1998 Dodge Durango SLT 4x4 5.2 Magnum V8 from North America
Summary:
Overall, very well worth what I've put into it
Faults:
Moisture corrosion of electrical contacts for alarm system (make sure under your floor mat is drying properly as this can and will happen to you) - Warranty repaired.
Water pump at 127,000 miles.
Lower ball joints at 94,000 - Warranty repaired.
Upper ball joints at 125,000 miles.
Evaporator at 123,000 miles.
Other than that, basic maintenance, brakes pads (rotors once because I waited too long), tires, tune-ups, light-bulbs, etc.
General Comments:
Not all Durango's are lemons, with over 135k miles and climbing, the work I've had done one mine is what I expected. I plan on buying a new one to replace this next year and by then I should have well over 150k.
Tires average 50-55k miles before I feel they are unsuitable for safety reasons.
First major tune-up was at 94k miles.
Some of the items I didn't like about my 98 (was ordered, not one of those "off the lot" deals) were subsequently corrected in later models.
Suggestions - figure out how much you drive and get the Maximum Care warranty, even though I barely used mine, any time I went to the dealer they took care of the problems with little or no fuss. If your dealer is a problem - find another dealer.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th September, 2003