Dodge Grand Caravan-which model year to choose?

[KrisZ]

Thanks for all the responses. My plan is to keep this vehicle for about 10 years, so 2011 or 2012 would make sense.
Someone mentioned HD brakes, if I buy a pre 2012 model I will probably look for a T&C as they came with HD brakes standard. 2012+ both the T&C and Grand Caravan had HD brakes I believe.

I am considering minivans from Toyota and Honda, but these models, aside from redesigned look, mechanically stayed pretty much the same for the better part of the last decade and I'm more aware of their issues than I was about Chrysler. Chrysler has had quite a bit of changes and that is why I started the thread.


Still, the T&C and Grand Caravan are my first choices because they can be seen literally on every Canadian road so getting it serviced or getting parts for cheap will be no problem. I like the Stow & Go and the extra storage it provides when not used. From the reliability perspective they are on par with others. And the biggest plus for me is that these vehicles are priced in line with what I'm willing to pay for a used one.

My friend has an Odyssey and he has had few issues with it and it started to rust as well. They all have their issues, but unlike Chrysler minivans, people are asking stupid money for their used Odysseys and Siennas. Sure, if I find a good deal or an owner willing to negotiate I will get whatever is in the best shape for the money, as all of these minivans will do the job of hauling my family equally well.
But so far, Chrysler looks to be my first choice.

 

[jigen]

Is new out of the question as far as budget is concerned? We grabbed the last 2015 GC on the lot because the incentives just made the deal too hard to turn down. We were shopping used to begin with.

And I agree with the others that the 3.6 is a nice fit for this van. Even for a budget level GC, I have been impressed with the overall fit and finish of the interior as well.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I, too, would recommend one with the Pentastar engine and the updated interior. I think that means 2011+. The 2008 redesign took until 2011 for Chrysler-now-Fiat to really get right. Lots of electrical problems and power door problems on the earlier years. The current model is very nice. I wouldn't buy a 2008-2010 on a bet.

The earlier generation (2001-2007) is generally good. We owned a 2003 GC that was decent. Traded it on a 2007 T&C that was always in the shop. Shame; we bought it new, hoping for it to be our "forever" car. Sold it to Carmax with 45k miles on it to be rid of it. That was the happiest, and also saddest, car sale that I've experienced.

 

[JTK]

The Grand Caravan didn't come standard with HD brakes until the 2014 model year. Any newer model with 16" wheels will have the lighter duty, short lived brakes. The HD brakes won't fit with 16" wheels. Just to add to the confusion, just because it's got 17" wheels, doesn't necessarily guarantee the HD brakes either. Depends on the trim level.

The 62TE trans will shudder when backing up an incline. A common phenomena with this AT in this van. You rarely hear of an issue with this 62TE otherwise.