1999 Dodge Durango SLT from North America - Comments

Sorry to hear about your over heating problems, it's unfortunate that they all stemmed from one cause that was never dealt with in the first place.

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I am a mechanic and my girlfriend owns a Durango. Not a bad SUV for the era in which it came out, but yeah, these things have been just rampant with issues, and it doesn't help if you don't do your part as owner to take care of proper scheduled maintenance.

Tonight, her Durango's shift cable snapped or something, and will not go into park. will have to fix tomorrow.

ANYHOW, I just wanted to mention a couple things.

1) Some mechanics are good honest men, like me and the guys in my shop. And some are scandalous b*****ds. I have worked with both. But you can usually tell without much digging who is who.

2) STAY AWAY from AUTOMATIC transmissions. AVOID something that is controlled by a computer as much as possible. Drive a STANDARD, do your maintenance, and don't buy into these new spangled BS ideas like TRACTION CONTROL and other NON USER FRIENDLY COMPUTER OPERATED GARBAGE. I know it's hard, but do your best.

3) STAY AWAY FROM DEALERSHIPS!! THEY WILL STEAL YOUR MONEY!! Only use a dealership to BUY a car, and get work done that is COVERED BY YOUR warranty!! If they suggest something else that you have to pay for, get a second opinion.

4) Never trust a garage that makes you pay for windshield washer fluid. Or sells used cars.

5) Look for a shop with an hourly labor rate UNDER $100/hr. (May vary for where you're located, we have bills to pay too you know.)

6) i) STOP bringing us beer, and donuts. WE can't KEEP A BUSINESS OPEN GETTING PAID WITH BEER!!! Not kidding. STOP.

Ii) Don't cry to us, either in the office or on the phone. It won't get your anywhere, and may even have your name put on... the (not getting a future booking) list.

Iii) Please, no more implying sexual favors, either physically or verbally.

My last note is this: Every automotive company sucks. And that is something a mechanic will truly tell you. Dodge isn't that bad. Do you really think FORD (HA!) or GM are better?? Well, then go blow another 50 grand on something that is going to have its own set of outrageous repair costs and issues. Some models are better built than others, but all are made to die, so that you will buy another one.