I own a 2000 Durango SLT - love the styling Couple of observations-
1) Get the extended warranty (earlier e mail)- paid about 900 for mine (2 years - $50 deductible). Wait til almost end of warranty - since cost seems better - A couple of transmission or ball joint problems will make you glad you did - plus covers cost of rental car if dealer isn't generous.
2) Get service at dealer. Having maintainence rcords could be worth it's weight in gold if you have a problem and can't provide back up to regular scheduled maintainence(i.e. transmission fluid flush and fill).Usually you can get a 10% discount which puts you close to off brands.
3) Had problem with revving in sense that car would rev high and step through gears rather than smooth acceleration. Felt like driving in 2nd gear - problem was transmission valve body (also replaced clutch and fan) They explained that problem was with electrical wiring that came out of unit. Mechanical link was fine but then it would miscommunicate with computer. Drives fine now. Cost of about $650 was covered by insurance (see note 1)
Have clear tape over what appear to be drain holes on all doors (not sure aboout hatch) - other are open (2000 SLT).
Just like you - always wondered why.
Ray
You know I thought the same thing too. Until I found myself & wife tooling around Orlando one weekend with my friend & his wife who own a Infiniti G35 with a NAV. OK so I had a map of Orlando, and I am pretty familiar with Orlando. So I should have no problems...right. However when it is raining and dark out and you just left Universal Studios, and everyone is interested in eating Thai food for a late dinner. Its pretty nice to just spend all of 40-50 seconds to just locate ALL or the NEAREST Thai restaurant in Orlando-Kissimee area. The restaurant we selected from the NAV also had a phone number. So I called them to find out their closing time, and then bingo just had the NAV figure out the best way to get there. Not the usual asking the restaurant owner how to get there - "yeah I know where International Blvd is, but do I take Exit 68 or 72?"
It took me a weekend to "get" this NAV thingy. I guess it's the same thing with any other new gadget I have run into in the last 20-25 years. From the Microwave Oven (but we already have an oven), to the VCR (why would you record shows), to the Internet (a fancy electronic diary/scrapbook - circa 1993), to the Cellphone (can't you wait till home to call); gadgets just amaze me.
I know now that I could not possibly go without NAV in my future cars. It's not about finding where you want to go far away where it excels, but actually it helps you learn your own hometown in a better light. It's not just a road map but a mobile Yellow Pages.
A NAV would have also been great while I sat in the middle of no where on I-75, while on the way home this Thanksgiving weekend. It would be great if I could have taken off on smaller rural roads and just have the NAV "re-route" me home on alternative roads.
I know the NAV is not for everyone, but I can see how it may also be a "deal-breaker" for others. For me the Deal Breaker for buying the 04 Durango is that it does not have some type of Stability/Anti-Skid device. It seems like a terrible omission for this size of vehicle.
Tej
You make a strong argument for the NAV. I can't call myself CONVINCED, but I will have to admit to being SWAYED.
Excuse my ignorance, but what do you mean by "Stability/Anti-Skid device"? The '04 Durango that I drove had all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes AND traction control. What more do you need?
Since you purchased it used, Dodge no longer has an interest in urging you to keep it, but mechanics at a Dodge dealership are likely to be the most familiar with problems (and fixes) associated with the Durango. Unless you have any friends who frequent a particular Dodge dealership, or any other members are in the Houston area, you'll likely have to select at random.
Hopefully, you'll end up just enjoying the price and the ride!
kirstie_h
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Some Features:
All power,3rd Seat,F/R Air,Power/Heated seats,Leather,CD/Tape,ABS,Alarm,Running Boards,
4.7 V8 & Roof Rack.
Seller is asking $15,500 which is less than trade-in per Edmunds and KBB. It's about $2,000 less than private price and much less than dealer prices. I've looked online and clearly this seller could have asked a lot more, so why didn't they? Uneducated?
I did a vehicle history check and it's fine and shows only one owner. No red flags.
This sounds too good! Is it or am I just freaking out because I can get this at a great price?
Thanks for your opinions in advance.
Future Durango Owner.
By Stability or Anti-Skid device I mean something like what Ford calls "AdvanceTrac", what GM calls "StabiliTrak", Toyota calls it VSC (Vehicle Stability control), and Mercedes-Benz calls it ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
What's unique about this feature is that it can control oversteer (fishtail), and understeer (plow) of the vehicle. This is done when the system senses one or more wheels are losing traction and/or the steering response is not responding to the G-loading being experienced, and then induces brakes on individual Brake calipers on the appropriate wheels that have traction, to control the skid. This is especially helpful when you have an emergency lane change maneuver on the highway, where you have a quick left-right. The rear wheels have a very good chance of being "un-loaded", causing oversteer (fishtail), and possibly flip-over if encounter by a soft shoulder or tarmac drop-off. This effect is compounded by the fact that most trucks like the Durango weigh more than 4500 lbs. and have a higher center of gravity.
All-wheel drive, Anti-lock brakes and Traction Control will not help since they are more single plane traction devices and cannot manage skid. Actually Anti-lock system is utilized in a Stability System to pulse individual brakes. It's also misunderstood by most that AWD and Traction control can help your handling by "creating" more traction. Traction is created by your tires, and not by the drive mechanism. In a fast turn AWD vehicles will lose adhesion about the same time a RWD vehicle will, if on similar tires. However as the road starts straightening out again you can apply power earlier on AWD to launch faster out of the curve. But on the curve both are equal. AWD and Traction control are great at "optimizing" the traction (given tires) available, but not at creating traction.
I will go on record to say that Stability systems are the greatest safety devices to come into production since the Anti-lock brakes, and the 3-point seat belt. I would easily rather have the Stability control over AWD, or Traction control (unless I order the HEMI). And for the new Durango to not even offer it as an option, ESPECIALLY on a newly designed SUV is a poor marketing decision. Since Dodge could easily have gone into the Mercedes parts-bin to retrieve one without having to engineer one. It already has ABS, so the fundamental pieces are already there, they just need the Stability program to sit on top of the ABS. For note all Toyota SUV's, and the Nissan Armada come with it standard. Ford offers the AdvanceTrac as an option on its Explorer/Expedition. GM offers Stabilitrak on the larger Tahoe and Suburban.
I pride myself on my safe driving, and car control skills. I have a fair bit of experience in SCCA type Road, and Solo racing. So its not that I need a digital nanny to take care of me when I am on the road. However, my wife might drive the SUV, or my father, or whomever. Therefore I am willing to spend another $500 for that additional bit of capability. For Dodge to not offer it shows a callous approach to safety. Especially when a company like Toyota has Stability control as STANDARD on ALL of their SUVs. So which company do you think prides themselves on safety, and may possibly have designed their vehicles from the get go with safety built inside.
Tej
Add to this the fact that Side Curtain Airbags are NOT an option on the new Durango and you have to really wonder what Dodge was thinking when they designed this truck.
With no stability control system the vehicle is more likely to roll over, and with no side curtain airbags the occupants are more likely to sustain serious injuries.
This makes the Durango a rather poorly equipped SUV regarding safety equipment, when compared to the other trucks in the market.
http://www.dodge.com/durango/safety.html?context=durango-index&am- p;type=left
So if we were talking about a restaurant and we wanted to see how many people were ordering Cheesecake, wouldn't Cheesecake have to appear on the menu first?
The industry is doing a poor job of promoting Stability control. They are not demonstrating the capability as well as they did for Air Bags, and Anti-lock brakes in the past. Thus the poor market penetration. With light truck sales making up more than 50% of the total volume, it seems that promoting Stability Control, could curtail similar fiascos such as the Ford Explorer/Firestone debacle.
Tej
I only have about 2,650 miles on my 2003 SLT 4x4, is this too soon for the infamous ball joint problem? Any other ideas?
Other than this no problems. I hope to add a cat back dual exhaust this spring, possibly with Dynomax turbo mufflers or Ultra Flows.
Which would you recommend?
Electronic gadgets are cool, but only cool when
the price is a few hundred dollars. /hehe
First Drive: 2004 Dodge Durango
Steve, Host
Just bought a 2001 SLT with same features and 28,200 miles from the dealer (Archer Dodge) in houston, TX. Paid $14995 out the door for it. This model has Infinity audio system, running boards, leather, third seat dual A/C and zoning, 4.7L etc.
They were asking 17,500 for it (Sticker) and finally gave it to me for 15K while adjusting $500 in negative equity in a trade. So In actuality, they charged $14,500 for the truck. According to KBB.com -15,000 is the private aprty value for these trucks. Your guy is asking the book for the truck! try to negotiate a grand or two atleast. I would not have paid even 14K if I were not buying from a dealer. Besides, the previous owners turned out to be my neighbors across the street who purchased it new from the same dealership. They were kind enough to give me all the records etc. They also put new tires at 25K miles with 60K warrnty.
Keep in mind that these are old body style and will loose more value because people start noticing the new shape on the roads. I love this style Durango though and am very happy with my purchase because this is what carry;s my kids. i myself drive a GMC Envoy.
Finally - the price is Okay, not great at all. go to Kbb.com and enter all info for a private aprty purchase and enter good for condition. Excellent really applies to something with under 10K miles or in obsenely good condition with all records etc. and not evenaa scratch. Even then, I will use good condition, and you will see value to come out to 15K (unless its a 5.9 with 4x4) that brings it to 17K. Also keep in mind that 4x4 option is preselected in KBB.com and you have to disable it when calculating.
good Luck
I noticed when I push on the front right fender, there is a clunking/cracking sound from the front right.
I only have about 2,650 miles on my 2003 SLT 4x4, is this too soon for the infamous ball joint problem? Any other ideas?
Other than this no problems. I hope to add a cat back dual exhaust this spring, possibly with Dynomax turbo mufflers or Ultra Flows.
Which would you recommend?
Mobinakhtar from Houston
Sounds like you got a great deal from a dealer - congratulations on your 2001 SLT.
2) My wife works for Chase Manhattan Bank which has an affinity program with Daimler Chrysler. We get a special program # and BAM, 1% under dealer invoice, no hassle, no fuss, no sleazy car salesman/manager stuff. Easiest shopping I've ever done for a car. They also let you use any rebates out there too. I get another $1000 off because I'm in a current Dodge lease. My 2004 loaded Limited with Hemi is going to cost less per month than my 2001 R/T. Awesome.
3) Anyone see CBS and Dan Rather on the ball joints on the Durangos and now Dakotas? Daimler Chrylser didn't come off very well. Hopefully this might put more pressure on them to take care of the problem.
Has anyone else had this problem? Is there something else that could be loose that could be thumping against the bottom of the D?
Has anyone else had this problem? Is there something else that could be loose that could be thumping agianst the bottom of the D?
Also, sometimes when I turn into a parking spot or hit a bump while turing, my car makes a loud popping sound from the front wheel area. Is it due to a bad upper ball joint?
My only complaint and a question for other 04 Durango owners: The HEMI engine seems a little louder at idle than the 4.7 or other comparable V8's. It makes a rhythmic ticking sound. You can't hear it from inside the vehicle but you can from the outside. I have listened to 4 other 04 Durango HEMI's and they all sound the same, so it must be normal. Any suggestions on why the HEMI's idle is louder than most?
Any reputable body shop should be able to properly prepare and paint the black door handles for you.
I have the black ones on my '03 Durango and actually prefer them. They are more durable and less prone to abuse over time. Painted handles tend to scratch and show more abuse than the black ones.
You could always get a black Durango and they wouldn't be as noticeable
I am looking to add a new muffler that will add a nice low sound, but not one that resonates into the interior. Can anyone suggest what muffler gives that nice idle note as well as a good low sound on acceleration, but does not become irritating inside the D?
Tom
KarenS "Dodge Durango: Prices Paid & Buying Experience" Jan 12, 2004 2:58pm
Steve, Host
4WDHigh is good for driving in light to moderate snow and can be used at any legal speed. I usually engage 4WDHigh when driving on completely snow covered roads. As soon as I reach main roads that have been treated I switch back into 2WD. If roads are dry or just wet, the 4WD can bind which would be a bad thing (unless you have a full-time 4WD system which doesn't "care" if the roads are slippery or not). If part-time 4WD systems do not have the chance to do at least some slipping they can bind.
Keep in mind, I tend to be more conservative with the 4WD system and use it only when absolutely necessary. I do not want to do anything that could cause undo wear or damage. You should use the system however you feel comfortable.