Trading my T4R for a Durango R/T
- Thread starter commbubba19
- Start date
LittleCaesar
New member
My BIL had an 05 he just got rid of. Over 200,000 miles and aside from regular maintenance just the continual lifter tick, bad thermostat and EVAP valve. My friend had a 2011 and got rid of it in 2013. In two years it spend 66 days at the dealer. Utter crap.
Pray that your SRT is not built on a Monday or Friday. When Dodge misses the mark and they do, it isn't an easy fix.
I'd rather go back to riding horses than own a Dodge. At least Dodge won't be building mid size sedans anymore.
I would have gotten a Tahoe instead.
Pray that your SRT is not built on a Monday or Friday. When Dodge misses the mark and they do, it isn't an easy fix.
I'd rather go back to riding horses than own a Dodge. At least Dodge won't be building mid size sedans anymore.
I would have gotten a Tahoe instead.
wadle5
New member
Congrats. . .but be cautious
From what it sounds like the vehicle makes perfect sense. But from what others have said why not the highlander or landcruiser etc etc?
I worked for Chrysler and I can tell you be careful of those durangos transmissions and I believe it was the #5 cylinder head. . .
From what it sounds like the vehicle makes perfect sense. But from what others have said why not the highlander or landcruiser etc etc?
I worked for Chrysler and I can tell you be careful of those durangos transmissions and I believe it was the #5 cylinder head. . .
EEEliminator
Member
We were in the same boat, we decided to keep the 4Runner since its paid off and get a 2nd family vehicle. We did the 3 kids in the 4Runner for a year or so though. New born, 2 year old and 4 year old, I have a 3rd row but its not for every day use.
Minivan as much as we hated the idea and still want to hate it, you have to love it for how practical and well suited it is for young kids. We considered other SUVs as well with 3rd rows, but none seemed to check all of the boxes. The only downside to the minivan is that it is well, a mini van. The SUVs that were large enough to have a usable 3rd row and still have storage are just too big for what my wife is comfortable driving and the 3rd row is still no where near as accessible as the van. Also, the low deck height makes loading and unloading kids or crap in the back really easy.
Like I said I want to continue to hate it, but I can't help loving how much easier it makes hauling young kids around. Having said that as soon as the lease is up we'll probably move on to another SUV once the kids all out of car seats.
Minivan as much as we hated the idea and still want to hate it, you have to love it for how practical and well suited it is for young kids. We considered other SUVs as well with 3rd rows, but none seemed to check all of the boxes. The only downside to the minivan is that it is well, a mini van. The SUVs that were large enough to have a usable 3rd row and still have storage are just too big for what my wife is comfortable driving and the 3rd row is still no where near as accessible as the van. Also, the low deck height makes loading and unloading kids or crap in the back really easy.
Like I said I want to continue to hate it, but I can't help loving how much easier it makes hauling young kids around. Having said that as soon as the lease is up we'll probably move on to another SUV once the kids all out of car seats.
Peyto
New member
It's funny because I've been driving a Durango (the V6 variety) as a rental for a couple of weeks now while my 4Runner gets some hail damage repaired and have thought about outlining the differences on a thread here.
I actually prefer Entune as it relates to both calling and sat radio. I always thought the satellite radio reception on the T4R was especially bad, but it is actually quite a bit worse on the Durango, randomly cutting out and losing signals in places the 4Runner had no problem. It also constantly thinks I want to make a handless call, presumably because it's easy to bump a switch on the steering wheel when turning. However, the onboard computer setup is pretty nifty - can check tire pressure, oil pressure, engine temperature, etc.
I've also learned how awesome keyless entry is, but must say that it is a bit quirky on the Durango, not always unlocking or locking when prompted. I also won't even mention the "gear selector dial" - that thing just doesn't feel right.
It actually drives quite nicely, with a really smooth transmission (I'm sure there is a price to be paid in terms of maintenance on this one). The V6 doesn't feel more powerful than the 4Runner, but it geared better so you can get that quick pickup in 1st gear.
So my summary is that it's a nice car to drive, but the features just don't feel as well-thought out as other vehicles I've driven. Knobs and switches in weird places, fickle electronic components like the keyless entry and voiceless calling.
I actually prefer Entune as it relates to both calling and sat radio. I always thought the satellite radio reception on the T4R was especially bad, but it is actually quite a bit worse on the Durango, randomly cutting out and losing signals in places the 4Runner had no problem. It also constantly thinks I want to make a handless call, presumably because it's easy to bump a switch on the steering wheel when turning. However, the onboard computer setup is pretty nifty - can check tire pressure, oil pressure, engine temperature, etc.
I've also learned how awesome keyless entry is, but must say that it is a bit quirky on the Durango, not always unlocking or locking when prompted. I also won't even mention the "gear selector dial" - that thing just doesn't feel right.
It actually drives quite nicely, with a really smooth transmission (I'm sure there is a price to be paid in terms of maintenance on this one). The V6 doesn't feel more powerful than the 4Runner, but it geared better so you can get that quick pickup in 1st gear.
So my summary is that it's a nice car to drive, but the features just don't feel as well-thought out as other vehicles I've driven. Knobs and switches in weird places, fickle electronic components like the keyless entry and voiceless calling.
mickeyblue
New member
Coming from someone who owned a Dodge for 5 1/2 years and it was in the dealership 50+ times for electrical/sensors/switches and other crap:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For God's sake, no....:faint:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For God's sake, no....:faint:
FrontRange4Runner
New member
I seem to recall a certain forum member recently trading in his 4Runner for a Chrysler product. How did that go again....?
Anyways OP, good luck. Either it will be awesome, or you will be back. That's just how things seem to go around here. :cheers:
Anyways OP, good luck. Either it will be awesome, or you will be back. That's just how things seem to go around here. :cheers:
Saker
Senior Member
Is it geared differently or is it just several hundreds of pounds lighter?????
9lb taco
New member
Obviously a lot of over-the-top bias in here, but "stereotypes exist for a reason." There are more creature comforts & fancy bits on the dodge, but that leaves more open to failure.
I've owned a 2012 dodge since new, and it's been to the dealer once for a body-trim TSB. Nothing major. The infotainment is ... well, it's garbage, but it was very dated when the car was new. Aside from that it's been trouble free and a pleasure to drive.
That said, I keep a Toyota as a DD for many of the reasons stated in here.
At least you'll get a heated steering wheel, and the heated seats put the ones in the 4Runner to shame.
I've owned a 2012 dodge since new, and it's been to the dealer once for a body-trim TSB. Nothing major. The infotainment is ... well, it's garbage, but it was very dated when the car was new. Aside from that it's been trouble free and a pleasure to drive.
That said, I keep a Toyota as a DD for many of the reasons stated in here.
At least you'll get a heated steering wheel, and the heated seats put the ones in the 4Runner to shame.
9lb taco
New member
8spd auto in the v6 and v8.
Knight-Errant
New member
Knight-Errant
New member
My practical choice would have been a Pilot or Highlander...I'm pretty fond of Honda products so I'd likely go with the Pilot. The new 2016 Mazda CX9 looks like it could be decent, but we'll have to wait and see.
If I had the money and the need, hands down my choice would be the new Volvo XC90. The interior is pretty sweet.
If I had the money and the need, hands down my choice would be the new Volvo XC90. The interior is pretty sweet.
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Peyto
New member
Point taken!
Lots of factors going into it, but the "pick up" when you step on the skinny pedal feels pretty similar across all gears but first. Except you miss the satisfying rumble of the 1GR-FE!
Edit: I was curious and looked into it, and believe it or not the Durango curb weight is 4756 lbs vs the 4Runners 4525 lbs.
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Angelo
Member
2012 Toyota Sequoia Platinum, $44,900 - Cars.com
Bam.
I think everyone here has said it, but I'm going to try to say it a slightly different way (maybe?). When you figure your max price of your new rig, figure in the trips to the shop, the times when something breaks right when you need it to work, the extra money spent to keep it working... just the overall life headache- as if you need more of those with a third kid on the way, haha.
It's one of the main reasons we (you included) aren't all in Jeep Wranglers right now. Not to mention that the Durango, on top of being (likely, anyway) more maintenance and PITA intensive, isn't really giving you THAT much more room than what you're coming from. Go used, go reliable.
That said, good luck man. The direction you're headed I think you're going to need it. :becky:
Bam.
I think everyone here has said it, but I'm going to try to say it a slightly different way (maybe?). When you figure your max price of your new rig, figure in the trips to the shop, the times when something breaks right when you need it to work, the extra money spent to keep it working... just the overall life headache- as if you need more of those with a third kid on the way, haha.
It's one of the main reasons we (you included) aren't all in Jeep Wranglers right now. Not to mention that the Durango, on top of being (likely, anyway) more maintenance and PITA intensive, isn't really giving you THAT much more room than what you're coming from. Go used, go reliable.
That said, good luck man. The direction you're headed I think you're going to need it. :becky:
hikenbike
New member
Good luck with it. I know reliability is very questionable but I bought a Durango in its very first model year (usually a major no no - think it was 1998?) and had it 9 years without a single problem. I had the 5.2 HEMI. Enjoyed it thoroughly and it served my family well. Hope you have the same luck but I don't know anything about their current product line.
commbubba19
New member
Thanks guys for all the feedback.
I'll try to hit on a couple points made.
I did consider the highlander but wasn't sold on the styling or engine.
The Pilot is just ugly as sin. And again underpowered.
A big selling point is the V8. I miss having one and so few vehicles nowadays offer a true V8.
Both the wife and I refuse a minivan.
The Flex has the power (no V8) but again the styling is just not my thing. I can't drive a vehicle that I don't like the looks of. I see a new Pilot every day at work and I think how bland and boring and just like all the other crossovers out there. The old Pilot was better looking, atleast it was different from the crowd.
Regarding the reliability that is also my biggest concern.
I've read up as much as I can on the 2014+ Durango's for issues and problems. There's actually not many threads on issues like the Cherokee. I don't know why the Cherokee has so many issues than the Durango. I even looked at TrueDelta.com for reports on issues.
I think the Land Cruiser is out of my budget. The sequoia is still out of my budget at $53k MSRP and doesn't have the features that the Durango has.
Trust me, I'd like to keep the 4Runner but I have to hear the wife complain each time she tries getting the carrier in the middle. That's something I don't want to hear.
I'll be sure to check in with updates if/when i do get the Durango. Nothing's final yet. I submitted the order but no deposit and it won't arrive for 2 months anyway.
I'll try to hit on a couple points made.
I did consider the highlander but wasn't sold on the styling or engine.
The Pilot is just ugly as sin. And again underpowered.
A big selling point is the V8. I miss having one and so few vehicles nowadays offer a true V8.
Both the wife and I refuse a minivan.
The Flex has the power (no V8) but again the styling is just not my thing. I can't drive a vehicle that I don't like the looks of. I see a new Pilot every day at work and I think how bland and boring and just like all the other crossovers out there. The old Pilot was better looking, atleast it was different from the crowd.
Regarding the reliability that is also my biggest concern.
I've read up as much as I can on the 2014+ Durango's for issues and problems. There's actually not many threads on issues like the Cherokee. I don't know why the Cherokee has so many issues than the Durango. I even looked at TrueDelta.com for reports on issues.
I think the Land Cruiser is out of my budget. The sequoia is still out of my budget at $53k MSRP and doesn't have the features that the Durango has.
Trust me, I'd like to keep the 4Runner but I have to hear the wife complain each time she tries getting the carrier in the middle. That's something I don't want to hear.
I'll be sure to check in with updates if/when i do get the Durango. Nothing's final yet. I submitted the order but no deposit and it won't arrive for 2 months anyway.
Saker
Senior Member
Blitzkrieg
New member
I'm not going to flame you - it's your money. But have you read the reliability ratings on Dodge and Jeep SUV's?
They are abysmal at best.
Personally I wouldn't piss on a Durango if it was on fire. Awful reliability record.
They are abysmal at best.
Personally I wouldn't piss on a Durango if it was on fire. Awful reliability record.
bms4r
New member
I live in detroit and quality from the big 3 make me lol, in particular GM and Chrysler. However, the newer yotas dont match the quality of the 90s and 00s ones (IMO). My new 4runner has a few defects that came with it from the factory that really disappoint me but still love it.
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