The Best Used Dodge To Buy

The passenger, cargo, and towing capabilities of the 2016 Dodge Durango make it the best used Dodge to buy.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The 2016 Dodge
Durango
is the best used Dodge to buy. Its impressive passenger, cargo, and towing capabilities make it a favorite SUV pick for American garages and driveways, as well as Jerry’s best-used list. 
The Dodge Durango series is versatile and comfortable—all packed in a body smaller than the Chevy Tahoe. A new Dodge could come with an intimidating price tag, but a used Dodge can also provide the same satisfaction without breaking the bank.
With 122 years of experience under Dodge’s belt and such a rich lineup of vehicles, it’s hard to decide where to start when choosing the best model. That’s why
Jerry
, the used-car expert and top-rated car insurance broker app, has determined the best used Dodge to buy and the best way to save on
Dodge insurance costs
.
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The best used Dodge to buy: 2016 Dodge Durango

Dodge has broadened their lineup since the merger with Daimler-Benz AG, but the Dodge Durango is unique in its size, which sits between a small SUV and a full-size SUV. The Dodge Durango has found a spot on many American driveways and we’ll find out why below. 

What makes the 2016 Dodge Durango a good used car?

If you want to get a used SUV that’s practical, a used Dodge is a great choice. Here’s what sets the 2016 Dodge Durango apart from the rest of Dodge's lineup. 
For a fair comparison, we based our rating on four main factors: true cost to own, safety features, reliability, and customization
  • True cost to own: While a used Dodge can be cheaper to purchase, the maintenance and insurance costs can significantly increase the overall cost. The best used Dodge was chosen based on its average used-car sale price, cost of maintenance, insurance rate, depreciation rate, and repair costs. 
  • Safety features: An older used car could mean that modern safety features are missing. For the best used Dodge, we considered the available driver assistance technology and overall safety ratings. 
  • Reliability: The biggest worry of buying a used car is whether it will last. You want to get a Dodge with a long lifespan that won’t break down as soon as you take ownership of it. 
  • Customization and styling: Even if you can’t choose the add-on features for a used car, we picked the best used Dodge according to the range of options for body styles and trim levels that can keep it looking timeless. 
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The true cost of owning a 2016 Dodge Durango

A car’s true cost of ownership is the overall amount that you have to pay for owning it. This factors in the purchase price as well as the ongoing costs, which include gas, maintenance, insurance, and interest rates from the loan. 
When you choose to buy a mid-sized SUV, the maintenance and repair costs are generally higher. This means that it poses a higher financial burden than a sedan. Insurance rates are also higher for SUVs since they can cause more damage to other vehicles. 
On the other hand, since the 2016 Dodge Durango has an abundance of safety features, the true cost to own this used car could be lower than you expect. Below is a breakdown.

Purchase price

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for a 2016 Dodge Durango starts around $31,500. However, a used car can be found at a discounted price between $24,000 and $37,000. The actual cost will depend on the condition, mileage, trim, and any add-ons the car comes with. 

Costs of operation

If you have a decent credit score and put down a large down payment, you can be eligible for lower interest rates, which means lower monthly payments for a 2016 Dodge Durango. 
The average depreciation rate of a new Dodge Durango is 41% in its first five years of operation, which is much higher compared to a used 2016 Dodge Durango. This means that you don’t lose as much value when getting the Durango used. 
If you are looking for a good deal, opt for the Limited trim over the higher trims. The Limited may be missing the V8 engine and ventilated seats, but it still comes with great features like leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, plus the Uconnect 8.4-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors. A lower trim usually also means you can get a lower insurance premium, which can significantly reduce your total cost of ownership. 
Fuel costs for the Durango are variable depending on the trim. The base trim can take regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87. However, the R/T and SXT trims will require premium gas with an octane rating of 91 or higher to run their more powerful engines. If you only need to use regular gas, your cost of ownership will be much lower.  
Key Takeaway A low MSRP, rate of depreciation, and lower gas grade requirements will help keep the total cost of owning a 2016 Dodge Durango relatively low. 

Safety features of the 2016 Dodge Durango

Mid-sized SUVs like the Dodge Durango often have higher safety ratings compared to smaller vehicles. 
The 2016 Dodge Durango is equipped with advanced safety features and earned a decent safety score from the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
. Standard safety features on the Durango include: 
  • Child door locks
  • Child seat anchors
  • Driver airbag
  • Passenger airbag
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Driver knee airbag
  • Emergency and security services
  • Front head curtain airbag
  • Front side airbag
The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
scored the Dodge Durango (AWD and RWD) four out of five stars for their overall safety rating. The tests for frontal and rollover crashes scored four out of five stars and side crashes received five stars. 

Is the 2016 Dodge Durango a reliable used car? 

The 2016 Dodge Durango is below average in terms of reliability, according to J.D. Power. 
However, if you diligently follow a
regular maintenance
schedule, this shouldn’t affect your driving experience. Getting routine maintenance for used cars will protect parts from normal wear and tear and increase longevity. It also lets you find any potential issues before it causes serious damages with a costly repair bill.  
Overall, the 2016 Dodge Durango can last between 250,000 and 400,000 miles

Customization and styling

The 2016 Dodge Durango comes in five trims, each with several color options. Many consumers love the Durango’s practical yet chic look, making it a crowd favorite. 
The Durango is available in the following trims: 
  • Limited (base)
  • Citadel
  • Citadel Anodized Platinum
  • R/T
  • SXT
Every trim also has the option of AWD or 2WD styles, which cater to a wider range of driving needs. The Durango looks great inside and out with a more dynamic drive, putting it a level above its competitors.
You’ll also find that the Durango has new start-stop technology to improve fuel economy, an updated UConnect system, and a new sport mode that enhances the car’s driving experience. 

How to find affordable insurance for a used Dodge

Although mid-sized SUVs are more expensive to insure compared to smaller cars, the
average cost to insure a Dodge Durango
is under $2,000 a year—lower than the average annual insurance cost for a Dodge. However, you can always find even better rates with the help of
Jerry
.
Jerry is a
licensed broker
app that offers end-to-end support and gathers affordable quotes from over 50 top insurers. Jerry will even help you switch plans and cancel your old policy without any paperwork on your part.
You will always have the best rate since Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal. The average Jerry user can save $887 a year—in other words, you could lower your insurance costs for a used Dodge by almost 30%!
“This app is all about savings!
Jerry
just saved me $193/month on my car insurance. They literally found me the cheapest policies out there and with better coverage! Seriously, just sit back and watch Jerry work its magic.” —Rachel B.
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