Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I am glad no one else on this board is having these problems. I am back to driving a 10 year old vehicle that I feel safer driving since I know it is not going to leave me stranded. I bought auto club membership and I have a cell phone.
Good luck to everyone with your Caravan.
Steve, Host
I checked it out. The agencies that govern the auto laws have said we don't have a case. If Chrysler or the Dealership had refused at any time to take either of the vans in to the service dept. we would have some ground to stand on.
Lemon laws here say that a vehicle must be in the shop constantly and or the dealership must refuse to service it any longer.
Good idea though. I may contact one of those lawyers that specializes in personal injury and such. The kind that only gets his fee if he gets you some money back. We are not in a financial position to afford a lawyer especially if it drags on as it usually does. Thanks again.
Anyway, about the 6th time it was in,they replaced the spark plugs and that improved it a little. Then they did the wires with the same result. A little improvement but the problem was still there. Then they replaced the coil(s) and it is finally much better.
There were never any codes and we all know that without codes, the mechanics can't do anything.
Does anyone know if the foglamps are "aim"-able? The one of the drivers side is aimed VERY high, higher than the normal headlight. I haven't had a chance to take a look to see if it is falling out of the housing or not.
I am looking in to buying a used Caravan or Grand Caravan. I will mainly use it for my business in which I travel alot and haul a bunch of musical instruments. I am looking at a used Caravan because I am hoping to get something reliable, with lots of room and somewhat good gas mileage for under $10k. Any warnings, tips on buying a used Caravan? I am wanting to stay year 2000 or newer if I can find one in my price range.
Thanks,
Antonio
When you find a used van you like and think you are ready to buy, go to a (good) dealer and price a new one. You may be able to get into a brand new van for a litte more than a used.
Pun intended.
Get a sharp one, and make sure the spare isn't flat. On that high note,
Steve, Host
If you're hauling equipment, the Chevy Astro, GMC Safari is the toughest and heaviest design, and tend to hold up quite well, although they are the worst design, IMO for comfort and style. I hate them actually, but they run a long time and hold up to anything. Very durable.
Stay away from the Windstar. May want to consider a new Kia Sedona. Pretty heavy van, and a great warranty. I would never own one, but I hear they are pretty decent. (Reason? KIA = Killed IN Action to me, can't handle that.)
I have to disagree. While being overall less troubleprone as the Windstar, our company fleet has not had great service out of ours. Their cost of ownership is higher than the Caravan and the resale is abysmal. Besides being crude they just don't hold up as well as the FWD Chryslers. And they swallow transmissions at a higher rate. If you're going to keep a van for a long time be advised that they are the first to shows signs of rust. If you need to tow something and need extra space, my recommendation is to delete ANY mini-van and look at a mid-size SUV.
Regards,
Dusty
I can go on....
Anyone interested in purchasing a Nearly New 04 Grand Caravan SXT Bright Silver Metallic with DVD and Power everything?
I find it curious that a person with fairly extensive criticism of things like "cheap plastic" and other ergonomic complaints didn't know about them before the vehicle was purchased. A transmission failure so early in a vehicle's life either indicates incorrect assembly or abuse. Few people I know will ever admit to abusing a vehicle.
Regards,
Dusty
DustyK--Several of your posts have struck a chord with me and I compliment you on your cogent comments. Many of us have taken issue with CR and it's flawed methodology and the unending stream of "Chrysler haters". Some of whom have resorted to changing names, emails and tactics to post at Edmunds. In my extended family we have had numerous Caravans, Intrepids, Neons, and Rams. Never have we experienced a transmission failure or other catastrophic isssue of any kind. Perfect? No! Competitive and reliable? Yes!
In particular I felt compelled to share an incident that-while seemingly isolated--gives me concern. At about 45,000 miles, I had maintenence performed on my 2000 Intrepid ES at a local shop. Although I mentioned it to two service managers in EXCEEDING detail--I managed to get a transmission full of ATF 3 instead of ATF 4. When I paid for my service I noticed ATF 3 on the receipt. I called the Dodge Service Manager at my local dealer and put him on the phone with the technicians. Although the car had already been driven, they PUSHED it back into the bay, drained and flushed the transmission and put ATF 4 in. I think that may be much more common that anyone knows and may contribute to transmission difficulties.
Most unlikely. If you suspect someone of doing this, email a host. It only takes a minute to track down IPs, not to mention it's pretty easy to spot a clone when people have come back under a new name after being asked to leave.
Steve, Host
This is a problems board so it's natural for people to complain here. Hopefully the rest of us can offer up some solutions now and then too.
Steve, Host
As to Consumer Reports, there is no one more critical of their "reliability" reporting system then I. I have witnessed hundreds of people who have experienced significant and costly repairs yet believe they've had "no trouble" with a vehicle. Much of it is based on the religious-like allegiance to a particular brand.
Best regards,
Dusty
I think your chances are "much better than average" of having excellent service from your new van. Enjoy.
Best regards,
Dusty
I just yesterday purchased a '97 GC with 67k. I just today noticed when I have the air setting on Defrost and I am sitting stationary with the car running, a somewhat load hissing sound comes from the dash - almost like a tire is deflating. I also noticed when driving this noise is there but it goes away like a compressor is turning on and off or something. Is this normal on this minivan? I have never owned a Dodge or any domestic vehicle - ever. This is the 1st!
Thanks in advanced!
Antonio (^_^)
Thanks,
Antonio
btw I jsut went out and checked the tranny fluid on the van, when doing so I noticed about a 1/2inch diameter black hose on the right side of the engine compartment that was just sitting there not connected. I could also see another un-attached hose that looks like it was it's mate and they came apart for some reason. One side also had some tape on it with a zip tie. Could this un-attached hose be the problem?
Thanks again,
Antonio (^_^)
The switchgear is just your A/C controls. Usually, an integrated unit hooked to either vacuum, or electric in the newer ones.
The odor used to appear on my FORMER "award-winning Motor Trend Car of the Year"- a 99 Chrysler 300M. To help alleviate it, try this every so often:
Buy a can of Lysol.
Put the heater on HIGH.
Put the heater in the RECIRCULATE position.
Turn the FAN on HIGH.
Spray the LYSOL into the vent area on the OUTSIDE of the van near the windshield wipers. Spray a lot.
This will help. Someone with a DC shop manual should be able to tell you where the drain tube is. Hope this helps.
fastdriver
The filter is about 14” tall, 10” wide, and ½” thick. It’s located in a vertical position above the left toe of a front seat passenger, aligned parallel with the passenger’s leg.
This is how I changed mine:
First, have a new filter on hand. Partially straighten a paper clip and bend a 1/8th” hook on the end to get a hold on the bottom end of the filter to ease it out. A flashlight would be useful.
Second, open the passenger door wide, slide the seat back, and remove any after market rubber mat or carpet to aid in easing the filter down and out.
Third, locate the black plastic cap on the bottom of the filter housing. It’s about 10” long and 1 ½” wide with a large plastic sliding lock. Slide the lock forward to release the cap and wiggle it off. Hook the filter with the paper clip and pull it down and out.