Hello all. I'm very new to your forum. I'm soon to be a x-chevy owner and a dodge owner, again. I've been looking for a SUV vechile that will give me a seven passenger seating config.

I've been on autotrader and found several "nice" Durangos for sale. I used to own a 97 Dakota (4x2), but traded it in for a family car. Now I'm getting a divorce, so I'm looking to get back into a dodge truck.

What are some things I really need to be looking for when I go to "check these vechiles out"? Are there certain ones to stay away from (2000-2002)?? Are there certain engines with history's (found something on your forum about engine sludges??)?? My Dakota was a SLT, is the SLT package the way to go on the Durango? Any cool options to be looking out for that you guys really like??

Now, I know there will be people who will warn me to stay away from this vechile. That's cool. I've owned some vechiles, myself, that I would never recommend to anyone!! For those individuals, what would you get instead of the Durango? Remember, I'm looking for used, 7 seat config, and a price tag around 11,000.

Thanks guys.

Inspec25

Well I don't know too much about all Durangos but I have owned 2 a 02 2x4 and now an 01 4x4 and loved em both the 3rd row has a good bit of room it is good for kids but an adult can use it if you have to the second row has perfect room for kids or adults given the driver isn't 6 ft and has to have the seat all the way back. My 2x4 was a 4.7 and had plenty of power but was very slippy on anything slick just a summer rain and you will spin the tires in a heartbeat also across anything for bumps and the back end will walk itself across the road. This 4x4 I just got has a 5.9 360 and wow what a differance yes it drinks gas down but it has enough power to chirp the tires in 4 wheel drive on a quarter inch of ice I slid a little this morning and pulled right out given I was only going like 5 to 10 MPH but the 2x4 would wave spun around a couple times. The 01 is great on bumps and doesn't shimmy at all. Also the 2x4 4.7 does bog down a little till it down shifts on hills with the cruis controle set while the 4x4 5.9 isn't effected at all maintains a perfect speed even on the steepest of hills. I love the durango and would suggest it to anyone if your looking for good gas milage go with the 4.7 and with that I suggest hokking it up with a 3 inch exhaust I did and it sounded outstanding and gave me about 2.5 MPG average from NC to PA at speeds from 30 to 95 average milage was 21.5 MPG rather then 19 MPG very nice vehicle both comfortable and agressive I do suggest the 5.9 though if your not too worried about gas.

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Josh

I have a 99 and love it.
I check to make sure the ball joint recall has been done prior to purchase
I'd also get the SLT+ all the bells and whistles
granted there's some things that go bad after a period of time, but what vehicle doesn't.
I would recommend you look it over good and run it my your mechanic

downfall is there's lots of mods to do for the generation I's.

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rock
99 SLT + 4x4
a few mods
My Durango

I am selling my 99 SLT+.

Interested????

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-1997 Ram 1500 4x4, 360 - 5.9L, Flowmaster Exhaust, Custom Volant Intake, 50mm TB, 2 in. suspension lift, 3" body lift, 33" BFG's, 16" Eagle Alloys, single exhaust to 4" exit, low temp. therm., gator guard, Pro-Comp shocks.

DO NOT GET A 98 with the 318 in it. I sold mine because I had to replace the engine at 60k. I had many problems with it. It ate rotors.

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Owner of 2004 Quad Cab 4x4 hemi