Used cars and trucks for sale in Independence, MO offer a way to get a higher-spec vehicle for a lower price than new. Whether you're from Lee's Summit, Kansas City or right here in Independence, two choices you should certainly consider are the used Dodge Durango and the used Dodge Journey.
The Durango was originally a truck-style SUV in its first two generations. Buying a used model from these generations remains a good move. By the time the Durango got to its third generation, it became part of what was known as the crossover club. It is a notable improvement. It still gives you the power and towing options of an SUV, only it is a more comfortable and a more versatile vehicle, by far. The Dodge Journey offers a more sporty alternative to the Durango.
Looking for a Used Dodge Durango in Independence, MO?
The Dodge Durango has undergone a lot of changes since its introduction, so when choosing a used Dodge Durango for sale in Missouri it's smart to know a little history on the model.
The very first generation Dodge Durango was launched in 1998 and it introduced big-rig-type looks to a segment which was then full of what could essentially be considered tall station wagons. Back then, as is the case now, the Durango was still larger than the typical midsize SUV of that day, but it had the look and feel of a smaller version of a full-size SUV. Truck people considered it a "sport-ute," that is, a sporty vehicle that could seat eight. However, in almost all other respects, it was a marked departure from a minivan.
There were several options available for the engine type of the Durango at that time. These included a V6, some V8s, and a rare performance-oriented Shelby model with a high-power V8 engine, a lowered suspension, larger than average wheels, and racing stripes.
What we suggest is to look for a used Durango that has a 4.7-liter V8, like the models that came out in 2000 to 2003, or a 5.9-liter V8. We base this suggestion on the facts that the mileage delivered by the 4.7-liter is the best of the whole lot and the 5.9-liter provides the most torque. The first generation Dodge Durango has better maneuverability and adaptability to difficult driving situations than most of the truck-based SUVs of its time. This is because of its long wheelbase, the suspension that was carefully tuned, and its wide track.
From 2004 to 2009, the second-generation Durango was produced. At first, there was a choice of ST, mid-grade SLT, and Limited trim levels. The engines available were a 210-hp V6, a 230-hp 4.7-liter V8, and a 330-hp 5.7-liter V8 and they were available with four-wheel drive with lower-range gearing or rear-wheel drive.
On certain four-wheel-drive models, it was possible to specify that you wanted a single-speed transfer case. All second-generation Durangos had automatic transmissions as standard. The V6s had four-speeds and the V8s had six-speeds.
In 2006, this Durango saw the addition of side airbags and its style was refreshed. The name of the ST trim level was changed to SXT. After another two years, more options were available, such as a camera for backing up purposes, an MP3/CD player, and a multimedia infotainment system called MyGig that had hard drive storage for the storage of digital music. This gave the Durango an advantage in the market that was becoming more and more high tech. Another trim level was added, the Adventurer trim. It was somewhere between the SXT and Limited trim levels.
In 2008, the engines of the V8 got a power boost. The 4.7-liter engine was now capable of producing 303 hp and was more fuel efficient. The 5.7-liter V8 could generate 376 hp.
For people who are looking to buy a 2008-2013 Durango, it is important to note that those Durangos do not have the eight-speed automatic transmission of the current model, which was first introduced in 2014, nor do they have the newer styling and modern cabin with its 8.4-inch touchscreen display and Blu-ray player in the rear seat. Over the years, there have been a few special appearance packages available. These include the Blacktop, Brass Monkey, and Platinum. For the 2017 year, the GT trim replaced the Limited trim level.
At the time the V6 and V8 were introduced, they came with a five-speed automatic engine. By the time of the 2012 model, however, a six-speed automatic transmission was used on all V8 models. These models also came with the option of second-row captain's chairs and had new and revised trim levels.
The current Dodge Durango generation shows a lot of improvements over first- and second-generation Durangos. It is based on a unibody chassis that resembles a car frame rather than a truck frame. It has a more desirable interior space and also offers better ride and handling qualities than its predecessors. The exterior styling also underwent a big change - it went from having a truck-like look to a sleeker and more rounded profile. Similarly, there were also major improvements in the fit and finish of the cabin.The Dodge Journey
What is offered by the Dodge Journey is cargo and passenger room similar to what is offered by a larger compact SUV. At the same time, it has the feel of being more substantial as well as a third-row of seating that a full-size has. The Journey crosses over several segments because of its ideal balance of utility and comfort. Another big selling point is its pricing, a big advantage over some of its competitors.
The Dodge Journey underwent a significant overhaul in 2011. The result was a more efficient and powerful V8 engine, new and revised suspension tuning, and an interior that was revamped with higher quality materials, better construction and a more intelligent control interface. Customers enjoyed the improvements in quality of the ride as well. The steering feel gave the Journey a big competitive advantage over the other crossovers of the time, and is just one of the reasons that used Dodge Journeys in Independence, MO do not stay on the dealership showroom floor for long.
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