So DC payed for the Evaporater part on your vehicle? I guess I will contact DC about it they same way I called about my transmission and see what happens. Thanks for the info!
Well we have been racking up the miles on our 2000 GC and now are oficially off warranty with 38,000 miles. Keep in mind our van is an ex-Avis rent-a-car and we have yet to have a single problem. I change the oil every 4-8000 miles or so, and the last time into Jiffy Lube they said everyhting looked great although they wanted to sell me an air cleaner, no thanks just shake it out! That is it besides gas and windshield washer fluid. My brothers wife is REALLY racking up the miles on their 96, they are up to 90,000 miles with their only problem being the electric fan seized up and need replaced (about $300 I think). We both tow a large pop up tent trailer with out vans and drive with a lead foot. My dad no currently has 3 chrysler minivans, Gen I, Gen II, and GenIII w/AWD. He uses the old 89 for cargo w/o the seats, he's trying to sell the middle one, and the newer AWD is his regular van. Still no problems with transmissions there either and that 89 now has 150,000 miles on it (yes it's a 3.0 with the 4 speed OD). It does smoke a bit but it's not noticible once its warmed up. So it's been awhile, hows everyone doing? Been busy learning more about my new "baby" the Dakota R/T, so I've been hanging out at other web boards lately.
almost 130k on it and fast approaching its 10th birthday...we replaced the starter at 92k..thats it.. it is the short wheelbase if that matters..but it is the 3.3 with the 4spd. also have a 99 with a 3.8 and 4spd and 36k+.. it has been perfect.. i know 2 people that have had tranny problems with DC vans, but know many others that have not..and I cannot figure out why.. seems random.. somebody knows the %..
I've heard all the discussions regarding incorrect fluids and let's just agree that the basic problem with the transmission is engineering design. There are just too many reports of the problem and it IS EXTREME. We had 100,000 miles when our transmission went out (we were lucky versus others that went out before 75,000 miles). I'd love to know how anyone got Chrysler to pay for even half the cost. I called their headquarters and was greeted by an arrogant individual that played ignorance of the problem. Heck, use any web search engine and you can find sites set up with thousands of reports. You can count on transmission, AC, and brake issues on 96 T&C's. I will never purchase another D/C product. I am one of those folks that tried Chrysler when they needed the support and they have FAILED miserably.
Marty, Ever heard the saying "'No' is the first answer on the way to 'Yes'." So here's your homework. Get a copy of Consumer Reports Oct '99 at the library. Copy article on p. 20 "Hidden Warranties". Check out the web sites listed especially www.lemonaiscars.com and autosafety.org. Also copy the April '02 p.81 Reliability History which shows for the '96 T&C transmission problem rate >14.9%(black circle). The average (p.77) for '96 transmission problem rate is 2.0-5.0%(red half circle). If Consumer Reports has documented this problem surely Chrysler knows and any denial can be called dishonest.
I would guess that a transmission that went out at 100,000 miles would be considered "normal" or at least not extreme. Chrysler paid for 1/2 of my transmission repair but we only had 59,000 miles on the '96 T&C. I replaced a transmission in a Mazda 323 at 103,000 miles and figured that was just part of the deal. I know some transmissions last much longer but 100,000 is probably within spec. I am with you, we gave Chrysler a try and will never go back. Right now our AC is out and the left rear vent window will no longer close via the power button. You have to manually go back and turn the mechanism. The problems just keep adding up on our '96. But, like I have said before, it is paid for and cheaper to repair than to replace.
Is it true that the 4cyl Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth minivans DO NOT experience the problems that the v6's do???? I have gathered also that these minivans have AC problems? I am in the market for a used minivan. Am I right that post 1997 minvans are better?
I'd stay away from 4 cylinder Dodges as that's a small motor in a big van and it has to work hard all the time just to move it. It would be like constantly towing a 2000 pound trailer with a v-6 model. The non-over drive automatics did have less reported problems but there are not near as many, so the chances of hearing about a problem is slim. Then again anything bolted up to a torqueless 4 cylinder is bound to last forever! 96 vans had more problems because they were the first ones after a major redesign. I'd say that the last years in each cycle are the best (1995 and 2000). Getting the first year after a redesign is always more challenging. My brother has a very loaded out 96 and has had hardly any problems though. His A/C wasn't working well, but it turned out one of the electric fans had a bearing seize up the whole fan assembly was replaced for $350. Now everything is perfect again at 90,000 miles. Personally I would try and stay away from the 3.0 v-6 as well. It is a OHC aluminum head and although that style of motor makes good power I think they are less reliable then a single cam/pushrod motor. 3.0 really will start to smoke after 100,000 miles (need valve guides) and it is more prone to warp a head or have head gasket problems. The 3.3's and 3.8's don't seem to have either of these problems.
How do I know when the Tranny is going out? I just brought 92 Dodge caravan grand Se with 3.3 V6 81000 miles, the person brought it from a dealer with 70000 3 years ago, I saw a little tranny leakage some drips, I will tighten or replace the gasket and change the fuild.
I wouldn't worry too much about the leaks unless they are causing you to add fluid all the time. There are several things that can go wrong with any automatic transmission. Problem is a lot of people get a complete rebuild when all they need is a specific part. Some signs that a automatic is getting bad is when you first put it into gear (forward or reverse) it takes a while for the transmission to engage the gear. People used to the quick engaging will pull the lever, and step on the gas causing the motor to race, then suddenly it does engage the gear with a nice "clunk" because the motor is turning 3000 RPM. If you keep this up the transmission will have a bunch of other problems in a short time. If you wait for the transmission to engage, even if it is slow, it will continue to operate otherwise normally for a long time. You can try changing the fluid with the correct type, and get a good Mopar replacement filter. The valve body can also be re built at that point. Another thing that can go wrong causes stalling when coming to a stop, that is that the torque converter remains locked up. Here again the fluid can be the problem, or the electronic controls, or the converter itself, but it doesn't take a $1500 rebuild to fix. Sometimes people notice their transmission "slipping", an automatic transmission is supposed to slip somewhat, as it uses a fluid coupling to the motor. Once up to speed then there is a mechanical lockup, and once again this is the torque converter. If the transmission is not locking up, the same cures would apply as above. Torque converters in the past never used to have the lockup feature, and it is more for gas mileage and extending the life of the transmission. Your van can live a long time with a non-locking up converter and it actually will have more power without the converter locked up. Sometimes you will just know your transmission is broke because the van will run but it won't move! Thats when you really need a new transmission! But you might want to make sure the parking brake is not on.
Just looking for a topic to get an answer to my question. The 7 yr. 100,000 mile offer ends May 31st. I have checked through web sites and in person at a local dealership. The best price that I could get is $24,052.00 for a new EX-add sliding left power door. I have been putting this purchase off and looking for alternative solutions for about a month.The reason for waiting is the trade in offer that I received.
Checking 4 sites, including Edmond's, NADA, and Kelley, I came up with trade-in value of $8,900 up to $10,800 with NADA being the highest. The best offer that I could get on the deal was $7,200. This would be a loss of over $12K in a 3 year period of ownership.
I have checked into everything from used cars to buying a wreck at auction and having it repaired. I opted to try and sell my vehicle privately-but now my time is running out on the warranty offer, and I could use some input from other owners.
I understand that this warranty has a one-time deductible of $100.00. After that, there should be no other out-of-pocket expense for repairs or labor for anything related to the power train.
I travel alone several times a year, so do need a good, reliable vehicle.
Thanks for any experience that you all can share with me.
4dunes, What have you had for 3 years and how is it not meeting your needs. A well maintained 3 year old vehicle should be quite reliable. The absence of warranty on your current vehicle and the presence of a warranty on a new vehicle have nothing to do with reliability. I purchase about 4 year old vehicles and never have been attracted to obtain a warranty because they are uneconomical. Think about what happens to warranty purchasers' money. It pays a brokers commission, the covered repairs and company's administrative overhead and profits. I'm happy to just pay my repairs and keep the rest. My wife drives a '95 Caravan and I drive a '95 Subaru Outback and my daughter drives a '92 Camry. If one of us has a breakdown we get help from AAA. That has happened twice in 3 years, So two reliability issue in 9 car-years driving good used cars.
Hello and thanks for your response. I, also, am used to buying used vehicles, and getting many years of service out of them. Unfortunately this vehicle has become a mountain of problems. It is a Ford Explorer. I have gone into detail of my troubles in the "Perpetual Ford Explorer Woes" town hall message board. It is currently at the transmission shop. When I get it out, I need to return to the a/c shop, as I have been twice and spent $180 and the a/c is still not operating properly. The suspension is terrible. Many times that I have had it in for service I have asked my mechanic to check-but he never heard the noises that I did-would be hard to miss now. Also, though I have done the recall work on the engine-actually had it done way before the recall ever came out-the engine has a history of failure. This vehicle was 2 years old at purchase and had 46,000 miles on it. I have never spent that amount of money on any vehicle in my life and expected much more out of it.
The last car that I bought before it was a '88 Mazda 929, bought in '92 for $8,000 (also at that time the most that I had ever spent on a car!). That car now has 184,000 miles on it, and is how I am getting around while my "new" car is in and out of various shops. It is not in the best of shape, as my son had it for 2 years and the old car was lucky to see an oil change! It has seen better days, but hey, it's running!!!!!
If I go for another used vehicle, I am considering a Toyota. The man at the junkyard(oh, yes, I have been to the junkyard as well-ha!) told me that he gets alot of calls for the engine in my Explorer. When I asked him what he thought about a Toyota engine he remarked, "YA CAN'T KILL ONE OF 'EM".
Nothing would make me happier than to find another used car that would be as good as the Mazda has been. The Ford, I guess, has me running scared of buying used!!!
I just thought the warranty offered by Chrysler sounds very good, and there is no cost for it.
I am still mulling over my options, and do appreciate your input.
It is attractive, comfortable, and cheap. It also comes with the 100k mile powertrain pledge for peace of mind. The Town & Country EX is a great deal; a leather option has just been added to the EX. If you do alot of driving and need a comfortable van with lots of room, it is hard to beat a Chrysler.
Thanks for your response, as well! I just drove through a few dealerships(it is well after closing time!) and didn't see alot that interested me. I thought maybe the Rav 4-but didn't really like the look. Yes, the Chrysler is very attractive and comfortable. I rented one for a week last month, and it felt as if I was sitting in the living room! A very nice, quiet ride. Just have to convince myself to let go of that rusty money-LOL!
Well for one thing if you really haggle the dealers down to near invoice on a new car, they rarely will give anybody's trade in value. They will give wholesale value. Not many of the guides list wholesale and wholesale changes very quickly. Often they will just look at the bast months auction listings and see what similar explorers have sold for at action. The problem there is that many of these Exploders, oops Explorers, will be of lesser quality then the average 5-star Chrysler dealer normally would keep in their used car inventory. Now maybe that is a fair evaluation of your Explorer, maybe not. The dealer will always ensure they will not lose money on a trade so even if they have to ship it to the auction house they will still cover their costs and make a little money on the side. So selling it yourself could easily save $1000-$2000 dollars. I don't think they will drop the extra warranty when it's scheduled to end, it's a good selling feature and probably worth about $800, based on what the dealer cost on an extended power train warranty for a van with just the normal 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper is. So they are including the $800 extended warranty (their cost again, not retail) and giving $2500 rebates. That still is not as much as the $3500 rebates in 2000, or the equivalent of 0% financing for 5 years. Oh, and the Explorers really took a nose dive in value with the whole tire thing, add that to the fact they did a major redesign after your truck and it hurts more. Still they are very popular models, in a very popular category, so selling one yourself shouldn't be a problem.
I just noticed you said EX model, and ofcourse they don't have the $2500 rebates. Dodge built the rebates into the MSRP to better compare to the competition. Seeing as how the magazine reviews always use MSRP, and don't take into account any rebates it made the Dodge seem pricey compared to a manufacturer that doesn't use rebates as a selling tool.
We had 2 transmission failures in our 93 GCAWD. The first failure was at 135,000 mi and the second at 155,000 mi. There was no warning either time that there were any problems with the transmission. We had the vehicle serviced every 3,000 miles at our local dealer.
The second transmission failure happened when towing a boat for the first time. I was using the transmission according to the advice of the dealer's service manager (talked to him 3 days before the trip). Transmission failed while climbing a hill. I had 2 transport trucks on my tail and 2 more coming toward me in the other lane. There was just enough of a shoulder on the road to pull over - not even enough time to put on the turn indicators!
The only other major problems I had with the van was the air conditioner (gave up trying to make it work) and the coolant lines to the rear heaters failed every 2 years due to rust (had them disconnected). Otherwise, it was a good van.
Thanks for all the info. It seems that values, in our area at least, are lower than even the Edmund's Fair Market Value. You just clued me in on some of the reasons. The dealership planned to take my vehicle to auction. They said they wouldn't sell it with the miles on it(89K). I am fixing up the Explorer as much as I can and will try to sell it myself. Just got it back from transmission shop and was told it(the transmission) was perfect inside. Had servos replaced and TPS sensor. Still have to get a/c checked as I just spent $180 a month ago, and again it is clicking on and off. The deal on the EX was an advertised price. They were used over a weekend Golf Tournament which Chrysler sponsors. The ones that I looked at still had less than 200 miles on them. I have purchased a '97 Camry, and will now probably hold off a year or two on the EX. I really loved it-but the $$ and not having sold my vehicle. I hope to use the Camry like the Mazda that I've had for so long. It has been very well cared for and still has the extended bumper to bumper warranty. It would be nice to have it for an everyday back and forth to work vehicle, and maybe get a T&C later as well. I run alot of miles traveling to the coast and could keep miles on the minivan down by having the extra car. They will have the offer again, as they are one of the local dealerships that participate every year in the golf tournament.
Was actually just going to tell you they extended the promotion until July 8th now, so you would have been good to go! I think you can get an new EX for about $25,700 anytime. Just look at the invoice EX prices here on Edmunds and add about $500 to that. They should sell them all day for invoice plus advertising plus $300. Did you say there were going for under $24,000? That was a good deal then, especially if they gave you a full warranty from the time you purchased it.
Thanks for the pricing info. I will keep it in mind when I do decide to buy. The EX price was $24,052.00. That was including the left power sliding door. I see NOW their price is $24,220.00. I can only assume that the EX they have remaining has an extra option, perhaps the side air bags. Still, the best price that I could find, and better than any that I received using online sources. Also, this was a local dealer (about 25 miles away) and they provide a vehicle to use anytime service work is performed-a definite plus for me as getting cars to and from garages and getting around in the meantime is always a MAJOR HASSLE!
I am still quite infactuated with the T&C-and still hope to get one-but perhaps it will now have to wait a year or so.
I just bought a 96 Grand Voyager in 3/02, with 84,200 miles on it. The van had transmission rebuild in 7/01, and at that time the car had 78,398 mileage on it. After 2 months of owning this vehicle and drove for less than 400 miles, the transmission went off. We are supposed to have a warranty with "recondition service warranty with 12 month or 15,000 miles" with the shop that fix the transmission (local shop, not the dealer). My problem is that I purchased this van in Illinois and therefore the transmission shop was back in Illinois. However, I have shipped this van to west coast in March due to job transfer and the van is now in California. I called the shop in Illinois and they said that they will honor the warranty if I ship the van back to Illinois.. but it's impossible. Shipping a car costs $1000 one way from California to Illinois! So I am stocked here in California with a van that I only drove for less than 500 miles (it has 84,666 miles on it now). The local transmission shop quoted that I will need $1600 - $2200 to fix the transmission. Anyone knows anyway that I can ask the Illinois's transmission shop to pay for at least part of the repairing costs? How much can I sell this van if I don't fix the transmission?
I don't know if you will have any luck in trying to get the transmission shop in Illinois to pay for repairs in another state. Sounds like a legal question. As far as selling with a rotten tranny, good luck. These vans don't hold value well on the used market as it is and have the tranny reputation to deal with. I just traded a '96 Town & Country with 92,000 miles and could only get $4750 as my best trade. I would think trying to sell with a bad transmission would put you in the $1000 to $2000 range. By the way, the transmission on our '96 T&C went out at 59,000 miles. I wish you the best of luck!
my 99 tranny began shifting very eratic.. turned out to be a $21 speed sensor...first problem we have had with the vehicle...and i have a 93 with 130k sitting in the driveway that has been just great..that old van doesnt owe me a penny..if the tranny goes tomorrow..i have no kicks..
Hey how ya been? I bet 1/2 the people out there would have run down to the nearest tranny shop, or their dealer and wanted a whole new transmission. $2500 later they would be back here talking about what a peice of junk their Dodge transmission is. You just helped prove that often there is just a single part bad, or it just needs a fluid change. I wonder how many of the rebuilds out there are a $21 speed sensor?
I think it is a little strong to say that Swampcollie "just helped prove that often there is just a single part bad, or it just needs a fluid change." Does this one account of a bad speed sensor really disprove all the transmission problems? The Chrysler defenders are working both sides of the fence. When someone posts a particular problem we hear them say, "that is just one occurrence, you can't trust anecdotal evidence." However, when one person posts that a major problem was actually something minor, it is suddenly "proof" that other problems did not exist. Which way is it? Is a single occurrence proof or not?
Hey folks. I am looking at 2002 Caravans for my parents. The options we want are leather, remote passenger door and hatchback, standard radio w/CD and cassette. I was quoted a price 28K out the door. Is that good or can I do better. Also, I checked out the edmunds and carpoint for an invoice price, but can't find anything exact for those options. Anyone have any idea where I can get a printout that I can take with me to the dealership with those exact options priced.
Did you see the "Price With Options" button when you drilled down to the model and prices page? Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Robert, check Consumer Reports Apr '02 Car Issue. (Survey data collected Apr '01) Transmission problem rate for '97 GC=black half circle (9.3-14.8%). Average for '97 models for transmission problems =red half circle (2.0-5.0%). IMHO this can be improved by adding an auxillary transmission cooler, fluid change every 15,000 mi. and keeping the overdrive off in city driving below 45 mph. I've seen factory aux coolers on DC vans starting in '99. Also on a '96 Intrepid.
I have never heard any Chrysler advocate claim that there was never a transmission problem. All hersbird and the others are saying is that some of the so called transmission failures are really due to a cheap, fautly speed sensor instead. Yes, Chrysler has had serious transmission problems but the situation is much better now than it was back in 1996 when premature failures were much more common.
I am looking into buying a 97 town and country with 55,000 miles. does anyone has any information about the transmission problems i heard it has lots of transmission problems. does it has good engine? please write me
I don't think the 97's had as many problems as the 96's but then again I don't think the 96's were that bad either. The majority of the transmission problems were from the late 80's to early 90's. People still had some problems later but they are classified as "infrequent" by that point.
Just got my second reman trans on '94 DC GC and vehicle has less than total of 60K. DC paid for first one and 70% of second even though we were past the 7 yr. warranty on the second one. Good for DC, they are trying harder to keep the customer. Will probably buy an 03; doubt Honda would replace a trans out of warranty and theirs cost almost $6K to replace.
Heidi and DJ had transmission repaired at 180,000 miles. They tow a trailer most of the time and have had no other transmission problems but did have to replace the water pump at 240,000 miles. They say no other vehicle would fill their needs like a DC Minivan.
I would be skeptical of any claim that their 4 spd. DC trans was "repaired" at 180K miles. These units are replaced with remanufactured units by dealers and independent shops.
I have a 98 caravan sport that I love to drive (except for the time my master cylinder failed). But, recently my transmission started to make noise when shifting from P to R (and back) and N to D (and back). Is this a sign of bad things to come? My sister's T&C transmission went out at 65K. My van was also manufactured early in the model year and I'm afraid the tranny might be a '97 part. My seat belts were. I think my brakes might have been as there is a TSB for master cylinder leakage for '97 Chrysler vans.
Also, my van has 59K and I'm afraid to wait too long as it's trade in value might decrease sharply. Is it time for a Toyota or Mazda? My husband refuses to buy another Dodge.
With the special financing & low prices now, I'm thinking that that $2k would be better invested in a new van that will last 7-10 years without a major repair. And, after reading the TSBs, I think there is much more that could go wrong in the near future than just the transmission.
Well pluto5, this is the first van that I have owned; however, I had a Honda Accord for 7+ years and a Nissan Altima for 9+ years. Neither one of those vehicles had to have a major repair (i.e., transmission, engine, or brake failure). I guess they spoiled me for domestic products. I'm not really looking for a warranty but a product that will last 7-10 years.
It appears than minivans are, in general, less reliable than sedans. That seems to apply to Honda as well. However, by sacrificing some reliability for safety, you are making a good trade-off IMO. As far as domestic products, I have had several that did not require major repairs so from my experience Nissan and Honda have no advantage over one of the more reliable GM vehicles.
Dear Pluto5, You are obviously a supporter of domestic vehicles. I have no desire to change your mind. I agree that the Honda minivan is a shame to the Honda Nameplate & reputation. However, my research indicates that the Toyota and Mazda (which has Ford components) have better reliability records based on statisical research. I don't like the GM Venture because it drives like a truck. I prefer the small minivans that drive like cars. Maybe all Dodges aren't bad. Perhaps mine is a lemon . . . the master cylinders failing at 12K and 13 months must have been a indicator of things to come. I was lucky not to have been in an accident.
According to Consumer Reports, the "new" MPV (model years '00 and beyond) have better than average reliability. The MPV is smaller and has less power than the Caravan(3.3L that is).
I'll probably keep my Caravan Sport for awhile. The brake fiasco put a crimp in our relationship but ... It's just the right size, drives well, and has a better turning radius than many sedans. If I could only feel more confident that several major repairs weren't headed my way.
However, I haven't driven the latest Sienna. Oh well, if only BMW made a minivan, I had lots of money, and . . .
I have a '96 Caravan with the 3.3 L V6 and 4 speed automatic. Recently, when you move the selector into the park position, the tranmission hesitates going into park. Sometimes you have to let up on the brakes, let the car move a few inches and then it will drop into park. Other times there is just a slight delay and wiggling the gear selector seems to help, but it always does eventually go into park. Has anyone experienced this and had it repaired? Is it precursor to a major problem or just a sticky valve or bad sensor, or a linkage adjustment required? Any feedback would be appreciated. I plan on taking it in for a transmission fluid change soon, and don't want to get ripped off if it is really a minor problem. Mileage is at 61k, and other than this, the transmission performs flawlessly.
I would imaging how people drive might affect the transmission. I know 2 people with caravans, one without any problems after 6 years and one with 2 transmission repairs after 5 years. I know the one with problems drives the van pretty hard, and the other one doesn't.
Has anyone notice any pattern?
My 01 T&C EX has 18k miles, had the AC compressor replaced under warranty, but no other problem.
We own a '97 grand caravan which was purchased brand new. The scheduled maintainance was always done according to the owners manual. The transmission fluid was changed at 30 and 60K miles with filter replacement. The van was not abused, no towing or heavy loads except for a few extra kids now and then. Without warning the transmission died. The total cost for a re built chrysler transmission to be installed totalled $2,300. Thank God we had purchased an extended warranty for 7 yrs. and up to 100K miles. The most outrageous thing about this is that Chrysler has had this problem for years and has done absolutely nothing to fix the problem! A vehicle that is maintained and not abused should reach well over 100K miles without any major internal power train break downs. This is the first and last Chrysler product that we will ever own and we wrote Chrysler to tell them that. We're going to look at the Toyota and Honda vans when it comes time to buy again once the 100K mile mark is hit on the Chrysler and our extended warranty expires.
Comments
also have a 99 with a 3.8 and 4spd and 36k+.. it has been perfect..
i know 2 people that have had tranny problems with DC vans, but know many others that have not..and I cannot figure out why.. seems random.. somebody knows the %..
Also copy the April '02 p.81 Reliability History which shows for the '96 T&C transmission problem rate >14.9%(black circle). The average (p.77) for '96 transmission problem rate is 2.0-5.0%(red half circle). If Consumer Reports has documented this problem surely Chrysler knows and any denial can be called dishonest.
I am with you, we gave Chrysler a try and will never go back. Right now our AC is out and the left rear vent window will no longer close via the power button. You have to manually go back and turn the mechanism.
The problems just keep adding up on our '96. But, like I have said before, it is paid for and cheaper to repair than to replace.
I have gathered also that these minivans have AC problems?
I am in the market for a used minivan. Am I right that post 1997 minvans are better?
The 7 yr. 100,000 mile offer ends May 31st.
I have checked through web sites and in person at a local dealership. The best price that I could get is $24,052.00 for a new EX-add sliding left power door.
I have been putting this purchase off and looking for alternative solutions for about a month.The reason for waiting is the trade in offer that I received.
Checking 4 sites, including Edmond's, NADA, and Kelley, I came up with trade-in value of $8,900 up to $10,800 with NADA being the highest.
The best offer that I could get on the deal was $7,200. This would be a loss of over $12K in a 3 year period of ownership.
I have checked into everything from used cars to buying a wreck at auction and having it repaired. I opted to try and sell my vehicle privately-but now my time is running out on the warranty offer, and I could use some input from other owners.
I understand that this warranty has a one-time deductible of $100.00. After that, there should be no other out-of-pocket expense for repairs or labor for anything related to the power train.
I travel alone several times a year, so do need a good, reliable vehicle.
Thanks for any experience that you all can share with me.
I, also, am used to buying used vehicles, and getting many years of service out of them. Unfortunately this vehicle has become a mountain of problems. It is a Ford Explorer. I have gone into detail of my troubles in the "Perpetual Ford Explorer Woes" town hall message board.
It is currently at the transmission shop. When I get it out, I need to return to the a/c shop, as I have been twice and spent $180 and the a/c is still not operating properly.
The suspension is terrible. Many times that I have had it in for service I have asked my mechanic to check-but he never heard the noises that I did-would be hard to miss now.
Also, though I have done the recall work on the engine-actually had it done way before the recall ever came out-the engine has a history of failure. This vehicle was 2 years old at purchase and had 46,000 miles on it. I have never spent that amount of money on any vehicle in my life and expected much more out of it.
The last car that I bought before it was a '88 Mazda 929, bought in '92 for $8,000 (also at that time the most that I had ever spent on a car!). That car now has 184,000 miles on it, and is how I am getting around while my "new" car is in and out of various shops. It is not in the best of shape, as my son had it for 2 years and the old car was lucky to see an oil change! It has seen better days, but hey, it's running!!!!!
If I go for another used vehicle, I am considering a Toyota. The man at the junkyard(oh, yes, I have been to the junkyard as well-ha!) told me that he gets alot of calls for the engine in my Explorer. When I asked him what he thought about a Toyota engine he remarked, "YA CAN'T KILL ONE OF 'EM".
Nothing would make me happier than to find another used car that would be as good as the Mazda has been. The Ford, I guess, has me running scared of buying used!!!
I just thought the warranty offered by Chrysler sounds very good, and there is no cost for it.
I am still mulling over my options, and do appreciate your input.
I just drove through a few dealerships(it is well after closing time!) and didn't see alot that interested me. I thought maybe the Rav 4-but didn't really like the look.
Yes, the Chrysler is very attractive and comfortable. I rented one for a week last month, and it felt as if I was sitting in the living room! A very nice, quiet ride.
Just have to convince myself to let go of that rusty money-LOL!
The second transmission failure happened when towing a boat for the first time. I was using the transmission according to the advice of the dealer's service manager (talked to him 3 days before the trip). Transmission failed while climbing a hill. I had 2 transport trucks on my tail and 2 more coming toward me in the other lane. There was just enough of a shoulder on the road to pull over - not even enough time to put on the turn indicators!
The only other major problems I had with the van was the air conditioner (gave up trying to make it work) and the coolant lines to the rear heaters failed every 2 years due to rust (had them disconnected). Otherwise, it was a good van.
I am fixing up the Explorer as much as I can and will try to sell it myself. Just got it back from transmission shop and was told it(the transmission) was perfect inside. Had servos replaced and TPS sensor. Still have to get a/c checked as I just spent $180 a month ago, and again it is clicking on and off.
The deal on the EX was an advertised price. They were used over a weekend Golf Tournament which Chrysler sponsors. The ones that I looked at still had less than 200 miles on them.
I have purchased a '97 Camry, and will now probably hold off a year or two on the EX.
I really loved it-but the $$ and not having sold my vehicle.
I hope to use the Camry like the Mazda that I've had for so long. It has been very well cared for and still has the extended bumper to bumper warranty. It would be nice to have it for an everyday back and forth to work vehicle, and maybe get a T&C later as well.
I run alot of miles traveling to the coast and could keep miles on the minivan down by having the extra car. They will have the offer again, as they are one of the local dealerships that participate every year in the golf tournament.
The EX price was $24,052.00. That was including the left power sliding door. I see NOW their price is $24,220.00. I can only assume that the EX they have remaining has an extra option, perhaps the side air bags. Still, the best price that I could find, and better than any that I received using online sources.
Also, this was a local dealer (about 25 miles away) and they provide a vehicle to use anytime service work is performed-a definite plus for me as getting cars to and from garages and getting around in the meantime is always a MAJOR HASSLE!
I am still quite infactuated with the T&C-and still hope to get one-but perhaps it will now have to wait a year or so.
I just bought a 96 Grand Voyager in 3/02, with 84,200 miles on it. The van had transmission rebuild in 7/01, and at that time the car had 78,398 mileage on it. After 2 months of owning this vehicle and drove for less than 400 miles, the transmission went off. We are supposed to have a warranty with "recondition service warranty with 12 month or 15,000 miles" with the shop that fix the transmission (local shop, not the dealer). My problem is that I purchased this van in Illinois and therefore the transmission shop was back in Illinois. However, I have shipped this van to west coast in March due to job transfer and the van is now in California. I called the shop in Illinois and they said that they will honor the warranty if I ship the van back to Illinois.. but it's impossible. Shipping a car costs $1000 one way from California to Illinois! So I am stocked here in California with a van that I only drove for less than 500 miles (it has 84,666 miles on it now). The local transmission shop quoted that I will need $1600 - $2200 to fix the transmission. Anyone knows anyway that I can ask the Illinois's transmission shop to pay for at least part of the repairing costs? How much can I sell this van if I don't fix the transmission?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
As far as selling with a rotten tranny, good luck. These vans don't hold value well on the used market as it is and have the tranny reputation to deal with. I just traded a '96 Town & Country with 92,000 miles and could only get $4750 as my best trade. I would think trying to sell with a bad transmission would put you in the $1000 to $2000 range.
By the way, the transmission on our '96 T&C went out at 59,000 miles.
I wish you the best of luck!
Which way is it? Is a single occurrence proof or not?
Thanks In Advance
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
i heard it has lots of transmission problems. does it has good engine? please write me
http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/usedsingleyear.aspx?modelid=640&src=vip#Reliability
I don't think the 97's had as many problems as the 96's but then again I don't think the 96's were that bad either. The majority of the transmission problems were from the late 80's to early 90's. People still had some problems later but they are classified as "infrequent" by that point.
But, recently my transmission started to make noise when shifting from P to R (and back) and N to D (and back). Is this a sign of bad things to come? My sister's T&C transmission went out at 65K. My van was also manufactured early in the model year and I'm afraid the tranny might be a '97 part. My seat belts were. I think my brakes might have been as there is a TSB for master cylinder leakage for '97 Chrysler vans.
Also, my van has 59K and I'm afraid to wait too long as it's trade in value might decrease sharply. Is it time for a Toyota or Mazda?
My husband refuses to buy another Dodge.
in a new van that will last 7-10 years without a major repair. And, after reading the TSBs, I think there is much more that could go wrong in the near future than just the transmission.
The TSBs don't necessarily mean you will have a problem with a particular vehicle.
IMO older DC vans have such low value you might as well keep them as long as possible.
You are obviously a supporter of domestic vehicles. I have no desire to change your mind.
I agree that the Honda minivan is a shame to the Honda Nameplate & reputation. However, my research indicates that the Toyota and Mazda (which has Ford components) have better reliability records based on statisical research.
I don't like the GM Venture because it drives like a truck. I prefer the small minivans that drive like cars. Maybe all Dodges aren't bad. Perhaps mine is a lemon . . . the master cylinders failing at 12K and 13 months must have been a indicator of things to come. I was lucky not to have been in an accident.
Thanks for your comments.
IMO it is so small inside as to offer no advantage over sedan-- and third seat is too close to rear of vehicle.
I'll probably keep my Caravan Sport for awhile.
The brake fiasco put a crimp in our relationship but ...
It's just the right size, drives well, and has a better turning radius than many sedans. If I could only feel more confident that several major repairs weren't headed my way.
However, I haven't driven the latest Sienna. Oh well, if only BMW made a minivan, I had lots of money, and . . .
Has anyone notice any pattern?
My 01 T&C EX has 18k miles, had the AC compressor replaced under warranty, but no other problem.