2011 + Durango

I'm in search of a work rig to replace my trusty, but old and tired, Pathfinder. I am a sales rep, so I drive all day (35K-40K yr) and carry a bunch of heavy samples. I don't really get too excited about SUV's and trucks but the Durango looks pretty cool. Does anyone have any experience, specifically with the 2011 and up V6?

The reviews look good but my opinion of Chrysler is not exactly positive. Will this make it to 250K and not feel like a pile of crap? My plan would be to rip out the third row and add some type of cargo partition (so I don't get hit with pieces of wood). The other option is an Explorer/Flex or any other generic SUV.

We have a 2013 v6 for the wifemobile. She loves it, and so far we are at 39k with no issues. If I needed to depend on something till 250k I don't know I'd pick one, but so far we are happy with ours.

You will need to keep an eye on the shocks and struts as they tend to leak, other than that I have not seen much else go wrong with them other than the normal brakes and tires.

Paul

I DD a modern gasser ram with 300K on it. The durango is one of my favorite new SUVs, Ive seen them in white and red and with the right options they look great.

Example:

Yeah, that is a good looking truck! More than likely I'll play it safe and get a Pilot or the new Ridgeline (I've had plenty of Hondas), but I'm not going to cross this off the list.

It's just a longer rebadged ml350 from Benz.

We looked at one before the suburban and turned it down. Battery is under the pass seat and is an AGM that costs $200. This one had a hemi and was a slug. I'm not sold on the 8spd, yet.

Ranger50 wrote: It's just a longer rebadged ml350 from Benz. We looked at one before the suburban and turned it down. Battery is under the pass seat and is an AGM that costs $200. This one had a hemi and was a slug. I'm not sold on the 8spd, yet.

We live in a crazy time when 360 hp in a SUV is called a slug.

I believe Dodge makes a "special service package" version (in quotes because I don't know if that's the exact terminology) which deletes the back seat and has some other heavy-duty features. Depending on whether your emphasis is on hauling or on impressing clients, that might be something to consider. I have no idea how easy/complicated they are to order, but I would think a dealer with a competent fleet guy could set you up.

Stealthtercel wrote: I believe Dodge makes a "special service package" version (in quotes because I don't know if that's the exact terminology) which deletes the back seat and has some other heavy-duty features. Depending on whether your emphasis is on hauling or on impressing clients, that might be something to consider. I have no idea how easy/complicated they are to order, but I would think a dealer with a competent fleet guy could set you up.

Yeah, that's where I got the idea for the cargo partition. You can order one of those barriers for about $300. This is slightly off topic but I can't believe that there aren't more options for that type of thing in an SUV. I'm paranoid of getting in an accident and getting decapitated from my cargo. I guess that's where a truck + cap makes sense.

We have one. 2011 v6 AWD. We purchased it used in April of last year. I've been more than happy with it. We were coming from a 2004 Forester.

Some random thoughts:
I've loaded 4' x 4' MDF panels, but they only fit diagonally. I haven't tried a 4' x 8'.
When loaded down with 3 people, dog, and lots of Christmas presents, it still feels like it's got enough oomph.
The post refresh ones (2013+ I think) come with an 8 speed vs 5 speed. Plus it has available heated steering wheel. Posh.
Ours has ~90k on it, and sounds like it needs some looking at. Occasional subtle clunk on braking and driver's side front shock might need replacing.
Not quite as fun in snow as the Forester. Needs more rear diff.
Handled the two-track to my in-laws cabin with aplomb.

Cross shopped with Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse, Chevy Tahoe, Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Town and Country, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey

The newer Durangos are pretty good looking rigs..