Thinking about buying a Chrysler minivan

[fan-of-fans]

So for a while now I've been contemplating getting a Chrysler minivan, possibly a Dodge Grand Caravan. I like how minivans sit up higher but not too high as well as the space. I am specifically looking for a well equipped Chrysler Town and Country. However, I don't have much experience with them. I am definitely looking for used. I do want the seats that fold in the floor, so I know the range I want, which would be a 2005-07 (jellybean shape) or 2008-current (box shape). I actually like the look of the jellybean shape more than the current one, but the newest ones are 07s which are already 8 years old. I've always heard to avoid the first year of a design, which the 2008s would be, but there seem to be a very high number of 08s on the market.

As far as options, I would like it to be pretty well equipped, probably leather, full power, etc. Don't have to have navigation, but I would like it to be bluetooth capable. I don't care for a sunroof. And I want all the airbags, front, side, curtain, etc.

Also, I would prefer lower mileage, such as under 60k, which is harder to find in the older ones I know.

Anyone with experience could chime in on what to look for.

 

[super32]

at this point I would think the "jelly bean" models would be too old and have more miles than you would prefer. I personally think the 08' and newer models drive better. We currently have a 2013. So far so good in terms of reliability. The folding seats are great, sliding doors and hatch. Gas mileage is just ok. The only major gripe is the OEM tires and the traction and stability. It likes to slide. The first winter we had it, we quickly learned it's kinda light on its feet. We put some SUV tires on it which helped for the winter then put the OEM back on for summer. This may not be an issue for you depending on where you live. We had an 08' sienna before this one. That Toyota was a joke! It's no secret that chryslers reliability has been marginal at best, especially their front wheel drive transmissions. But when you step back and look at all the choices of mini vans, I don't think any other brand can beat the Chrysler. The other high mark for me is Chrysler is the only one I can fit in reasonably. Being 6'4" has its challenges.

 

[stevet]

Try before you buy!

I have owned 3 minivans from a 1991 Grand Caravan SWB with the Mitsu V6 and the ill fated automatic tranny they had, a 2001 Chrysler Voyager SWB with the 3.0 V6 and a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT LWB with the 3.8 V6 and would say that the 2005 was the best of the lot. It was fully loaded but lacked the DVD player and no Navigation( don't think it was even avaialble at the time). The 2005 had the stow and go seats which were really convenient but takes a mileage toll. Carrying about 200 or more lbs of weight all the time. The 2001 had the removable seats and you could even rearrange them in any spot in the car. The rear bench seat could be moved to the 2nd row if you wanted to. It also got about 3 -5 more mpg hwy than the 2005 with the smaller engine. Yeah it was a foot shorter but still not bad.
As with all Chryslers, you have to expect to experience their shortcomings which I did and lived with it. My dealer in town was good when I need them.

I would say that you should rent one of the new ones from enterprise or another company for a weekend and see how you like it.
I rented a 2013 and it was superb in every way.Super comfortable and rode well. Again no mileage champ but it is a big vehicle.

Hope you see something you like. They are still the best bang for the buck out there.

 

[moparguy]

Recently traded my 2003 Caravan on a 2015 Caravan

My 03 was a short wheelbase model, 3.3 V6, 4 speed automatic. Ran great, very few repairs, and got about 20ish mpg city, 25-26 highway. I liked the new ones, and the deals that they are offering for this (their final year of the current model), I decided it was worth selling mine while all was well and getting a new one with all the features, including the really great stow n go seats which my old van did not have. So I moved up to the larger model (they no longer have a short wheelbase option, never did offer stow n go with short wheelbase), got the SE Plus model with a ton of features but not the power doors/seats or the DVD/back up camera/navigation... but with TONS of other features, many of which were not on the old van, and total out the door price under $22K (cheaper than many small cars!). So far in six months and 8000 miles, it has been great, zero problems whatsoever, love the stow n go, the power windows in all doors, the bluetooth/satellite radio, and it hauls a lot of appliances! Feels a bit less peppy than the old smaller van (new one has the 3.6 V6/6 speed automatic), but with the transmission in 'eco' mode, am getting better mileage (about same in the city, but maybe a mile or two better highway, about 25-28 depending on conditions). Eco mode does zoom you into high gear quickly, and delay downshifts (neither happen if you want to be peppier, take it out of eco mode) but I like getting the miles per gallon. The new body came out in 08, they did the big refresh in 11, you can get great deals especially on the earlier (08-10) models, but you may want to test them out first, they have the earlier engine and may not have some of the features that you are looking for.

 

[yogitunes]

my sister and cousin have the 2009 and 2011 respectively.....

full tilt of options, I like the auto-doors and lift gate.....

better than average for mileage as a choice of a bigger engine gave you more gears in the tranny....you actually did as good with the V6 with the 6-8 speed versus the 4 banger with only 4 or 5 speeds....

some options are just part of a package deal.....you may get more than you bargain for as a nice surprise, and then realize how much you will use these extra features......

while true, you can rent one from Enterprise, always a good idea.......some dealers will let you have the vehicle for a few days or weeks to try that exact vehicle and see how it works for you as an everyday vehicle.......just be leary of any dealer that wont let you test drive alone, let a mechanic look at it, or let you have it for a few days......at that point, they could be hiding something...turn around and walk away....

 

[yogitunes]

just a side note, and so far for me, most dealers will do this, there are so few people that ask for this, they will go along with the choice you offer them....

ask and explain this first as you enter the dealer....they either will agree to it, or you have the choice to go the traditional way of purchase, or walk out to another dealer....

and that is, what ever the price is you agree on paying, that everything, and I mean everything, is included on that flat price, nothing added....

for example, if the vehicle is listed for 22,000.00.....and you talk the price down to 18,000.00.....THAT is what you finance....all taxes, license, transfer fees, DOC fees, dealer prep fees, extended warranty, or what ever little hidden fee they want to put in there, NOT added on top of......bottom line, the price agreed upon is what you pay, nothing more......of course if you are putting money down, its taken off of the said 18,000.00.....

I bought my last two Jeeps this way, my partners SUV and my brothers Truck......so few people ask for it this way, they never gave us an argument, it was the first thing I asked for when we walked in the door....each one was a different dealer...

play it smart, but be prepared that you may have to walk away from a deal, and if you can find several dealers with similar vehicles, let them fight it out for your business.....just sit at home, they WILL call you....

there have been times they put the paperwork right in front of me, and I laid the pen down ready to walk out......that's when they offer just about anything, mud flaps, window guards, floor mats, spare keys, free oil changes, tow hitch, fog lamps........and especially for a mini-van, you want those cargo area covers to protect against spills and such......

make a small list and take it with you, for if this chance comes up, you know what things you want added on.....

 

[wayupnorth]

I have a cousin that has a Gr Caravan and now a T&C. She has had mediocre luck at best from both of them. I buy my vehicles the same way Martin does, only at the same dealership. They automatically know this when I walk in the door and know what I am expecting. When I bought my new Silverado recently, they gave me every incentive, rebate, etc they could find to the tune of $10,500 off the sticker price. I was a happy camper with that.

 

[dustin92]

I recently bought a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT, and so far, love it. Mine has all the options except navigation, leather, and DVD. I'd check craigslist for a good deal, that's where I found mine with only 118,000 miles for $3300. It blue books at $4800 in good condition. When I was shopping, I drove a 2009, and truthfully wasn't all that thrilled with it. It felt and drove more like an suv than a van, and didn't seem as comfortable as my 2005. Granted, it had 250,000 miles but still ran and drove good. I've put about 6500 miles on mine so far, and not had any real problems. Mine has the 3.8 v6, and may need a tune up since I'm only getting about 21-22 mpg on the highway. I wouldn't worry so much about mileage as overall condition- a well maintained vehicle could make it to 300,000 miles, while a poorly maintained one could be dead by 120,000 or less. I'd say anything under 175,000 and in good condition (preferably with maintenance and repair records) is a safe bet. Look for leaks under the hood.. Check all the fluids- is the oil full and clear, or nearly empty and looking more like roofing tar? Is the coolant full and clean? Oil in the coolant? Is the transmission fluid full and bright red, or low and brown? Brake fluid and power steering both full? How do the tires look? Have someone start it up while you stand by the exhaust- watch for any traces of blue smoke. Drive it down a rough road and listen for any unusual noises. How does the steering feel? Tight and responsive, or loose and wobbly? Any shakes or vibrations at highway speed? Does it pull to the left or right? Check that all lights are working, check the power windows, doors, seats, and locks. Does the heat and air conditioning system work properly? Wipers? Cruise control? Does the transmission shift smoothly? Watch the temperature gauge and make sure it stays within the normal range. After you test drive a vehicle, park and open the hood while it's running, and carefully listen for anything out of the ordinary- clicking, knocking, popping etc. If everything checks out, you should have a good vehicle at any mileage- SHOULD being the key word... Anything can happen at any time- if you buy it through a dealer, try to get a warranty.

 

[dustin92]

While the 2005 was available with navigation, it was not available with bluetooth, and I don't believe the 2006-2007's were either. Mine has all the airbags, front, side curtain, and leg protection. Mine has power doors and liftgate, as well as stow&go seating, which I LOVE. Believe it or not, with all the seats folded, I can get 5 kayaks inside (with the liftgate open, only hauling them a couple miles on back roads) I had a 1987 Caravan as my first vehicle, short wheelbase, 3.0 v6 with 3 speed automatic transmission. Rock bottom basic. One rear bench seat, no power windows, seats, doors or locks. One rear sliding door. It seems like it was a bit peppier than my 2005, which does good at low speed acceleration, but kind of falls flat merging onto the highway unless you really punch it. But I was happy enough with that one to buy a newer model a few years down the road, so that says something. Lots of the 2001-2007's running around here as well. Even still seeing a few of the 85-91 and 92-95's. Still quite a few 96-99's but being michigan, they are starting to rust away.

 

[askolover]

VW Routan

The Volkswagen Routan was built by Chrysler and looks nice too...same van with a VW label on it. Here's one on ebay.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[joeypete]

Chrysler vans are a great choice. I think a lot of people won't recommend them, simply because they are Chrysler. lol. However they are solid vehicles with good powertrains. The 3.3/3.8 V6 engines used in the older models are nearly bulletproof, proven designs. The current Pentastar V6 is also proving to be a very reliable, well powered engine. I have the same version in my Chrysler 200 and after 3 years and 76K miles I've had not only ZERO problems with the powertrain, but ZERO problems with the car overall.

My friend's parents have bought these since they first came out, and they've been extremely happy with every one.

 

[iheartmaytag]

WE have a 2005 Dodge Caravan

It currently has 41K on the odometer, Took it on a trip to Arkansas last week and averaged 27 MPG.   Only thing that has ever been done to this vehicle besides oil changes was replaced the front brakes a few years ago at around 30K.  

 

This is now the third Chrysler van we have had, and no problems with any of them,  First one a 1991 Plymouth Voyager was traded with 156,000.  Second Voyager was a traded at 105,000 for the current 2005.  

 

We have rented a few vans in the past, on a Kia.  What a piece of crap.   Chrysler's build, handling, quality are far superior to Kia.  At least the one we drove. 

 

Toyota, I actually would trade in a minute for a Toyo.  Have not driven a Honda.  Would have nothing to do with a GM, but not sure they even build a van any longer.   Just would have nothing to do with GM, my preference. 

 

[warmsecondrinse]

Just to make more explicit what Yogi said:

Most car salesmen will not take you seriously until they believe you're willing to walk out the door. More than once I was in the parking lot when it finally clicked and the guy came running out after me, lol.

It also depends on what how much in demand the car you want is. My last purchase was an extremely poor seller and the whole dealership was like, "Just tell us what you need us to do and we'll do it." That doesn't happen if the car is in demand....

 

[fan-of-fans]

Thanks for all of the info. I am really not familiar with the newer vans. My family had a 1993 Caravan, 3.0 V6, short van and it was very reliable, but not much to it in the way of options. Hand crank windows, etc. It was a good little van though.

Dustin, I think some 2005-07 did have bluetooth, because I was looking at some online and I recall seeing buttons on the rearview mirror for it on one or two. I think it was a button that had what looked like someone talking on a phone. Probably optional and not many ordered it I guess.