Welcome to the forum.

So what kind of issues are you coming across. People who have not owned a FCA / Dodge product always have this kind of perception. I did a ton of research before buying my 2018 and AFAIK this platform doesnt have any major issues. Most components in this platform is shared by GC and Durango, GC is a flagship model for Jeep.

 

I only have that perception based on reading consumer reports. Can't tell you anything specific, but those reports are based on actual owners so I assumed they held at least some weight. According to consumer reports, the issues start 3 or 4 years out, and they're usually annoying stuff like power interior items.


That's why I'm on the forum asking though, those consumer reports may be some parent who's angry that their kid doesn't have a 3rd cup holder because he broke the other 2 by stepping on them while climbing out of the car. I don't care about that stuff, but I figure there's some middle ground.

Are there any problem areas that you're aware of that I should look out for?

 

98k on mine water pump just covered under warranty

break rotors warped but I tow a 5K lb boat

tires few sets

seat belt needed some tweaking

part of the race trac light went out could have been removed and resealed but found out about it to late

Go for it mine still runs like new

 

x2 on the water pump (common) issue, no big deal, replaced under manufacturer powertrain warranty. Other than that I have 51k stress free miles. Probably my favorite vehicle I've owned. I can haul all 4 of my kids with plenty of room, and I feel like I have the muscle of a Charger/Challenger. Good luck!

 

Thanks to both of you - this is the stuff I was hoping to hear. If you can think of anything else - let me know.

 

Jrod:
Something else to keep in mind is that the FCA powertrain warranty dropped from 5yr/100K to 5yr/60K for the '16 model year. If you were gonna buy an extension, that may be a moot point. A '15 or '16 would still have some remaining PT warranty with the odo in the 50K range.

Don

 

Test drove an R/T today. (2015) found some issues

The carfax said the PCM was reprogrammed. Twice... once at 15000 (carfax said a nav unit was installed at the same time) and again at around 43000 (no explanation for why). It has 50k miles now..... the dealer that has the car is a Volvo dealer, so they dont know much about the dodge or why it was reprogrammed.

While test driving, I was accelerating and heard a small backfire. Is this normal? Or related to the PCM reprogram somehow?

Also, there was some bubbling paint on the hood, at the corner where the headlight and the grill meet. Is this normal on durangos?

Also noticed some wet oil on the bottom of the transmission/oil pan (not sure which it was).

Probably going to pass on buying this one...

Are these normal issues to be expected on a 2015? Any idea about the PCM or backfires? Oil leak? Bubbling paint? Im curious...



Edit::: a different (2016) R/T that I'll be looking at also had a PCM reprogram at around 40k miles. What is PCM reprogramming?

 

PCM is the computer, and was probably reprogrammed by a dealer. Can be a lot of reasons for that, one that comes to mind is for a recall.

The backfiring was probably due to the previous owner and something that was done or not done properly to that DD. Could have just needed new spark plugs (doubtful at that milage), a very clogged air filter, or maybe a bad aftermarket exhaust job.

I'm guessing it wasn't taken car of very well, especially if there was fresh oil visible. Of course the place where you test drove it from could have just done a sloppy oil change.

The paint is not a common issue that I'm aware of on the 2014's and up. I'm guessing something hit it there and the repaint job wasn't very good.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

Sold my friend's old dodge before and he mentioned that it would be helpful if the owner do not really "pimped" it since it shows that the seller is trying to hide something and just attracting you to buy it. (this is just my suggestion).

 

Jrod:
Carfax at times does not do a very good job of informing why an action was done, but in fairness, the dealer or servicing entity probably does not take any extra time to do it either. PCM programming is common for any type of electrical or emissions updates. It mentions that NAV was added, so that unit would need to be integrated by telling one or more on board computers that it is present so they can communicate and allow it to function.

The backfire or whatever you heard would be a concern. Since the selling dealer is a Volvo place, they likely just want to find it a new home as folks don't usually go there to buy an FCA product. I have gotten quite a few good deals this way. IF you like it, you may be able to work that angle. You are in the driver's seat (pun intended lol), and that being the case, I would find and drive several before you pull the trigger.

Places like autotrader, cargurus, cars.com, etc will help you find a good one. If you are willing to travel, many times you can save a big chunk of cash. I found the Santa Fe suv my wife wanted 400 miles away in Chattanooga, TN at a Dodge dealer. It was just 3 years old, with 18K on it, and they accepted $4K less that my local dealers here in SW Ohio wanted for one with the normal 36-45K miles expected on a 3 year old vehicle.

Don

 

Good points. I thought the same about the Volvo dealership wanting to get rid of it. If it was in decent shape, I would've used that leverage, but I'm staying away from this one...

I am willing to travel a few hours... I'm going out-of-state today to look at another R/T... 2016 about 35k miles, blacktop. Looks to be in great condition, and it's listed about $3k higher than I wanted to pay... Durango's don't seem to fly off the lot, so I'm hoping I can show up with a checkbook and convince them...….

 

Jrod:
Good luck on your trip. Don't kid yourself though about Durangos flying lol. Back in 2010, when I was looking for the 04 I have had since then, I had 5 or 6 Durangos sold out from under me before I could get to them. Run that '16 through KBB, and see what they say. Depending on where it is, you may get them to meet you on price, or not. I have heard stories from folks in Florida who say they have to travel away from their area to get a good price. The reason given, is that the older folks with big checkbooks will roll in, and write them a check for whatever they ask. It kind of screws the guy/gal who is looking to haggle a bit.

Don

 

This one was in better shape, no problems. But they wouldn't budge on price, of course the dealer was trying to justify not moving the price but I just dont think he was motivated... hasnt been on the lot long enough. May have to play the long game and be patient.

A different one that was local just sold today, so we will see what happens. Maybe after the 4th of July there will be some trade ins that I can buy.

 

Have you checked KBB on the average value of the Durangos you've been looking at in particular? You say you thought the price was was higher than you wanted to pay on the one but have you researched and checked what market value is on what you're interested in?

I just bought a 2013 Citadel and thanks to research, I was prepared on pricing and was able to negotiate a little to get it down to the Average pricing for the Year/Trim/Mileage. And several of the Durangos I was interested in previous to buying the Citadel sold within a week. I don't think these vehicles are sitting on lots collecting dust and sell quickly. That usually leads to somewhat of a price bump due to demand.

Again..do your research on the vehicle you're interested in and realize they sell quickly if reasonably priced. My Citadel was from a local Dodge dealer that took it in trade.

 

I've done a lot of research both on market prices and kbb... the one that sold today sat on the lot for over 2 months according to cargurus. The one I visited today was only on the lot 2 or 3 weeks. He said his tolerance is about 50 days.... the timing isnt right for that one yet.

I've searched cars.com, autotrader, kbb, edmunds, local dealer sites, craigslist, and I have documented in excel which car I like, price, location, options, and the kbb suggested price compared to market price.... trust me, research isnt my problem. Lol.

My problem might be that I live in an area that can sell cars for a higher price than other areas (doctors and people like that live near here... I'm no doctor haha). So I see lower prices in other regions but local dealers refuse to lower prices cuz people around me have money.

 

There is one about 4 hours away that is a good price... anyone ever buy sight unseen? Makes me kind of nervous. Haha. Of course I could ask for pictures. But you know how that is. It appears to be at a reputable dealership so that should help...

 

Hey guys. Looking for some help...

I've read mixed reviews about the reliability of durangos and want to know what to look for when inspecting/test driving a used R/T... looking in the 2015/2016 year with about 50k miles (+/-). I love how they look inside and out - hoping to avoid headaches and make it a fun experience for me and the family.

Welcome. I bought my 2014 RT with 40k miles about almost 3 yrs ago. Got a 5 yr bumper to bumper platinum warranty thru my credit union with only a $100 deductible for any repairs which covers everything except maintenance. I now have 70k miles and never had any issues nor repairs needed. Just normal oil changes and upgraded rotors n brakes just because of peace of mind and I wanted drilled and slotted rotors lol. This vehicle is amazing and reliable and top rated in SUV. Its definitely a great choice but definitely get warranty just incase. You never know. Good luck

 

I’ve got a 2015 r/t with 34k on it now (babied and loved). Had the racetrack light loose some led’s due to water replaced under warranty. B pillar exterior trim loose and replaced although I think it’s just the way they make them as the replacements all have poor fit as well from day 1. Service airbag light coming on and off randomly sometimes.

Otherwise no issues it has been a great truck and the looks are better than anything else in this class. I especially love the granite exterior and red leather interior. With the windows down the red interior really pops.

Should you get one ? Absolutely. The resale is low so you should get a great deal . The hemi powertrain is great but I’m not a fan of the zf 8 speed trans. I’ve driven this trans in other higher end vehicles and it shifts so much faster, they obviously have tuned this way down so shifts take a half second when it’s capable of instant shifts. Guess that’s not too big a deal and the motor is wonderful.

Umm what else ... r/t ride is hard. Seats are hard suspension is hard, 20” wheels ride hard. But you get that r/t look with lower suspension and hopefully black out package. Not sure why to have a big 3 row suv set up for track ? You would never track this, or if you did your not all that smart.

Sweet spot may be a citadel v8 for soft ride but hopefully without all the gaudy plastic chrome !

 

Also you will net around 14 mpg mixed versus around 17 mixed for the jap 6 cylinder boxes. Hwy can be up to 22 or so but only if the tank is all highway which is rare.

For me it’s not an issue since I drive it infrequently but if mpg was very important keep in mind. The way this hemi sounds though, like the devils speed boat, is really sweet. And they will all pop and backfire a little bit, it’s called hemi farts and they tuned it for this raspy exhaust note. I love it !

 

Well, call Clay at Zeller Motors and give him the VIN, make sure eligible for Max Care warranty. If you are really really concerned, get a zero or low deductible extended warranty plan.

These R/T arent known for any major issues. The design is old, the engine is old, the parts are old, there has been really zero big change since 2014 on these. Dodge is really milking an old design but it looks so damn good, why shouldnt they ? The fuel consumption is sub standard but if you look at what it takes to get 3 more mpg (twin turbo V6, and all that associated plastic plumbing and stuff spinning around) sometimes big dumb V8s make more sense. Especially for longevity. We all know what will become of the ecoboost 5 years in. The hemi just wont have these issues, its tried and true.

I think you are pretty safe here, do research, get carfax, inspect carefully, get maxcare ... but the concept is sound. These are alot more reliable than the consumer reports Honda/Toyota/Hyundai fanboys will lead you to believe. They are just pissed off that Dodge has taken a Trump stance on the environment whereas some other companies are at least trying to act as if they care.

 

A dealer told me it's getting a redesign in 2020 or 2021, finally. But I agree, it's sharp as is, no reason to change. I also like the V8... someday I'll change my mind and get an enviro friendly car, but not today, lol.

Side note: I'm seeing a LOT of cars in the north east US that came from Canada... from talking to dealers, they buy them at auction at a big discount because of a loophole in taxes, so when they bring them to the US they can sell at a lower price than domestic competitors. The catch is the factory warranty doesn't transfer to the US, UNLESS the dealership pays extra for a 'Can Am' warranty, which essentially keeps the warranty valid... the reason why it doesn't transfer is because FCA realized people were exploiting the tax laws by buying a Canadian car for cheap and importing to the US, so as a way to deter people from exploiting that, FCA voids the warranty (unless you pay extra for the Can Am warranty, as some dealers do)…… something to keep in mind if anyone is buying a Canadian origin FCA car.... You also cannot buy a Max Care warranty if it's from Canada, unless the car has the Can Am warranty (I asked them directly about this).

Carfax for Canadian vehicles is very minimal also - there's no information at all other than showing it was registered in Canada... no service records, nothing.

 

Found and bought a 2017 R/T today. Had to do some negotiating but I got them into what I thought market value should be for a lifetime powertrain warranty with 5 mo/10000 remaining on the bumper to bumper. Wife and I love the car! Hope it's a good one!

 

Jrod4828 Do you mind telling what you managed to get it for? I'm being "pestered" every week by our local Dealer who wants to buy my car outright! But I haven't asked how much they would offer and I won't be selling anyhow as I would have to buy a new and that's too much $$ for now

Preben

'17 with 27k miles (metallic gray), remainder of bumper to bumper and lifetime powertrain warranties (non transferable).... Options include Blacktop edition, Captain 2nd row seats, sunroof, and tow package. One local owner. Great condition. Brand new tires. Very good brakes.

$32.6k + tax/tags.... I'm comparing this to market value for similar CPO Durangos due to the powertrain warranty. I think I did good. But kinda wish I could deny the lifetime powertrain and save money to extend the bumper to bumper. Im happy though.

What are they offering you?

 

we just purchased a 15 with 28K on it a few months ago. I think we paid right around 32 for it. We have had a couple issues with it I needed to get ironed out. There was a noise under the hood after getting it home for a few days. Turned out it was the belt tensioner. A few days after that the water pump died. Not 100 percent sure but I think I have an issue with the left front strut but I don't drive it a ton so the noise doesn't bother me. I haven't noticed any issue with the racetrack light but I'm going to silicone all around it one of these days. The most annoying problem is that the downshifting from 5 to 4 is pretty harsh at times. There's actually a star case out there on this problem. I just had the transmission reprogrammed and it shifts perfect now but from all I've reasearched, is that it'll come back in a week or so. I'd recommend an extended warranty. We also had a burnt oil smell that was also kind of common but that seems to have gone away for now. We really do like it and the sacrifice in mileage from the v6 to the hemi is well worth it. Also just to let you know our R/T was loaded from the factory minus the back seat entertainment. Came with every other option. So far I've added the SRT hood which was a huge improvement on the looks of the vehicle.

 

Jrod4828 Do you mind telling what you managed to get it for? I'm being "pestered" every week by our local Dealer who wants to buy my car outright! But I haven't asked how much they would offer and I won't be selling anyhow as I would have to buy a new and that's too much $$ for now

Preben