So i just got a 2014 Durango RT a couple weeks ago i love everything about it but it has 134k miles and climbing as i use it daily, i’m having trouble figuring out if i should put the money into a transmission rebuild(it doesn’t shift as smooth as it should)... maybe even a engine rebuild because i have a heavy foot and i’m adding on bolt ons as a must and who knows how far ima go with it after that. I’m just trying to figure out my path on maybe returning it for a lower mileage sports car or if i should put the money into it.
High Mileage Durango RT
Cerdz18
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So i just got a 2014 Durango RT a couple weeks ago i love everything about it but it has 134k miles and climbing as i use it daily, i’m having trouble figuring out if i should put the money into a transmission rebuild(it doesn’t shift as smooth as it should)... maybe even a engine rebuild because i have a heavy foot and i’m adding on bolt ons as a must and who knows how far ima go with it after that. I’m just trying to figure out my path on maybe returning it for a lower mileage sports car or if i should put the money into it.
At the very least you should get the tranny serviced. It may not have had any service since Dodge says it has "lifetime" fluid in it which is not true. If you plan on racing this AND you're willing to rebuild your motor then you might as well run it to death before rebuilding it. I would say that unless you got this for 1/2 of Blue Book then it's foolish to put that kind of money into it. That would be good money after bad.
Then you definitely overpaid and should put no money in other than maintenance to keep it running. If you can get your money back and return it you should but that sounds unlikely.
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I’m curious, were you aware you were overpaying by that much before you bought it? $26k is around $10k more than that truck is worth.
Any way you can return it at this point?
at the time the price didn’t seem odd by that much because it’s a pretty much fully loaded with the 8.4 screen almost power everything paddle shifters etc...so it seemed alright (since it was being financed) and it was the best thing they had at the lot for me, so i ended up taking it with a down payment. i can take it back since it’s a buy here pay here lot i just have to make up my mind lol.
I recommend an engine swap to a 392. It was pretty easy if your a decent mechanic. My 14 had 156k on it when I did it and so far no trans issues. I did change the fluid and filter though. And the 392 is way better than bolt-ons.
How much the engine run you for? aren’t they around the ballpark for a stroker kit?
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Used car prices are abnormally high at present as are the sales of homes and their prices. I imagine it is because there is large demand, and not much supply. That is that case as I understand it with homes. 134k is high miles for a '14, but not off the scale high. '14 was the first year for the 8 speed in the Durango. I expect that the fluid and filter have never been changed. If the rest of it is in good shape, consider have the trans serviced, and go from there. Otherwise, if you can return it without taking a bath, that may be a good option while you look for a nicer one.
I have looked at used Durango prices here in the last month or two, and they are quite a bit more than what I paid for my '04 SLT 5.7L with 53k back in 2010.
Don
I have looked at used Durango prices here in the last month or two, and they are quite a bit more than what I paid for my '04 SLT 5.7L with 53k back in 2010.
Don
Awesome man will do!
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Cerdz:
Be forewarned that the 8 speed trans service will run more than you are used to paying for a drain/refill/filter change.
The fluid is special, and quite a bit more per quart. In addition, the filter is built into the pan, so the pan is replaced during the service, and will run $125-$150 by itself. Dealers will want $500-$700 for it. Other shops less. Just be sure they use the right parts, and know what they are doing. If you DIY, that's good also.
Don
Be forewarned that the 8 speed trans service will run more than you are used to paying for a drain/refill/filter change.
The fluid is special, and quite a bit more per quart. In addition, the filter is built into the pan, so the pan is replaced during the service, and will run $125-$150 by itself. Dealers will want $500-$700 for it. Other shops less. Just be sure they use the right parts, and know what they are doing. If you DIY, that's good also.
Don
The 8 Speed is the 8HP70 right? i found a filter for just under $120 i might just buy it and take it to a shop to get it done to save the extra cash
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So I'll be the dissenting voice here and go on a bit of a tangent. If you've bought a car from a buy-here-pay here dealership, your priority should be paying down the balance of what I'm assuming is a borderline usurious rate loan.
I'll echo what Tin Foil Hat said and recommend that you only do routine and preventive maintenance on this Durango, and not worry about rebuilding or swapping your engine/transmission or adding bolt-ons.
Not trying to knock you at all, just trying to provide some unsolicited advice that I wish I had received when I was younger.
yeah a lot of things i have to consider but every cold start is a sad start 😅
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Correct. The 5.7 gets 8HP70
The pan isn’t too costly, it’s the ZF Lifeguard 8 trans fluid that is typically $20/qt
Motor was $6300 plus tax and shipping.
Awesome good to know.
Apologies in advance, but can't help but put my dad hat on: I'm not sure whether or not you overpaid, but it's critical to understand the cost of financing. You can't not care that you're over paying (if you are) just because it's spread over many years. The other clue that would concern me is your emotional decision to buy because it was on the lot. Young me did all of these things you're doing, so just look at my post as future you giving you good advice. I'd punch out on this Durango deal ASAP.
You must first fully educate yourself on current values, have your financing in order ahead of time (so you can act like a cash buyer) and be prepared to walk on the deal. When you walk, you either call their bluff or validate it is in fact their current lowest selling price.
You must first fully educate yourself on current values, have your financing in order ahead of time (so you can act like a cash buyer) and be prepared to walk on the deal. When you walk, you either call their bluff or validate it is in fact their current lowest selling price.
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Return it and go elsewhere. Buy here pay here lots should be avoided at all costs. Overpriced vehicles plus over 20% financing rates will keep you in debt too long
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