Forum Discussion

jbres's avatar
jbres
Explorer
Dec 12, 2015

Real life opinions on Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspens

Its getting time to cycle out my old 2003 Tahoe with high miles, and I would love to replace it with another Tahoe, But Tahoes are so much more expensive than what they were back years ago. However, the Tahoe was the most reliable vehicle I ever owned.

So, anyone have real life experience with 2007-2009 Dodge Durango or Chrysler Aspens? These are much more in my price range, and was wondering if the 4.7 motor is reliable? And yes, I do preventative maintenance to the extreme with my vehicles. Not looking to do much towing with it, maybe the 1-2 times a year hauling my 4,500# boat. I use my truck to pull around my travel trailer.
THANKS!
Tow Vehicles
  • travelnutz's avatar
    travelnutz
    Explorer II
    Dec 12, 2015
    Used independent vehicle lots and nearly all the dealer's lots are loaded with used Chrysler Corp vehicles around here in West Michigan. They can't hardly give them away here either!

    jbres, I guess that really says something and gives you an answer to your posted vehicle choice question! Think about it? Why do you think FCA and CEO Sergio Marchionne are begging for someone (anyone) to absorb them guised as a merger. NO takers at all! You already know what vehicle was the "best" you have ever owned so why chance big problems? Only you can make the real choice!
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2015
    I've used one to tow a 5000 pound boat. With the Hemi, it did great.

    My brother has had two. Sold the first one to his son who kept it to nearly 300,000 miles with no major repair needs. The second he still has and uses as a DD. It has somewhere in the neighborhood of 250,000 miles.

    My advice would be to absolutley stay away from the V6, but I would also shy away from the 4.7. The 5.7 has significantly more performance, and gets about the same MPG.

    I am surprised that you are finding them for less $$ than a Tahoe. When I bought my Suburban earlier this year I was trying to find a Durango/Aspen, but they were all priced higher than comparable Tahoe/Yukon/Suburbans.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Dec 12, 2015
    The Durango and Aspen were good SUV's, but they missed he mark when they resigned them in 04. When they came out with the Aspen it was a win! Good looks and reliable. The 4.7 and 5.7 are great motors, very reliable. Stay away from the underpowered 3.7 V-6.
  • jbres's avatar
    jbres
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2015
    I don't want another truck, considering I already have one and my wife doesn't want a truck for daily driver. Ford products, I haven't had the best luck with...
  • Flashman's avatar
    Flashman
    Explorer II
    Dec 12, 2015
    jerseyjim wrote:
    How about a Ford product? IMO (of course) Ford makes the best pickups.

    FWIW


    Yes indeed "the best" there are smoking deals on used Ford 6.0s all over the country.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2015
    Keep looking. You will find a Tahoe, or something similar, that fits your budget.
    If you buy something you don't want, you will regret it.
  • jerseyjim's avatar
    jerseyjim
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2015
    How about a Ford product? IMO (of course) Ford makes the best pickups.

    FWIW

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