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Svtford4x4

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Wondering if it's worth buying a 2004 Durango 5.7L limited asking $2000. Battery has a drain and the power windows don't work, thinking ddm. WNY vehicle, body looks good, some mild rust underneath, new brakes all around, engine was replaced, new radiator.

Wondering how reliable these are, average life expectancy, common problems with them, value.
 
If it has the 5.7/hemi you need to be aware of the hydro lock issue lot of threads on this you can search for. Likely already occurred on this one since you said new engine, but it can happen again if you do not take steps to prevent it. Fuel pumps are a common issue where they do not fail, but crack around the plastic where they mount to tank cause a constant engine light for small/large evap leak. Rust of rear fenders especially drivers side. Rear hatch by handle also a common rust spot. For the 5.7 recommended spark plug interval is 30k miles which is something to be aware.
I just hit 200k miles on my 04 and have owned it since 160k when I bought it with a bad engine for $800 little over 5 years ago. Engine rebuild, fuel pump, O2 sensor, and currently a break in exhaust pipe I have not fixed yet in 40k miles I have owned it, but engine rebuild I bought knowing was needed. Also, things more general maintenance like shocks, brakes all around, plugs (twice, rebuild and 30k miles later), replaced rusty hatch with a good junk yard find, new tensioner, idler pulleys, and belt.
Most issues I have had all relate to engine rebuild. Oil pan gasket did not seal right so have been leaking oil since rebuild, but have to nearly pull the engine to pull oil pan on the 4wd version so living with adding oil every 700-1000 miles, and electric ground connection is not as strong since rebuild as I likely missed a few points at back of engine that should of had ground strap attached so ran my own 8 gauge wire to key spots as new grounds, but those connections have to be cleaned up every couple years when truck starts to be slow to turnover. Overall, I consider it a reliable vehicle. Use it as a secondary vehicle to keep miles off our newer vehicles.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
The hydro lock problem is crazy, that seems like such a terrible thing to overlook. Still on the fence at $2000 I offered $1500 but they wouldn't bite. I'll look at those key concerns today and see how it looks. Has an exhaust leak probably similar to the one you've mentioned. I thought it sounded good haha.
 
SVT:
With all of the noted repairs, they likely have $4-$5K in it. I would say if it runs good and looks decent, go for it. The window issue could be related to the power drain. What color is it? From what I recall the Limited package was cloth seating, but did have other decent options. The AWD system in the Gen 2's is great. You get in and go.
You can take the VIN and run it through this link to find out what options it came with.
Remove the current VIN, and insert the one you're looking at.


Don
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
It's blue with greyish leather heated seats. The awd was doing quite well in the snow when I drove it. I suspected ddm for the windows but you could be right about the drain. There are some body codes for the headlight circuit as well.
 
Was the engine rebuilt? If not how many miles were on the replacement? New radiator and coolant saves a lot in maintenance costs. If you do get it, make sure the engine cowl is sealing out the rain. You'll be good to go for a long time. If the engine was remanufactured, the engine and labor to install would cost more than the two grand you'll buy it for. Also its the "Limited" with all the bells and whistles. Just make sure the cowl seals and new intake manifold gaskets were installed and you won't have to worry about the hydrolock issue. I sealed my cowl with Gorilla Tape.
 
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