Need Advice

Jenny72 · Mar 1, 2016

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this site, but I figured where better to get advice about a Durango then here!

I am contemplating purchasing a used 2004 Dodge Durango. It has 130,000 miles on it BUT the Hemi only has 75,000 on it. He had to replace the engine.

The replacement engine came out of a 2009 Durango.

He is asking $5,999 for it.

Can anyone give me advice as to any known issues with these? I can not afford to buy the vehicle and then something major go wrong. I understand you can't always predict a breakdown but if something is an issue, I'd like to ask him if it has been addressed.

Thank You for any advice.

unxpctd · Mar 1, 2016

I guess one question is how long ago was the engine replaced?

If it was very recently I'd be more worried...but if it was 10k+ miles ago and the seller hasn't had any issues then that would be better.

And as usual....I'd try to talk the seller down a bit, $5500 or even low ball him at $5000.

Good luck with your purchase!

dizzyD · Mar 1, 2016

I'd also ask how long ago the engine was put in. Less than a month, or 3 months, or under 1000 miles, I'd would not buy it...

mayhem · Mar 3, 2016

I'd like to know WHY the engine had to be replaced. Was it due to a flaw in the motor or neglect?

Captain Obvious · Mar 3, 2016

2004 had the cowl issue where water could come down, get into the motor and cause catastrophic failure. Check for updated cowl. I would also want extensive documentation on the motor replacement.

Don Fox · Mar 15, 2016

Jenny:
Ask or look and see what the build date on this Durango is. The 04 I have was built in January of 2004, and it's Hemi croaked at 39K courtesy of dropped valve on cylinder #3. If this D's build date is close to mine, it may have suffered the same fate.
Also, the Durango Hemi was equipped with the MDS cylinder shutdown system from 2006 on. That means that the 09 motor should have it, and it has been deactivated through some means as the 04 would not have the periphery to properly run it. Possibly they used the 09 block, and put the non MDS heads from the original engine on it.

How long has he had it? Did he buy it new? The Gen 2 was a pretty reliable ride with the exception of the early 04 Hemi engines, and rust that comes to the rear quarters around the wheel wells and rear liftgate.

Don

JCC · Mar 16, 2016

I would have some questions about the 09 engine being put in the 04. There were significant differences between the two. MDS being a big deal, and I think VVT as well in 09. Would take some effort to make that swap are the guy is full of shit and telling you the engine is newer then it really is. Another issue is the reason the engines failed normally had to do with the intakes, and the 09 had another intake so that basically guarantees the old was reused and the engine is likely to fail again.

JCC · Mar 16, 2016

BTW, unless that is a fully loaded Limited not that good of a price for a 04. I am not even trying to sell mine, but would in a second for 6k and mine is fully loaded limited with less then 5k on the hemi since complete rebuild (new intake $500, waterpump, starter, rings, all gaskets, plugs ect.).

Need Advice

Jenny72

unxpctd

dizzyD

mayhem

Captain Obvious

Don Fox

JCC

JCC

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