So my buddy is selling me his super clean 2000 dodge durango. It has a 4.7 Magnum V8 4wd and such but I know nothing about these cars it has no rust and only 108k. What are your opinions on these vehicles and how do they hold up off-road .

 

The 4.7L V8 has a ton of issues (oil sludge, oil foam, thin block walls known to crack, heads known to crack if overheated, PCV system issues, timing system issues, etc.) many of these issues can be mitigated with proper maintenance but I wouldn't touch one without full maintenance records and would be leery of the 4.7L V8 in general.


For Durangos/Dakotas models with the 5.2L/5.9L V8 are the much better option reliability wise.


As for off-road they are about the same as any 90s-early 2000s mid-sized SUV (similar Explorer, Blazer, etc.), with relatively limited capability stock (don't expect it to do what a stock XJ will without significant mods) and due to the IFS (Independent Front Suspension) they cost more to lift or mod, and of course they lack the aftermarket support of a Jeep.

 

Well do you think $1500 is a good deal on it ill check for foam on the dipstick and green coolant etc anything else i should check? It runs great and lights the rear ones up with no hesitation

 

Had one growing up, there was ALWAYS something wrong with it.

Transmission went out, two of the power windows FELL into the door, engine knocked really bad after 30,000 miles...Dodge really shelled out some money for warranty repairs on it.

 

$1,500 sounds good for that mileage. As you said, make sure to check the oil and coolant. Also since it is IFS check the CV joints/boots and of course all the usual "used car stuff")

I would also pay special attention to items that would indicate poor maintenance such as old cracked belts/hoses, old plugs, excessively dirty air filter, old/dirty trans fluid, etc. as previously stated most of the 4.7L V8s issues are either caused or aggravated by poor maintenance so if it looks like it hasn't been kept up the likely hood of future problems is good.

 

No deep water to many sensors down low that don't like water ...

 

OK,

Any an old Jeeper but my daily driver for last 13 years was two first gen
Dodge Durangos. I luv the SUV's. Had a 2000 for 3.5 years and a 2003
for 10 years.....not a single issue...NOT ONE. These are some of the best
vehicles I have ever owned!!! Relaible 4.7 same for tranny. No coolant issues, but changes to Green about 3 years ago per my local mechanic.
I mean other than tires, brakes, wiper blades, lites nada went wrong, and
I live in Wisconsin. My 2003 I just sold with 173K for $3900. The $1500
is a steal, but the guy must have taken care of it with maintenance records.
Mine where always garage kept and washed on a regular basis. FYI, on the 2003 the original battery lasted 9 years 3 months. Most people I have
talked with, that have first gen Durangos luv them, unless you have the 5.9 gas hog....I got about 18 to 19 mpg, but mostly highway driving.
Do the used car stuff and ask him how long he has had it and how he took
car of it, but $1500 is way below book.

Faithful first gen Durango owner for almost 14 years and 250K miles.

 

My father has a '99 Durango with the 4.7, we live in Massachusetts so besides replacing the bits that have gotten rusty due to the winter it has been reliable with no major engine trouble. I second that it does not like to get wet, it has been waterlogged twice due to flooding but has recovered. His has over 150k and he loves it.