XD Talk

Groo · 08-07-2012, 05:17 AM

I am car shopping, and the leading contender right now is an 06 Dodge Durango 4x4 Hemi.

any experience or stories (apart from Dodge sucks)

**1lowlife** · 08-07-2012, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groo

I am car shopping, and the leading contender right now is an 06 Dodge Durango 4x4 Hemi.

any experience or stories (apart from Dodge sucks)

Well there goes my input..

I'd keep looking..
06? - 6 year old vehicle out of warranty.
Dodge? - ewww
4X4? - Do you really need a 4X4? I don't know what Western U.P. means?
Hemi? - gas mileage

I say find yourself a nice used Toyota 4-Runner, Highlander, Tacoma, or Tundra.

Just my 2 cents...

Groo · 08-07-2012, 05:44 AM

Do I NEED 4x4? no. Will I use it if I have it? yes
The local Toyota Dealer is not someone I want to deal with.
I fit in very few vehicles, for example, 1st and 3rd gen Durangos are out. 2nd gen with a sun roof is out. nearly every car and even some "full sized" trucks are out. I also need a vehicle that can handle 2 adults and 3 car seats (not just seat 5. there is a big difference).
I believe the 2006 Hemi is Multi Displacement, and is the most fuel efficient engine option available for that vehicle.

other vehicles in the running right now are a 2000 Crown Vic and a new Dodge Minivan.

N.E. Tx.XD · 08-07-2012, 07:44 AM

Well....Let me just throw this out there for ALL the Dodge haters. My primary vehicle is a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. 290,000 miles on it. Interior is still in excellent shape, the a/c still cold. Have put new ball joints in it, and it's on it's 3rd clutch. 2 tune ups, 1 alternator, 1 water pump, brakes as needed, and doesn't leak or burn oil. Am the original owner. The only thing I would of done different would be have gotten it in 4WD. Even here in Texas, there have been a few times I needed it, and didn't have it.

Have owned Fords, Chevy, Nissan and Toyota. This truck has been the best initial value of ANY owned before. Would buy another.

Nebraska12 · 08-07-2012, 07:44 AM

Someone's obviously biased toward Toyata...so we'll go the other way with it.
06? You get what you can afford and serves your family best (in your opinion)
Dodge? Yeeeaahh!!
4x4? If it suits you, and you can use it. Why not? (aside from the old adage,"more moving parts, more chance of something breaking")
Hemi? I agree, more power, reasonable fuel economy.

From personal perspective: my brother had an 02 Crown Vic, it was a POS and everyone around him drove like he was LEO. Took forever to get anywhere. Mini-vans have their advantages. Lots of room! With three little ones, sounds like you can use it. Also, insurance might be a bit cheaper. Third, I have an 05' Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4. It has not given me any problems in 95,000 miles. No, I don't drive around in 4x4 all the time. But I'm darn glad I have it when I need it. I have two little ones with car seats...they fit nicely with plenty of room to keep them from smacking each other. Gas mileage is reasonable. It had a topper on it when I bought it, so it serves as great storage for camping, fishing, and grocery trips alike. Bottom line, it just works for us. (and I love that little truck!) You do whats best for you, and it sounds like you've already made that decision.

taylor6400 · 08-07-2012, 07:52 AM

Western UP is the Upper Penninsula of Michigan...I would say 4x4 is almost a necessity in the winter.

CC Packing Company · 08-07-2012, 07:55 AM

We have an '04 Durango with the Hemi. Bought it to tow our travel trailer. It's done everything we've asked of it, including hauling around our three Mastiffs. Coming up on 130K miles. The only thing we've done to it is put some slotted rotors on the front to help while towing.

john_bud · 08-07-2012, 08:36 AM

I've heard that the multi-displacement helps but it's hardly a fuel sipper.

Fuel Economy of 2006 Dodge Durango 4WD

Actual reports on the link show the hemi to have 17.7 average with the EPA number at 15. I know the earlier ones had super good power, but were 12mpg machines. Also winter fuel economy will drop 20% or more. Personally, I'd go with the machine that fits you and gets the best fuel econ. Probably the mini-van.

NewBlackDak · 08-07-2012, 08:59 AM

Just buy a minivan. It will be cheaper than an SUV, rides better, and gets better mileage. I'm in the same boat as you(1 car seat and 2 boosters). We traded my wife's car for a Nissan Quest. She loves the automatic doors and lift gate, and the push button start. I have to admit those are awesome features when you trying to wrestle 2 small kids and a baby into the car.

Brickboy240 · 08-07-2012, 10:08 AM

Knowing Chrysler's not so stellar reliability record and very poor resale...I'd say look at another mid sized SUV like the Toyota 4-Runner or Nissan Pathfinder. Unless you dig keeping the mechanics busy and not getting beans for the thing later on when you sell it.

Seriously...ask anyone that has owned these vehicles. Most Pathfinder and 4-Runner owners I know love their vehicles and the ones that own SUVs like the Durrango, Trailblazer and Explorer don't usually have good things to say.

In fact, it was the Ford Explorer (dubbed the "exploder" by us) that initially got me to stop buying American cars. Years later and nope...you will not drag me away from my Tundra.

...someday...you will join us.

-brickboy240