CRD or not? It depends mostly on you!
I just sold off my CRD with over 100k on it. I can say it can be more expensive vehicle to own specifically over its 3.7l gas cousin. I just picked up a 06 3.7 Limited to replace mine with.
Couple of things to point out for your consideration. First the bad points. :emotions34:
1. Not everyone knows how to work on this diesel, bad if you break down on the road.
2. It is noisy when compared to the 3.7 gas especially when cold. Sounds like a little farm tractor.
3. Engine replacement: God forbid if you need to replace the engine, CRD replacement will set you back 6k, 3.7 much less at 2k
4. Excessive black smoke on medium or hard acceleration, this is something I really hated as well as my wife. Diesel is also smelly and difficult to get off clothing, another thing wives usually have issues with.
5. Much more expensive to repair then the 3.7, 2.8L, parts are limited and usually more expensive.
6. Diesel fuel more expensive then gas, wives usually hate to pump it, diesel cost per mile still higher then gas even with the better diesel fuel economy.
7. Issues with rocker arms, turbo, hoses and injectors can put you in the poor house.
8. Engine built by VMotari in europe, not a commercial diesel like the cummings used in the Dodge trucks and other applications.
Now the good points, :icon_lol:
1. Much more torque then the 3.7, unbelievable towing compared to the gas.
2. Better transmission/drivetrain
3. Better fuel economy (approx 10-20%)
4. CRD has the edge over the 3.7 off road, power comes on strong and smooth
5. Usually exempt from state emissions inspections (some not all)
6. Rare and kind of cool when people ask what the CRD stands for.
7. Usually sell for more then a comparable gas unit.
Should you buy the CRD have it looked over carefully by a competent diesel mechanic. Depending on the mileage you may have to replace some key components. If you buy it from a dealer consider an extended warranty. Plan on replacing the timing belt after 100k). My CRD had the turbo, hoses and all 4 fuel injectors, timing belt and water pump previously replaced.
Probably the best aftermarket option and a must by is the GDE tune. The GDE tune is for the most part plug and play and will restore the original torque the engine had before Chrysler detuned with F37 service TSB, this has been applied to most CRD's in the US. The GDE tune will also prevent the EGR from functioning making the engine run cleaner. Your oil will stay cleaner and the car will smoke less.
Another option is the Sasquatch or weeks kit. I would not recommend it for 2 reasons, first its somewhat difficult to install, and it deletes the flow control valve which is used in engine shutdown (it makes the engine shutdown more gracefully by closing off intake flow, the sasquatch kit deletes it). It also doesn't do anything to correct the detuned ECM which the GDE tune fixed.
Also, plan on replacing the turbo hoses with Samco replacements if it hasn't already been done already. The stock hoses are guaranteed to fail and when they do you will make more black smoke then a burning house.
Summary: The CRD is a good little diesel that's not for everyone. If you have mechanical ability, like to tinker and need a little SUV that can tow like an angry mule and don't mind spending extra money on maintenance it could be for you. IMHO! (no flames please!) :gr_grin: Good luck on your decision!
