Question buying a 1999 Durango 5.9 BOUGHT ONE

[kokxville]

I know one for sale,and i might buy the car.
Are there any weak points on these cars where i need to look for before i buy it?
It has 164000 miles.

Thanks.

John

[Aero426]

2wd or 4wd?

I guess just the typical stuff for a 10+ year old vehicle with miles.   How's it look?   How does it drive?    Leaks?    Price?

[Dave Kanofsky]

I bought my '99 Durango 5.2L 2WD new in '99, and have put 110K on it.  It does some of the ususal stuff but has really been a good vehicle, I use it for towing my car trailer and everything else.

The ball joints were notorious but they were likely changed on the one you are looking at by now.

They get rusty at the top of the rear wheel openings and the bottom of the tailgate too.

Of course good maintenance records mean a lot.

Here's a recent post I made to troubleshoot a problem I was having...
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,86798.0.html

[The70RT]

Prices are down on them now so look around. KC had like 25 on there at one time. I sold a really nice 03 V8 loaded with everything except a sunroof, it had 112,000 on it no rust or leaks. It booked out for 6,900 for private seller. I had it on Craigslist for three weeks and only had 2 people come and look at it. Hated to sell it for 4,500 but I got it cheap and needed the money. If your giving more than 3K your paying too much IMO.

[Budnicks]

Good luck with your 99 Durango 5.9 purchase,Transmission speed sensors & regular tune up oil change type stuff, the front suspension is kind of weak supposedly, but I haven't had any problems yet... I have a 99 Dakota 5.2ltr auto SLT 4x4 w/tow package 3.54:1 geared axles, I love it, wish I would have got the 5.9ltr., That transmission speed sensor is the only negative issue I've ever had & replaced the 10+ year old stock battery with a Red Top Optima 1000amp, but I only have 53K on mine, I use all Royal Purple synthetic oils thru out, I still haven't had to do Shocks or Brakes even yet, I have new EBC slotted & drilled rotors/green pads & Rancho O/S gas shocks to install, when I need to finally change them & also have a Hypertech tuner, Eddy shorty headers, 3" Flowmaster cat back exhaust, 1.7:1 ratio Harland Sharpe roller rockers, AEM TB spacer, AEM air tube/box & gauze type air filter, 32"x11"x16" snow tires, I'm getting around 15-17mpg average now {if I keep my foot out of it} all around driving in the mountains {got 12-14mpg originally} & 19-21mpg on strictly highway/freeway driving {not many freeways here in Sonora, Ca. area}.... The few improvements I made, make a world of a difference in driving here in the Sierra foothills, dont need to put my foot in it any were near as much to go up the hills... I probably won't sell mine ever, it's the perfect size truck, just keep rebuilding or repairing it as needed, you can't replace it for under $30-$50K & it's probably only worth $7500 now, Kelly Blue book & it's still almost in perfect shape too...

[The70RT]

Good luck with your 99 Durango 5.9 purchase,Transmission speed sensors & regular tune up oil change type stuff, the front suspension is kind of weak supposedly, but I haven't had any problems yet... I have a 99 Dakota 5.2ltr auto SLT 4x4 w/tow package 3.54:1 geared axles, I love it, wish I would have got the 5.9ltr., That transmission speed sensor is the only negative issue I've ever had & replaced the 10+ year old stock battery with a Red Top Optima 1000amp, but I only have 53K on mine, I use all Royal Purple synthetic oils thru out, I still haven't had to do Shocks or Brakes even yet, I have new EBC slotted & drilled rotors/green pads & Rancho O/S gas shocks to install, when I need to finally change them & also have a Hypertech tuner, Eddy shorty headers, 1.7:1 ratio Harland Sharpe roller rockers, AEM TB spacer, AEM air tube/box & gauze type air filter, 32"x11"x16" snow tires, I'm getting around 15-17mph average {if I keep my foot out of it} all around driving in the mountains & 19-21 on strictly highway/freeway driving {not many freeways here in Sonora, Ca. area}.... The few improvements I made make a world of a difference in driving here in the Sierra foothills... I won't sell mine ever probably, just keep rebuilding as needed, you can't replace it for under $30-$50K & it's probably only worth $7500 now, Kelly Blue book it still almost in perfect shape too...

Sounds like you got a good one   Looking at previous sales the Dakotas are worth more and sell better than a Durango of similair status. You cant haul the things a pickup can, Durango's are used mostly as a daily driver and the gas milage kills them. The person that bought mine was gonna use it as a daily driver but also wanted something that would hold more people and pull a boat.

[Budnicks]

I still want a 98-2000 Durango in the future, to add to the fleet, still keep my Dakota... hope I can find a clean well maintained low mileage older owner, 5.2ltr. or 5.9ltr. V-8 version, they have lots more interior room than the Dakota SLT extra cab...

[kokxville]

Thanks Guys,

It's a 4wd.
Today i get a picture in my email and is has a little front damage ( bumper on the right,and the rear windows are not going down )
They said they have the transmission rebuild,put in a new radiator,a new airco pump and steering box last year.
They want 5500.00 for it.
It's black with tan interiour.

John

[bull]

Thanks Guys,

It's a 4wd.
Today i get a picture in my email and is has a little front damage ( bumper on the right,and the rear windows are not going down )
They said they have the transmission rebuild,put in a new radiator,a new airco pump and steering box last year.
They want 5500.00 for it.
It's black with tan interiour.

John

Not sure but that sounds pretty steep to me. You should be able to find one with working windows and without body damage for that price. I see 1998/1999 Durangos all the time around here for between $2k and $4k.

Like this: http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/2727614278.html

[Troy]

Yeah, I just looked at several (2001-2003) and all had less than $100k miles and were priced less than $4,500.

Troy

[kokxville]

I'll think i'll pass on this one.I have a bad feeling,so it's not going to happen.
I'll keep my eyes out for another,or maybe a dakota.

Thanks for the info guys 

[Budnicks]

I'll think i'll pass on this one.I have a bad feeling,so it's not going to happen.
I'll keep my eyes out for another,or maybe a dakota.

Thanks for the info guys  

Try Autabuy.com there were a ton of them there last time I looked, allot are over priced & dealer owned, there are lots around here too, seems every month I see 1 or 2 advertised, but here in Calif. it's a little pricier sometimes, but have seen some good deals beginning at $2500 & up, running & under 150K miles... Even seen a few 2wd 5.9ltr. R/T Dakota's for pretty cheap, like $4500 & up, in the Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto & foothills, Mother Lode areas...

[kokxville]

I'll think i'll pass on this one.I have a bad feeling,so it's not going to happen.
I'll keep my eyes out for another,or maybe a dakota.

Thanks for the info guys  

Try Autabuy.com there were a ton of them there last time I looked, allot are over priced & dealer owned, there are lots around here too, seems every month I see 1 or 2 advertised, but here in Calif. it's a little pricier sometimes, but have seen some good deals beginning at $2500 & up, running & under 150K miles... Even seen a few 2wd 5.9ltr. R/T Dakota's for pretty cheap, like $4500 & up, in the Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto & foothills, Mother Lode areas...

Thanks Budnicks. 

[Budnicks]

I'll think i'll pass on this one.I have a bad feeling,so it's not going to happen.
I'll keep my eyes out for another,or maybe a dakota.

Thanks for the info guys  

Try Autabuy.com there were a ton of them there last time I looked, allot are over priced & dealer owned, there are lots around here too, seems every month I see 1 or 2 advertised, but here in Calif. it's a little pricier sometimes, but have seen some good deals beginning at $2500 & up, running & under 150K miles... Even seen a few 2wd 5.9ltr. R/T Dakota's for pretty cheap, like $4500 & up, in the Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto & foothills, Mother Lode areas...

Thanks Budnicks. 

Your very welcome, any time...

[kokxville]

Found another Durango.
A dark grey december 2000 5.9 with 122000 miles for $3750.00
Going to check it out tomorrow 

[Dave Kanofsky]

Good luck!

Remember that the Dakota R/T's and Durango R/T's had little to no towing capacity if that is a concern for you.  If I remember right Dodge ended up buying some R/T's back when it was revealed that the advertised towing capacity was WAY off.

[kokxville]

Yes,i'm the happy owner of a 2000 5.9 Durango SLT
I made an awesome deal if you ask me.It has only 76000 miles,and looks new on the inside and out,exept for a few small rust issues on the trunklid and front bumper 
And i offered $ 3250.00 and they agreed.
It has the complete history and everything.
I'll go get it next saturday,and then offcourse i post some pics.

I'm very happy

[The70RT]

Very fair deal.....like I was saying they are selling a couple grand below book 

[Budnicks]

Yes,i'm the happy owner of a 2000 5.9 Durango SLT
I made an awesome deal if you ask me.It has only 76000 miles,and looks new on the inside and out,exept for a few small rust issues on the trunklid and front bumper 
And i offered $ 3250.00 and they agreed.
It has the complete history and everything.
I'll go get it next saturday,and then offcourse i post some pics.

I'm very happy

Sounds like a good score to me...

[68 CHARGER R/T]

i got mine (2000) durango no major issues at all with him over the years
. just the regular maintenance   

[bull]

It might not be a bad idea to go over some of those rust spots with some SEM Rust Seal.


I love my 03 Durango, even though it's got a very serious drinking problem.

[69 OUR/TEA]

Congrats John !!!Nice find,good miles !!!!
I bought a brand  new one Dec 98,white slt,318,no major options,kept it till Aug 2000 after seeing this new R/T model up on a display rack at the Dodge dealer I go to.And it was black !!!!!MMMMMM
My wife drove it sparingly the first year(10k miles),they started parking awfull close at her work,so started taking a spare car to avoid any unwanted dings/scratches,a VW jetta ,leaving this in the garage.
Then when that started becoming unreliable,she wanted to start driving the Durango again,and with two new young children spilling crap,puking,crumbs,toys,etc that was'nt gonna happen!!!!
So,a brand new 03 Caravan SXT was bought,which we still have and she loves.When we went to pick it up with the Durango,the manager commented on how well we kept it,and asked the miles,it had 12k on it then.
Fast forward to now,almost 9 years later,it only has 15k miles.2 years ago,the kid at the garage where I take it for emmisions, asked,don't you drive this, 15,208 miles????I told him about 100 miles a year.
A month ago when I went back,same kid doing the testing,did it again,comes out and says,are you F-ing with me It had 15,408,exactly 200 miles more !!!! Said,I told you,100 miles a year.
  Never sat outside one night,can't ever remember driving it in the rain,and def never rolled down a snow covered road yet.Actually,none of the wheels have ever been off it yet.I ignored the recall on the balljoints and clock spring in the steering wheel,don't want them monkeys touching it.
To late to sell now at this point,it's another garage ornament.NTM,oooooofffff,bad on gas with the AWD and 3:92's !!
I geuss I'm creating a future survivor for the tent @ Carlisle.LOL
 

.
 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Geeze Paul how many cars do you own?!?!?

Seems like you have one of everything

[69 OUR/TEA]

Geeze Paul how many cars do you own?!?!?

Seems like you have one of everything

I've been in selling mode lately though,sold the B5 69 R/T,70 stage 1 Buick project,34 Ford truck,and my 69 Skylark currently on the bay.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I used to have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9Ltd. which was a pretty good vehicle overall...

Sold it when it hit 129,000 miles and got a fair price (something like $5,700 bucks) and had to little to the vehicle in the 10 + years we had it...

One thing the 5.9 L is known for, is leaking oil into the intake manifold

The other thing I had an issue with was one of the transmission sensors which caused it to bang off the rev limiter

Anyways, the Durango was not as sporty as I recall vs. the 5.9L Jeep. The difference was the frame, mostly.

[kokxville]

Congrats John !!!Nice find,good miles !!!!
I bought a brand  new one Dec 98,white slt,318,no major options,kept it till Aug 2000 after seeing this new R/T model up on a display rack at the Dodge dealer I go to.And it was black !!!!!MMMMMM
My wife drove it sparingly the first year(10k miles),they started parking awfull close at her work,so started taking a spare car to avoid any unwanted dings/scratches,a VW jetta ,leaving this in the garage.
Then when that started becoming unreliable,she wanted to start driving the Durango again,and with two new young children spilling crap,puking,crumbs,toys,etc that was'nt gonna happen!!!!
So,a brand new 03 Caravan SXT was bought,which we still have and she loves.When we went to pick it up with the Durango,the manager commented on how well we kept it,and asked the miles,it had 12k on it then.
Fast forward to now,almost 9 years later,it only has 15k miles.2 years ago,the kid at the garage where I take it for emmisions, asked,don't you drive this, 15,208 miles????I told him about 100 miles a year.
A month ago when I went back,same kid doing the testing,did it again,comes out and says,are you F-ing with me It had 15,408,exactly 200 miles more !!!! Said,I told you,100 miles a year.
  Never sat outside one night,can't ever remember driving it in the rain,and def never rolled down a snow covered road yet.Actually,none of the wheels have ever been off it yet.I ignored the recall on the balljoints and clock spring in the steering wheel,don't want them monkeys touching it.
To late to sell now at this point,it's another garage ornament.NTM,oooooofffff,bad on gas with the AWD and 3:92's !!
I geuss I'm creating a future survivor for the tent @ Carlisle.LOL
,yes,i'm happy with it.But wow,that's a nice Durango you have there.
I guess i'll see that car i the survivor tent over 20 years,but that will be a senior meeting by then.
 

.
 

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I used to have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9Ltd. which was a pretty good vehicle overall...

Sold it when it hit 129,000 miles and got a fair price (something like $5,700 bucks) and had to little to the vehicle in the 10 + years we had it...

One thing the 5.9 L is known for, is leaking oil into the intake manifold

The other thing I had an issue with was one of the transmission sensors which caused it to bang off the rev limiter

Anyways, the Durango was not as sporty as I recall vs. the 5.9L Jeep. The difference was the frame, mostly.

To add to this post, two ways you can tell your 318 or 360 (5.9L) has a leaking intake... Take the air horn off the air inlet housing and you will see lots of oil when shining a light into the engine. That, or drive it and it will ping and knock like a son of a gun...

MOPAR Top End engine cleaner works well as a cheap fix, but does not cure the leak - pinging will come back...

[Dave Kanofsky]

Congrat's!  Good luck with it.

[kokxville]

Thanks