November 2005

Shawn & Norma Sonnentag
(aka SSonnentag)

I'm Shawn Sonnentag and I want to thank the BOD for voting us your November DOTM.

As many of you know, living in the desert southwest and having a love for getting out in nature pretty much necessitates having a 4x4 vehicle. During the two years my wife and I were living in Ohio so she could attend Physician Assistant school, Dodge released the Durango. We both immediately fell in love with the lines and utilitarian design so, after completing school and returning to Arizona to get my wife establish in her new medical practice, we set out to replace our Chevrolet S10 ZR2 pickup. It only seated two people and had gone through three transmissions in 5 years, so we were more than a little turned off with Chevrolet's reliability.

After testing just about every SUV on the market, including Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Tahoe, Dodge Durango and others that I can't recall, we decided on the Durango. The features we wanted in our vehicle included a frame, V8 engine, 4x4, comfortable seating for 6 or more, reliability and the D was a clear winner on all points except reliability. Once Nissan and Toyota enter the scene, there normally isn't much room for competition in that arena but, to Dodge's credit, our 2000 D has been 100% reliable. I did have the front ball joints replaced at 80,000 miles but other than that, it's been simply routine maintenance… and a few modifications.

To date the modifications include: GSM headers, GSM true-dual stainless exhaust, Rancho lift, Fabtech Add-A-Leaf in the rear, 4.10 gears, Fastman 52mm TB, 360 Air Intakez, SSBC disc brakes front & rear, stainless nerf bars, American Eagle wheels, Kennesaw Mountain Accessories custom bumpers and, when gas prices hit an all-time high following hurricane Katrina, a locking billet fuel door (I thought it would be best to have a lock on all my gas caps to prevent syphoning.) It also has one feature that probably makes it unique from all other Ds. While it has the 360ci V8 engine and the driver-side fender has the correct V8 badge, the passenger-side fender sports a V6 badge!

Overall we really enjoy our D and the DOC has been a great place to meet friends and learn more about our truck. Thanks again for voting us your November DOTM.

Shawn & Norma Sonnentag

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