Magnum or Not???

[zmc5150]

I have a 2000 Durango and I love it but its got a lot of miles and I'm looking to get rid of her within the next year. The Magnum (R/T) is on my list and I want to hear from some people who have them. I have 3 kids that aren't getting any smaller and my family takes longs trips usually about once a year so the third seat is a plus for me right now. However, I like something with some balls and although I could probably tow a house with my durango I want something quick off the line. Is this car going to be practical for me?? Anyone with kids that use their magnum as a daily driver?

[djc208]

With the Hemi you'll definitaly have the power/speed you're looking for, and the car is great for long trips and other than a little tough to see out of sometimes is fine around town. With the tow package you might even be good for most of your towing needs. I would think space will be your issue. The back seat is roomy but I wouldn't want to put three kids bigger than about 10 back there for any length of time without drugs, though the 06's have a rear seat DVD option now that would help.

[zmc5150]

I hear ya with the space issue!! That's what has me most concerned. It's a toss up between a new Durango or a the Magnum.

[mikesmagrt]

i don't have any kids but i seem to be the taxi for my friends . i am 6"2' and 250lbs and my friends are about the same size . i haven't had a complaint yet about being uncomfortable ect. and you'll love the power!

[HeatSiphon]

I traded my 2001 durango for a 2005 AWD Magnum RT about 9 months ago. I have one 9 month old so I can't say how much room you may need for kids but I think the rear seat leg room in the magnum is larger than the durango. Obviously the "trunk" area is much larger in the Durango. I miss the size of the trunk area on the Durango. The magnum trunk area fills up quick. I had a 3rd seat in my Durango which was perfect for more passengers and I miss that too. The Magum's power is awesome and smooth for highway trips. Bottom line is I do miss the space in the Durango every once in a while but have not regrets about buying the Magnum......except for the crappy Conti tires....I'll be lucky to get 10,000 miles out of them. I hope to get a Superchips tuner in the near future.

[HeatSiphon]

3 kids with luggage may be tough without a third seat on a long trip

[charlieinnj]

I'm not sure if you've been considering the AWD Magnum or the RWD but with 3 kids, keep in mind that the RWD has the hump through the rear floor and that could be an issue with legroom for the kids.

[FloridaRT]

My Magnum RT is at Superchips right now for some trans testing, they gave me a 2005 Dodge Durango with a Hemi engine. Trust me, the Magnum RT is way better for hauling kids or anything else you desire.

Bob in FL

[lanceinsb]

For what it's worth, I have 3 kids also , all under 8 so we travel with 2 car seats. I bought the car for the same reason as many guys: woke up one day with a bunch of kids that didn't fit in my gear-head machine, but couldn't stomach the idea of driving a chick-car. In all fairness, we use this as a second vehicle to our Yukon, but we have taken long day trips ( 350 miles So.CAL to Vegas) - and the kids do OK. I'm actually impressed with the amount of stuff the cargo area will swallow, especially considering how little it looks from the outside. Its definatly fun to drive, and what ever you give up in utility, you'll get back in Ego boost. Every time I stop for gas, some one comes up to me and want to look at the car. Pretty cool when you consider - at the end of the day- it's just a mass produced Dodge. I really like it, ad would recommend one to anybody who desn't live in my town - I like being unique ;)
One more thing - don't get talked out of the Hemi - I had a base model for 2 weeks while my Yukon was in the body shop, and while it had all the cool looks, it didn't have enough power to get out of its own way.

[MagnumMan]

Well, if you like the balls of the Hemi but want the space of the Durango, then how about the Jeep Grand Cherokee? It has a HEMI. :D

[zmc5150]

Thanks for the input...I have the same problem, 3 kids and I refuse to drive a mini-van.

[mr.clean]

Just (feb.) got rid of 2nd durango. Loved it. single/nokids. skier/mountainbiker. Magnum a little shy on room but great ride on 350 too 500 mile trips. Hemi makes up for a lot.

[gt40girl]

As someone with two kids, in car seats who gladly gave up her 98 Expedition...I would say proceed with caution. We have a thule rack, two kids and two dogs. I find the magnum a tight squeeze, when we travel w/o dogs....and with a third kid I would think a long trip to be hard..........HOWEVER.....

If you do a road trip once a year I would rent a van! I don't ever want to give up my Magnum.....I love him too much! It is an awesome ride and not worth giving up for a vacation once or twice a year!

[gt40girl]

or rent a durango or other suv for the trips...I hate mini vans too...