Go New or Go used

mantis · Mar 27, 2017

Ok Whats up people,
I'm gonna be getting out of my 2014 Nissan Pathfinder in a few months and I'm not exactly sure what to do.
My first idea is to get a new Durango RT 2017 or hopefully a new 2018 as they are getting rid of the Shift Knob and going back to the T shifter.

I like the current body style so if I went used I would not go back any further then 2013 or 2014. With going used I would look for a White RT black out with a Sunroof and tow hitch.
I could add those later if I found a good deal.
My thought was I'm really digging all the upgrades with Wheels, Super chargers , performance in general parts and the fun of building something.

The New route is New. Nothing touched all mine clean and fresh. But that comes at a much higher price. I'm willing to do that but I also like the used route and playing with one.
I saw a video of a dude upgrading to a U connect stereo system in an older Durango with a smaller Stereo and it just looked fun doing the swap.
Years ago I use to buy used and build fun stuff. But since 2005 I have been driving new models and leasing every 3 years.

What route did you go and why?

Moose135 · Mar 27, 2017

If you go used, get a 2014+ so you will get the 8-speed transmission. Makes a big difference in performance.

unxpctd · Mar 27, 2017

And the racetrack rear tail light.

One thing to think about...is that if you're going to modify the heck out of a vehicle, it would void the warranty (IE: Supercharger). If you're going to go that route you may as well go with a lightly used one.

If you're only going to do minor upgrades that wouldn't void the warranty (Intake/Exhaust) then go new.

Just a thought.

Good luck with your choice!

silverunicorn · Mar 28, 2017

Well I guess it really depends on what you want.

I don't care if I am not the first owner of a vehicle as long as it was maintained properly. That's not always a given when you buy used, but new doesn't mean you won't have issues either. As Unxpctd said, if you're going to get a supercharger installed, say goodbye to any warranty.

I wennt used. Bought my 2015 R/T in 2016 with 21K on it. Has the tow package, tech package, and rear captains chairs. I wanted a sunroof, but couldn't find one with the other options I wanted at the time. For me it was a matter of budget. My R/T if I had bought new would have been right around $47 - 48K. I paid $11K less by getting used. Called CLay and got a lifetime Maxcare warranty for $2K so I think I came out ahead.

Good luck whichever you choose.

Chris

1BADR/T · Mar 28, 2017

THIS

So I bought my 2014 R/T last October. Someone had leased it for two years and only put 15k gentle miles on it! I lucked out big time, this DD was right by my house, and had every single option I wanted, including tech, AWD and sunroof, and previous owner had tinted the front windows too! I ended up paying $33.5K for it after haggling. As Chris stated, a new fully loaded R/T would probably have cost me another $10K+ (after haggling). PLUS, I didn't even know this until after I bought her, but the 2014 PCM can be unlocked and tuned, if you're into that sort of thing.

I guess what I'm saying is there are deals out there, and the 2014+ Gen hasn't changed much from year to year to justify buying new, IMO.

DrDurangoTx · Mar 28, 2017

I paid 42.3k for my new 15R/T, essentially loaded without moonroof/blue ray. Have a feeling seeing these kind of posts that I made out well.

Patch · Mar 31, 2017

bought a new R/T. Have a hard time trusting a previous owner, plus a R/T who drives those gentle? I think the only the 18 srt is getting the t shift all else are staying with the knob?

Citadel Brian · Mar 31, 2017

I'm not a used car buyer. I don't care how well it was maintained, it's nowhere near my OCD! Plus the vehicle I traded in had 187,000 miles on it. I keep the vehicles for a long time so new over used is what I go for.

Thunderhorse · Apr 1, 2017

I bought a used 2015 in 2016 with 15,140 miles on it. 15,000 is about average mileage to drive in a year and its condition was good enough that a new one was not worth the money I saved. It allowed me to get a heavily optioned SXT plus for less than a no-option base SXT. I mean sure I could have been irresponsible and financed an RT like I really wanted for 72 months, but I am not trying to enslave myself to the bank for the better part of the next decade or own a vehicle that is worth less than I owe on it. I have about $8,000 in equity right now and I have only owned it 6 months

Joescar · Apr 1, 2017

I purchased mine as a CPO with 6k miles. Had everything I wanted plus a few options that I wouldn't have ordered in a new but really like having. All that for quite a bit less than the walk away prices I was getting from dealers on a new with fewer options. Honestly, while I like new cars, I think a low mile CPO is a very good money saving, low risk option.

Durangutan · Apr 1, 2017

Aside from simple preference and budget concerns, it really depends on your owning habits. Are you keeping it for 10 years, or are you trading up again in 2 or 3? Short term ownership would be best for a used option, whereas loooooooooong term I would go new.

Thunderhorse · Apr 1, 2017

Oh I forgot to mention I plan to keep mine for 15 years or 200,000 miles at least. When new engine time comes I may look for a manual 6.4L Chally and swap everything over and have a Durango that thinks its a Challenger

mantis · Apr 2, 2017

Before I get a brand new one, I'm gonna check on the fact of the T shifter. If the 2018 gets a T shifter, thats going to sway me hard to get a new 2018 model. If they stick with the Knob shifter then used will be a strong option.
Most of the 2014-2016 R/T models are going from 32k to 45k. I'd like to find a clean White with a Black out package, Tow and Roof Model. Interior can be Red of Black I'm cool with both.
Thats all the options I want as the R/T is pretty loaded with Standard features.

Gryzor · Apr 2, 2017

I have zero issues with the knob, I actually appreciate the extra room on the console. It was a little awkward for a day or two and thats it.
Now regarding the main question, I went with a preowned 2014 RT with 64k miles on it. Money saved will soon go toward a programmer, tb, cai (still deliberating that one) and hopefully a sc kit down the line. So far very happy with my choice, especially that 2014s have unencrypted PCMs ready to be programmed. All recalls were taken care of by the previous owner. Did have couple of minor issues in the first month (water pump died, water in LED assembly) but nothing major and all taken care of with no extra money involved.
Cheers.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Thunderhorse · Apr 3, 2017

Yeah people make a big deal about the knob shifter but really it takes about a day to get used to. I guess if that's what people can find to complain about then it means they are happy with their Ds because its really a non-issue

Kiddo44pct · Apr 9, 2017

Just got out of my 2014 Pathfinder lease today and leased the wife a 2017 Durango sxt plus..has the 8.4 screen....absolutely love it..sticker was like 38700...got great deal and lease was less than I was paying on the Pathfinder...BTW...didn't get RT because I have a 2015 Challenger RT ?...Hemi is great but the Pentastar is nothing to laugh at...good luck...get to dealer as rebates are crazy high right now

mantis · Apr 9, 2017

I hate my 2014 Pathfinder I have an SV model with Fog lights , Tow Package , roof Cross bars , Floor mats , Home bumper protector , Mud flaps, etc. I loaded it all up. The Screen in the Pathfinder looks like they took it from the Atari days. It's absolutely horrible. It's the same one that was in my 2008 Pathfinder.
The Build quality is the worse in Nissan History for me anyway. I had so many issues with it I could scream.

I drove both the v6 GT and the Hemi R/T and there is no compare my friend. I did it back to back and yes the V6 GT has about the same get up and go as the Pathfinder does, the Hemi is in another league. It feels so effortless when just driving around. The v6 seems to struggle a bit compared. Not to mention the manly exhaust tone you get with the Hemi, that alone is worth it.

Nothing wrong with the V6 model man, I'm not putting it down but it's not a fit for me anymore as I'm sick and tired of driving around in so so powered vehicles. I want some power and since I can't own a sports car right now, this is that vehicle that allows me to do all my duties and have some fun doing it.

My lease is up in July so I'm waiting it out not to mention I'm hoping the 2018's are out when I'm ready so I can confirm the new T shifter they are supposed to be putting back in it. I hate the stupid Knob shifter. I think it's stupid and when your driving you can't rest your hand on the shifter like I'm use to doing most of my life.
What happens if that stupid Knob breaks? Is this a Tow truck situation?

chester93 · Apr 9, 2017

get 2015+.... avoid 2014 as the lack of eco mode memory is annoying

Iowa RT · Apr 10, 2017

I went used last year on a 2015 with just over 20k miles. I think you could start finding good deals on 15-16s with leases that are up. 17+ models may have a few more options (lane keep assist, red interior, etc) if those are really important to you. The longer away a redesigned model is the better the 14-16s will hold value I think due to the perception of looking/being the same as a 17-18. I went with RT for some of the same reasons you've mentioned.

In my opinion, slightly used and buying private party is the best however definitely more risky and less financing options.
Slightly used off a dealer is good especially if you have a good working relationship with that dealer/service department.
New is great if you can find the options you want with good deal/rebates.

Everyone has a different opinion on this. Some think its best to continually lease and trade in after 2-3 yrs but for me I'm looking to own 10+ years so getting slightly used in good shape after some initial depreciation is ideal. And plenty of research before purchase to make sure it is something you want for long term.

Zeesmiles · Apr 11, 2017

I had gone into Dealership thinking of just getting a Jouney. On the floor they had a 2015 Citadel with all extras except dvd. Had 28,000 km and was only driven by one driver a top exec in the offices.
My husband convinced me to spend the extra money and get my dream truck. She is white with chrome. I also consulted my mechanic (family) who said if I could get it for $50,000 canadian than do it. I was able to talk them down and in December bc a Durango owner. I absolutely love her and have not once regretted my decision.

Durangutan · Apr 11, 2017

Excellent, great to hear it.

Thunderhorse · Apr 11, 2017

The Journey is probably the one Dodge I don't like. FWD=yuck

Go New or Go used

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