Chrysler Town and Country EX/LX/LXi/Limited

gmarquez · May 1999

rella:
>I love the Town & Country, but wish it had a
>power sliding door. Does anyone know if
>Chrysler intends to incorporate that into a
>2000 model?

Dunno, I haven't heard one way or the other...

- Grego

Karen_S · May 1999

Edmund's Road Test review is now featured on the front page!

Road Test: 1999 Chrysler Town & Country Limited AWD

KarenS/Vans Host

Stratego · May 1999

Chrysler probably won't integrate power sliding doors until the 2001 redesign. I can't see them not integrating them.

beatles · May 1999

Stratego,

2001 redesign? What do you know about that? Any links to further info?

BTW, our T&C 1999 AWD LXi is a real joy. The dealer has been excellent in terms of service, prep, and price and the vehicle seems very solid at 20K miles.

mrfinagle · May 1999

I calculated with dealer, customer incentives and
hold back a new T&C '98 LX at present (5/99) would
be $21,800 excluding destination. Is this possible
and do any dealers actually still have them? If
you know, could you please respond to my email as
well? Thanks, mrfinagle@excite.com

Stratego · May 1999

DC has not released any information of a new model for '00, and it would follow the trend of a new model every 5 years ('91, '96, '01). I'm hoping to gather more information as my lease expires in '01. One area you might like to check out for news is www.car-truck.com and select Daimler-Chrysler Edition.

disneydarby · May 1999

Our 1999 Town & Country Limited All Wheel Drive Minivan is a red LEMON.

Owned for 114 days, it was towed on a flat bed truck to the dealer in the first 17 hours of ownership and then again less than 24 hours later. After 35 days of owning the vehicle, we requested a new vehicle from the dealer. (See below for the repair list of why we requested a new car!)

In the 114 days of ownership, the car has been available for us to drive it 30 days (26% availability); has been at the dealers' for repair 36 days(31.6%); has spent 13 days (11.4% of the time) at the dealer, alignment and tire specialists, body shops, test driven, etc. to understand and resolve why the vehicle shakes itself of of the road at all speeds and has the other serious problems listed below. The remaining 35 days (30.7% of the time) the car has not been driven because we were traveling by plane on business or fearful of taking it to the mountains on weekends. Thus, 43% of the time we've owned this car, we've spent having it or trying to have it repaired.

Worse yet, we purchased an identical 1999 AWD Town & Country Limited six (6) weeks prior to purchasing this car. Like our other 5 Chrysler automobiles before it (two (2) of which were AWD vehicles), our first 1999 AWD Town & Country vehicle appears to be fine. We thought we would get the same quality in the our second AWD Limited, but not so. After being loyal Chrysler purchasers for the last ten years, Chrysler's failure to give us a new vehicle, when they've been unable to make this car operate like its advertisements say and like the other 1999 AWD Limited that we own, raises serious questions about Chrysler "top end" products, the company's valuing of customers, and their willingness to stand behind their products, when they are so clearly inferior in performance to any car we've ever owned.

Since 17 hours after taking delivery on our second 1999 AWD Town & Country Limited, we've had the following problems and service history: (1) malfunctions in the driver's memory seat, which jammed us against the ceiling, windshield, dash and steering wheel or alternatively threw us into a reclining position in the back seat; (2) continual severe vibration throughout the car and a continued severe "pulling to the right", even though the alignment was originally virtually "right on" the manufacturer's specifications; (3) replacement of the rear differential, drive shaft, and power take off unit (within the first 32 days)to try to resolve the vibration and drone in the vehicle; (4) repositioning of the exhaust to try to correct the continued vibration and noise problems; (5) dealer's inability to resolve a variable intensity harmonic tone which comes from the rear of the car at speeds of 15 mph to 38+mph and which appears to be related to the general vibration throughout the car; (6) testing, without success, five (5) different sets of tires and/or wheels on the vehicle to remove the vibration and pulling; (7)inability to resolve (and denial by Chrysler that it exists ... because the on-board computer shows "nothing") an engine power degradation, which occurs after driving the car at sustained high speed driving for more than 2+ hours in cold weather.

After two different dealers said there is "no reduction in the vibration" when different tires and wheels are placed on the car, Chrysler's Zone Representative now gives the car for the FOURTH TIME a "clean bill of health." This is after the alignment specifications (which were nearly perfect at the time of purchase) have been modified in 13 of 15 specifications. We were told a week ago by an alignment specialist, that the car was aligned nearly perfectly from the factory, and that we should not have any adjustments made to the alignment by the dealer, that the "problem pulling to the right" and vibration were being cause by "drive unit pull", not by alignment. In March the dealer's service representative also confirmed the pulling to the right was being caused by "torque pull," another name for "drive unit pull," and that if a car has "torque pull" it is very difficult, usually impossible to fix. The dealer told us that he wants us to drive the car, but that in honesty, the vibration is still in the car, and that the car will ONLY go straight, if on a completely flat road (i.e., no crown, otherwise the car will pull itself off the road).

If anyone has experience with these particular problems in 1999 AWD Chrysler Town & Country Limited Minivans, we would appreciate hearing from you. This process has been extremely time consuming and costly. We've now exceeded the number of days necessary to take this through our state's recovery process, since Chrysler has been unwilling to resolve this.

gmarquez · May 1999

>This process has been extremely time
>consuming and costly

Get a lawyer involved (if you haven't already).
Take a look at http://www.allpar.com/trouble.html
there may be some advise that helps...

>we purchased an identical 1999 AWD Town
>& Country Limited six (6) weeks prior to
>purchasing this car. Like our other 5 Chrysler
>automobiles before it (two (2) of which were AWD
>vehicles), our first 1999 AWD Town & Country
>vehicle appears to be fine

2 T & C Ltd. AWDs? $$$$$$! 8)

- Grego ('99 T&C Ltd. AWD, non-lemon)

mrfinagle · May 1999

Not a direct hit (apologies) but I'm panicking near a buying decision: is it worth it to buy used an 97 LXI w/33K for 20K?

mrfinagle · May 1999

Thanks!

kiway · June 1999

disneydarby

I am sorry to hear that you are having so much problems with your T&C. I think "gmarquez" is right about getting lawyer involved. I hope you can get some results. I just want to say I had 99 T&C limited for a 11 months (7,000 miles) and so far so good. I am happy with my T&C. Too early to tell yet but I did get extended warrenty on it.

Stratego · June 1999

Saw a spy shot of the '01 T&C in Popular Mechanics the other day. Doesn't look too different. Then again it was draped in a black vehicle cover.

disneydarby -

You should definitely get some legal aid at this point. You should be protected by state lemon laws.

esklut · June 1999

Has anyone else noticed that Chrysler is one of the few car companies who don't speak to customers?

When my so-called 5-star dealer botched some repairs on my T&C recently, I climbed the corporate ladder in Michigan and got to the Executive in charge of customer service. Left messages, notes, even letters for him and for the chairman.

Guess what? The head of customer service does NOT speak to customers! No wonder Chrysler was acquired by a far better customer oriented company like Daimler. Pathetic management that is NOT IN TOUCH with its customer.

On top of that, I own two other German vehicles where customer service is tops, and they talk to you. From the top of the company to the bottom of the dealership - they really want to know the customer.

Chrysler should wake up and stop living in the 60's - this ain't your father's Chrysler.

Bottom line - they expect the dealer to be the ONLY contact with the customer. Pathetic, simply pathetic.

sexauer · June 1999

To follow up with my complaint...

It turned out to be a problem with the ABS control module, which my dealer replaced. They said they had never seen this problem before.

At least I can say I appreciate the free, equivalent loaner that my dealer gave me for the entire time my minivan was in the shop. And the professionalism in general from both the sales and service staff.

roger49 · July 1999

My wife wants a Mini Van and is thinking of Chrysler. Can anybody give me a rundown on "the one" to buy?

I'm the kind of guy that likes to buy a new car every 20 years and keep them maintained well, without major problems. Also, we have a son who races Opti's, a 7.5' sailboat. How much room is in the backend, with the back door closed tightly?

Thanks for your help. If you don't mind, please post your answers here and Email them to me at rar@cyberhighway.net, in case I have trouble getting back in here!

All the best,

ROGER

kerrick · July 1999

New to this site... I can't decide between a suburban and a T & C. Has anyone else had this decision to make? and how did you finally decide? Believe it or not the dumb cup holder in the suburban is holding me back! It is right in front of the air-conditioner in the front seat (with the bench seat model). Help!

aling1 · July 1999

kerrick:

The Surburban is probably safer since it is a heck of a lot larger in every dimension compared to the T&C. It's also a lot heavier. Well, I have 2 T&C AWDs ('95 & '98 LXi), so I must vote for the Chrysler - get the AWD, the rear disc brakes are worth that alone. Not only are they easier to handle, but a lot more comfortable too. The Surburban is basically based on a 10 year old pickup truck chassis which finally receives its update for the 2000 model year.

The only negative side to my minivans is the less than stellar fuel economy. Since I am a little bit of a lead foot and a lot of my driving is uphill and down (800 feet above sea level up/down to my house and 1200 feet where I work). Therefore, the average fuel economy on a tank of gas usually is about 15mpg of the '95 - Range, about 289km/tank. It's a little less for the '98 at about 14.5mpg.

Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide on.

edisto · July 1999

I just got my 99Chrysler T & C Limited out of the shop for the third time for the same problem - the serpentine belt comes off, leaving you without power steering amoung other things.

They finally replaced the plate and pulleys and showed me a technical bulletin from Chrysler they got on 2 July that says serpentine belts are a problem on these models and it tends to happen during rain or snow. All three times it was raining when mine failed. I had to call roadside assistance and be towed.

Needlsee to say I have been very disapoiinted. Next step is the GA lemon law if the repair isn't good this time.

wgshepherd · July 1999

I need help!!!! Looking at a 99 T&C Limited, But most Chrysler owners have some trouble mainly with transmissions and the safety factor really has turn my head toward Honda, Suburban, Toyota or just a plain reliable and safe vehicle. I love the Limited's size, comfort features, power but no one (not even Chrysler Customer Relations) can tell the answers that I have questions for. The safety issues from Chrysler in a recording states they have been trying to get the results from (don't know who maybe -IIHS) since the summer of 98 in order to analyse it. It's all over the internet. And the representative stated he has never heard of it. I told him to call the toll number and listen since it was in his dept. The only info I got from him is the Jan. 2000 Detroit Car Show will probably show the 2001 Chrysler mini-van. I feel sure the safety issues will be addressed and hopefully a better drive train /engine would be well accepted. I've owned Japan products for 25 years and put up to 200K miles on them. The dealer is pushing the 7 year or 100K warranty. They seem to know I'll need it. So is this it? 100K miles on a Chrysler product then what? Recycle Time? And has anyone heard of a better engine and trans. for the 2001 product?

oberson · July 1999

I just today went looking for a pre-owned T&C. I found a 1996 with about 30,000 on it. The salesman said that I could not take it for a drive until a new transmission is installed. After reading your comments on drive train problems and what I heard from the dealer I may need to look for some other make of minivan - Toyota.

robo · July 1999

Does anyone know what is new on the 2000 limited vs. the '99

Stratego · July 1999

There is speculation that Chrysler may replace the current selection of engines with some or all of the new V6s - 2.7, 3.2 and 3.5L V6. A DC insider (www.car-truck.com) also tells of a new 4-speed automatic to be first utilized on Neons in a few model years. Whether or not it will show up in the '01 minivans is uncertain.

andyg2 · July 1999

I am a T&C owner for the past 3 years. The van has driven well but has had a number of problems from cracked water pump to broken belts, to having the rearview mirror fall off the windshield, the electric seat jamming, and other nuisance problems causing a day here and there in the shop.

I am now considering changing vans...but can't get a line on a Honda Odyssey for 3 months. If any of the new owners who have used this site log on...I'd like an update on the reliability of the 1999 T&C Limited AWD or LX. What I've read this evening makes me want to go for the Lexus RX300 immediately.

Stratego · July 1999

I am currently leasing a '98 T&C LXi AWD. Other than a few initial problems, such as rear sliding door rattle, rear sliding door electrical malfunction (same door-right side), and a frayed wire in the windshield wiper de-icer, everything has worked fine. The only options I selected were heated seats, golden-white paint, and HD trailer tow-package. I wanted the trailer tow package just in case I wanted a tent trailer in a year or two, and for some extra peace of mind with its upgraded brakes, suspension, and transmission cooling. A minor thing, but the auto-dimming rear view mirror is attached to the roof and windshield in newer T&C's, as opposed to just the windshield in older models.

hoosier4 · July 1999

I am sorry to see so many people looking at appearance over reliability and raving after so few miles. We have a '96 LXi with only 32,000 miles. One sliding door bearing has gone bad, water pump and serpentine belt replaced, door locks jumping up and down when the key is used to open the door(thank goodness for the remote entry system), all paint (white) is coming off of the door handles and the door on the CD/tape holder has fallen apart. The brakes are also beginning to pulse. This van has been garaged and driven less than 10,000 miles a year! We are in the process of looking at other vehicles. However we are avoiding the SUV's. Family of 6 (and an Irish Wolfhound)makes choosing any other mini-vans tough. Lookout Ford Econoline, here we come!

jzarkower · August 1999

After 91,000 miles on our '93 T&C, we just bought a '99 T&C Limited. I was pushing for a Sienna, however the Chrysler (and my wife)won out:

1) T&C has more cargo space than the Sienna
2) Sienna lack of availability
3) $1400 under invoice for the T&C
4) Had negative experiences with local Toyota salespeople and we liked the Chrysler dealership - small mom and pop operation, personalized treatment, etc.
5) Let's face it, T&C feels like a million bucks driving down the road. The Sienna felt nice but, well, it's a little more spartan in terms of fit and finish.

So my wife won out - by a hair.

The question is not so much "do we get an extended warranty." All of your posts have convinced me that we need one. The question is, do you have to get it through the dealer and why? My father purchased an extended warranty for his Oldsmobile through AAA. You don't have to purchase the AAA extended warranty right away and you can take your car to any mechanic, not just the dealership.

Does anybody have an opinion one way or the other as to the best bet? Any help is greatly appreciated.

voulopos · August 1999

We're looking at T&C, Montana, Windstar, and Expedition. Does anyone have real life experience in comparison of these vehicles?

guitarzan · August 1999

Jzarkower, here is a topic where these issues have been discussed vehemently:

Extended Warranties

guitarzan, Community Leader of Vans

waynew1 · August 1999

We have a 97 T&C Lx AWD we bought used (35k miles) 1 year ago. It now has 55k miles and we like the vehicle except for reliability. It's been in the shop for transmission problems, driveshaft replacement, rear seals leaking, hole in front left CV boot and assorted other problems such as elec door locks, int lights, broken door on accessory drawer. We're thinking of trading in for a new T&C simply for the AWD feature. Anyone know of a good alternative?

kimro · August 1999

I own a '96 T&C LXi, white, and the rear bumper is scratched terribly after 3 years of using it for a truck at times. I have noticed the Windstar van comes with a black ribbed rubber strip across the top of the bumper. Has anyone seen one available for add-on to the LXi?

I bought this van when the Chrysler had the only available 4th door, and paid sticker - over $30K total. So to all of you getting new Limiteds for that price - it's a great deal!

bwebster1 · August 1999

Does anyone else no of a Minivan besides a T&C w/ features like leather, seat warmers, wood trim, etc...?

Please respond

dogtrainer · August 1999

Suggest you check out the Honda Odyssey

soccer7 · August 1999

My wife is bent on purchasing a Chrysler T&C. Does anyone have comments on whether I should purchase. We have 2 kids 10 and12 years old. The vehicle will be used for transporting them to school and post school events. Moreover we will use it for vacations. She is smitten by the luxury items offered. Any comments!

mutcth · August 1999

My dad finally purchased his dream minivan - a slate-colored 99 T&C Limited - after his 94 Grand Voyager was stolen. I drive my Infiniti G20t pretty hard, and I despised driving the old van. The new one is a quantum leap ahead in handling and ride - plus no squeaks or rattles. The luxury features are amazing, and the van's had no problems in the first 5000 miles.

I admit - I would have bought an Odyssey (that folding back seat is really nice - the T&C back seat weighs a ton!) or a Sienna (we own one at work and it's been wonderful - great motor, but floaty in handling) but this T&C L is really nice.

agres · August 1999

Soccer7 i would not buy the van, we have the 1998 lxi and it has been in the shop more than it has been home, I have been stranded 4 times with children 6, 4 and 18 months. Chrysler doenst pay for rentals so i also have rental charges. The towing was free and the repairs but the inconvience and fear when stranded i cant describe. We are looking to trade the van for a sienna, I will miss some of the luxury in the van and when it works it is awesome but i have tried very hard and i now give up it isjust a bad product. I also know alot of others with the van and we all seem to start having trouble around 15000 miles good luck

safedee1 · September 1999

I am going to purchase a mini-van---new T&C vs. Sienna. I'd appreciate responses. I am 5 feet 1 inch woman and drive throughout the county with child safety seats, bike helmets, lots of educational materials, etc. I need good handling, gas mileage, and a reliable vehicle.

4aodge · September 1999

The Town and Country might not be as reliable as the Sienna but it is better looking, bigger, more comfortable, and has more features than the Sienna. I have a 98 Grand Caravan SE and we havent had any problems yet with 45k miles on the car. The whole family loves it's styling and handling on the road. It looks great too! The bottom line is to buy a Chrysler minivan...despite reliablility!

jzarkower · September 1999

I was in a similar situation to yours recently. We had a '93 T&C that I bought used in '95. Over the years, I had to dump a lot of money into it just to keep it on the road and safe. Based on the reliability of the '93, I did not want to buy another T&C so was trying to convince my wife to get a Sienna. But she, like your wife, was smitten by the features, comfort, luxury, and most importantly, cargo space, offered by the T&C.

While I preferred the Sienna, the 99's were becoming impossible to get, the 2000's were back-ordered, and it was a pain even trying to find one to test-drive! That, plus the dealers were not really moving at all on price. So finally I succumbed and bought a '99 T&C Limited, Silver (which is a newer color and really nice!), for less than 30k (about $1400 below dealer invoice).

We will get an extended warranty (probably from AAA) at some point to protect against having to shovel $$$ into this car and we will also probably sell it after 3 or 4 years rather than hold onto it past 40,000 miles or so.

btw - both my wife and I love the new van so far. No problems thus far and from what I can tell, Chrysler has improved this product immensely, at least in terms of feature/functionality. I can't believe we ever lived without driver-side sliders! But then again, we've only just passed 2k miles on the odometer...

Good luck with your decision!

rie2 · September 1999

I have a 1996 LXI, when I take a sharp left turn, there is a loud screeching sound, sounds like it is coming from the engine, have already checked, it's not a belt, but when it happens, I lose power steering for a few seconds. Even when you straighten out the wheel, it continues to screech for another five or six seconds, then it's o.k. No one can figure out what this is. Has anybody had this experience or know what it could be? Thanks.

guitarzan · September 1999

Does it only happen when you turn the wheel all the way in one direction? That noise could be the power steering pump. First step is to check it for fluid.

guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference

rdayala · September 1999

I recently purchased a 2000 T&C and negotiated a
much better deal than I could have on a 1999 close-out model (well under invoice). As soon as
I drove it off the car lot I made a tight U-turn
and heard the screeching sound mentioned by others
in this forum. It sounded to me like I didn't
have any power steering fluid at all. A quick
check showed that I did have fluid but it was a
white, milky color and quite sticky! When I took
it to the dealership and opened the fluid resevoir I was greeted by a volcanic explosion of fluid. They didn't know what it was but it was NOT power steering fluid since it had such a low boiling point and wrong consistency. They drained the fluid and had me going in 2 hours. I have not had any problems since then and have really enjoyed the driving and handling of this new model.

hoopertech · September 1999

rdayala posted that they recently got a better deal on a 2000 T&C (well under list). Better than could be had on a 1999. I was wondering how do I find the invoice price on the 2000 T&C. I usually use Edmunds web site and they don't have any info on 2000's as of yet. Does anyone know where to get this info. I was also wondering what was the good price on the 2000 the one well below invoice. We are in the process of locating the vehicle that we want.

Also can someone please tell me that the T&C's problems have been rectified and that it is now a more reliable vehicle.

Thanks in advance for any info.

holtman · September 1999

Greetings. The Kelly Blue Book now has the 2000 price list on it's web site (sorry Edmunds!)

I purchased one 2 weeks ago; I don't know that I got a special "deal" but it's a fantastic car!!!

jonyardney · September 1999

The serpentine belt has failed three times over the past year, always during a rainstorm.Power steering, water pump, and other things are lost immediately. The car becomes unsafe. It has been repaired under warranty three times. There is finally a technical bulletin covering this problem. Maybe it is finally fixed properly.

hoopertech · September 1999

What year is the van with the serpentine belt problem??

hallstev · September 1999

Has Chrysler T & C had problems with their transmissions particularly the 1996 model year?

guitarzan · September 1999

Might want to check out the links here:

Automotive Safety Information

guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference

edisto · September 1999

I took my '99 T & C in for the 15,000 service and asked about the vibration upon braking. I had to have the rotors on the brakes turned and they said wheel cylinders in the two rear wheels were bgoing bad so they replaced them. they also put a 4th serpentine belt on!!!!!!! Said it was making a noise. The first 3 belts came off while driving in rainy weather. And I had to be towed in!!

Wheel cylinders and belt was covered under warranty, but ai had to pay for the rotors.
Love the style and comfort of my Limited, but as wondering about the workmanship of the parts that make it go!!

guitarzan · September 1999

Rather than bad belts, I wonder if water underneath the car has too direct a path to the belt. Did they comment on this?

Brake parts are smaller and lighter on almost every vehicle, especially compared to 10 years ago. From my experience with Acura to your Chrysler minivan, the brakes are smaller to save weight, and I wouldn't consider them poor quality even from only 15k miles use.

guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference

steelml · October 1999

I have been driving a 1997 LXI for 75000 miles and have had no problems whatsoever. I think its a great van and definitely will buy another next year.

Chrysler Town and Country EX/LX/LXi/Limited

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