Looking to Buy a Used Durango R/T - Saga Begins

[asphaltgambler]

We think it's about time to let our beloved Jeep SRT8 go on down the line and replace it with a 2015/17 Dodge Durango R/T with the Blacktop package. The hunt begins, I know it's the worst possible time to buy, but the Jeep like me, is getting loooong in the tooth with 197K on the clock.

Not too many choices in my area under $33K. But I find one my wife really likes, local and I reach out to them via 'chat'...……..goes like this:

Me: Hi, is there a warranty included at the advertised price?
Them: Hi, what's you email address?

Me: Hi, I'm not disclosing that at this point, am only seeking if it has a warranty
Them: OK, Let me check...………….time passes

Them: Hi, I'll connect you with a salesmen
Me: …...Uh OK

Them: Hi, what was your question?
Me: What warranty does it have at the advertised price?

Them: So are you available today for a test drive?
Me: No, I want to know if the vehicle has a warranty

Them: OK, let me check
Me: 10 mins go by and he never returns

I go into chat again later when I have more time and literally the whole thing plays out almost word-for-word. Doesn't seem they're offering any info unless I visit them in person. Also the internet price includes a $1K discount if you finance through them, which was in very fine print buried in the bottom. This joint is a well known new Jeep / Dodge dealer....

[upsscott]

We are buying my wife a new Subaru. It seems the tables have turned. The dealers have much more power now in the process.

[porsche4life]

The fine print on internet ads is getting nuts. I looked at one locally that included the 1k financing discount, plus $295 for window tint(**** off on that), and $595 doc fees.

And people wonder why everyone hates car dealers.

[Steve Carlton]

If the car isn't under the balance of the factory warranty, you'll be lucky if it has a 3 month/3,000 mile powertrain warranty. If it's at a dealer and you click on the Carfax link, there should be a warranty information tab which will show you anything remaining from the factory, like powertrain coverage. It doesn't make any sense for the dealer to include anything for free, as it increases their cost and makes it harder to sell an extended service contract.

You're likely to come out better with a private party seller. You'll get a feel for the previous owner, likely get (or be able to get) the service records, and maybe there will be an extended warranty that can be transferred.

[911boost]

Why not a Hellcat Durango?

[CalPersFatCat]

I'm in the same situation. My 2009 Jeep Commander now has 144k miles on it. Its been a fantastic "do everything" vehicle. As a matter of fact, this past week we drove it up to Milwaukee for a Generac plant tour and then on up to Road America for the vintage racing event.

I have tried to convince myself to replace it with an LR4, but after hours and hours of research, I've decided that LR4's are just junk. Very nice looking junk.

I love my Commander (underpowered 210 hp 3.7 V6 stripped sport model) despite what the CEO of Fiat Chrysler said about them:

“That car was unfit for human consumption,” Mr Marchionne said, as reported by Automotive News. “We sold some, but I don’t know why people bought them.”- Fiat and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne

I am flying to the South Carolina coast on Thursday to pick up its replacement. A Jeep dealership just took a 2009 in trade with only 36k miles. This one is the Overland trim, with Hemi 5.7, full leather, and every available option.

I called on it while it was still in service, even prior to detail. The salesman sent pics, then found out the price, then called me back, and I paid it. I'm also paying $639 doc fee plus $125 title fee. I shut my mouth and took it like a man. I was the perfect "lay down", "No Haggle customer." lol.

I will keep both Commanders until the "new" one is sorted. Then I guess I will sell the old one unless I can talk my brother into taking it. I hate to let it leave the family.

Good luck with the search!
DL

[Brian 162]

I recently purchased a 2017 CPO Tahoe. I have/had some factory powertrain warranty. If I wanted bumper to bumper coverage through GM it would have been around $1500 a year. I declined.

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by 911boost

Why not a Hellcat Durango?

Not many used ones at a decent price. Some SRT Durangos out there that aren't horribly priced.

[edgemar]

Carmax?

[asphaltgambler]

Yes, I looked online for SRT8's in the same year and they are just stupid expensive. My wife doesn't like the newer Jeep WK's as they are slightly shorter / less cargo room. Also Jeep has no 'sport' in between model like Dodge RT.

I jotted over to the dealer today, looked at in person - I like it, a few clues that the 1 owner appears to have taken well care of it, servicing, etc. I spoke to a sales guy told him I would be trading in my SRT, and gave him my number for the deal out the door, that I'd go through my credit union. So next step send him the VIN, a few pics and go from there.

[asphaltgambler]

Carmaxx is where we bought the Jeep, liked the experience but they only have a few RT's close and the prices are @10%+ higher than others. Plus they only give you @wholesale for your trade. So for me there's too much margin to swallow

[911boost]

I have driven a new Hellcat Durango and it is a beast. One of my coworkers has a 2020 392 Durango and that thing hauls serious ass.