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New member considering an early 3rd gen Durango

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3.5K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  Tony H  
3
#1 ·
Hi All,

As per the title I am looking at getting a 2011-ish Durango, with the 5.7 mainly for towing reasons. I currently have a small SUV rated to 3000lbs that, mainly due to poor gearing, struggles to tow my 2 trailers. 1 is a 6x10 enclosed and the other that I'm about to purchase is an enclosed car trailer but is fibreglass so the trailer only weighs 2200lbs empty and the car I want to put in it weighs 1800lbs so a max combined total load of 4000lbs (I believe the Durango 5.7 with tow package is rated to 6200?)

Looking at all my desires and options (I don't want to spend $50k on a truck) and the fact I like the styling, it looks like a Durango is my best option. I confess I'm a British expat so my only experience with Dodge has been my father in law's 2013 Ram 1500 which I very much like. Given they are the same engine, my understanding is so far the only major issue is the exhaust manifolds coming loose and creating the tapping noise that is common, but by now most cars of that age should have had that fix right?

Is there any bad points about a Durango? Reliability/running cots etc? I'm an engineer and do most of my own work so I;d rather not have a car I have to take to specialists for work.

I now work from home, so fuel economy isn't a killer for me (partly the reason I bought my smaller SUV a few yrs ago). I have no intention of using the 3rd row but do often fold the 2nd row seats down and use the back as a bed for my racing kart or home supplies. Is the floor a pain/not practical with the 3rd row folded down?

I'm sure I'll have more questions but that's just a start, thanks for having me!
 
#2 ·
I loved my 2018 Durango SRT and had zero issues with it.

If you head over to Edmunds.com, you can find some of the info you are looking for. Below is a link to what they say about the 2011 Durango (you can select other year models if you would like):

2011 Dodge Durango Review & Ratings | Edmunds

They also have a page that will detail the cost of ownership for different vehicles. Unfortunately, it only goes back to 2015 for the Durangos, but it may give you an idea of what to expect. Here is that link:

Cost of Car Ownership - 5-Year Cost Calculator | Edmunds.com

I hope this helps. Good luck with your search!
 
3
#5 ·
Pow-Pow said:
I loved my 2018 Durango SRT and had zero issues with it.

If you head over to Edmunds.com, you can find some of the info you are looking for. Below is a link to what they say about the 2011 Durango (you can select other year models if you would like):

2011 Dodge Durango Review & Ratings | Edmunds

They also have a page that will detail the cost of ownership for different vehicles. Unfortunately, it only goes back to 2015 for the Durangos, but it may give you an idea of what to expect. Here is that link:

Cost of Car Ownership - 5-Year Cost Calculator | Edmunds.com

I hope this helps. Good luck with your search!
Click to expand...
Excellent, thank you! As I say this car is probably going to do 5-8000 miles a year now I'm working from home so cost of gas etc is less of a worry to me, which I know is only one of the aspects of COO
 
#3 ·
I may have answered your query on another forum, so I apologize if this is a repeat...

I would look at 2014+ models, they have the 8-speed transmission, a big upgrade over the 5-speed in the earlier models. I have a 2014 with the V-6, and I love the Durango.

In 7+ years, I've never had the third row seats open. There is plenty of space in back with the third row down, and it has a nice, flat surface. I have the "captains chairs" second row bucket seats, and they don't fold down fully flat, but it's not bad. I haven't seen how a second row bench looks folded, so I can't help with that.
 
#4 ·
You’ve described my ‘13 Crew (except my tow package is rated over 7000 lbs.) and although I’ve seldom towed with it (4x6 Uhaul Cargo and various flat trailers), it always handled the task easily. Every feature of the car works perfectly, despite the 148,000 miles on the odometer, and has averaged 18.6 mpg.

Hope you find what you’re looking for.
 
3
#6 ·
brucewells said:
You’ve described my ‘13 Crew (except my tow package is rated over 7000 lbs.) and although I’ve seldom towed with it (4x6 Uhaul Cargo and various flat trailers), it always handled the task easily. Every feature of the car works perfectly, despite the 148,000 miles on the odometer, and has averaged 18.6 mpg.

Hope you find what you’re looking for.
Click to expand...
Great to hear, I'm looking at 2 at the moment (both Citadels but will consider a Crew). One is 10 miles up the road, the other 50. I took a quick look at the former today mainly to confirm it was a 5.7 (dealer said it was, but the VIN came up showing a 3.6) and in terms of car and trim level etc I loved it. However that example looked a bit edgy (hole in the front bumper and judging my the rear end it's been hauling a boat in and out of a ramp). My concern is water damage in the rear, and transmission issues but so far I haven't ready any horror stories of the Durango tranny being a weak point. It would have to have a considerable price drop for me to consider it.

That said it's local so I'm testing it on the weekend and they are allowing me to try towing my 6x10 trailer with it so I'm sure it will haul it like a champ.

The one 50 miles away is lower miles (126k) and probably a nicer car, and only $100 more. The only downside is the colour isn't as nice and it has the split bench 2nd row. Still, no rush.
 
#9 ·
My recommendation is to get a 14 or newer. The 8 speed makes a huge difference in performance and towing. I have had my 14 since new with very minor issues. It has not had a lot of the common problems that some of the other years have. Good luck old chap.
 
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