Re: 99 Durango??
I worked for years as a transmission overhaul guy and have to say that the trans in that is the weak link. It will survive better once an overhaul has been done, the aftermarket seals hold much better and you will need a super sized trans cooler. The rest of the truck isn't that bad, the interiors are typical mopar, having lots of ill fitting plastic which tends to fade and crack a bit sooner than the other two options, but overall the truck isn't all that bad. They aren't as refined as the Explorer or Blazer, but the price usually reflects that as well. Fuel mileage with either motor is pretty poor by todays standards but both the 5.2 and 5.9l motors are pretty solid. The newer Mercedes powered trucks run better, but repairs are a bit more costly when needed. The trans remained the same even in later years.
You would be just as well off economy wise though to own a full size truck, there is little fuel savings and the heavier trans is better for towing.
