Friend looking for reliable 2000+ American minivan

[PRND3L]

Originally Posted By: Popinski
Didn't Chrysler minvans have transmission problems?


Many of the transmission problems resulted from folks dumping Dexron in the transmission instead of ATF+4, which was not widely commercially available until about '03 or '04 IIRC.

V-ger is at 106k and change now, it's been a great, reliable vehicle . However, the '00 Chryslers have KHRAP headlights!

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: PRND3L
Originally Posted By: Popinski
Didn't Chrysler minvans have transmission problems?


Many of the transmission problems resulted from folks dumping Dexron in the transmission instead of ATF+4, which was not widely commercially available until about '03 or '04 IIRC.

V-ger is at 106k and change now, it's been a great, reliable vehicle . However, the '00 Chryslers have KHRAP headlights!


While that may have contributed to the problem, the transmission are poorly designed and have very weak clutch material that clogs up the coolers in the radiators and creates a heat issue for the transmission as it is undersized to begin with. Best thing to do is to overhaul it with an aftermarket clutch kit that is designed properly and put on an external cooler with large oil flow passages and a thermostatic control that stops it from cooling when the transmission isn't at operating temperature or else it won't lock-up or go into over-drive (depending on the version).

New filter, Amsoil ATF fluid, and a Magnefine filter before the fluid enters the cooler. Do this and the transmission will last the life of the vehicle.

I should know I have rebuilt probably 60 of them in recent years.

 

[UNC017]

Originally Posted By: Popinski
Any suggestions? I wants a reliable minivan... over year 2000, nothing late as 2008(due to cost). ANy suggestions? He wants an American brand since he has owned 3 Japanese cars so far.


The only real choice is the Dodge Caravan / Chrysler Voyager. Ford and GM are more-or-less out of the minivan business. Chrysler invented the minivan and still makes a very good one with all the bugs ironed out, although Toyota's Sienna is closing the gap and is a far cry from their first two failed attempts at a minivan. Honda sells a lot of Odysseys, but with all their minivan transmission explosions I'd avoid them at all costs. Chrysler minivans ate transmissions like tic-tacs back in the 90s too, but those problems have been gone for years. Don't really know why Honda's still having issues.

 

[StevieC]

Only 4 speed transmissions in the 90's the 3-speeds were rock solid so long as you didn't overheat them or neglect the maintenance requirements.

The 4-speeds have been the worst design which Chrysler still can't seem to get right.

It too bad because the rest of the van is awesome, and the 3.3/3.8L engines are killer and super reliable.

If they would fix the transmission issues, I would buy one in a heartbeat.

 

[UNC017]

Originally Posted By: StevieC


While that may have contributed to the problem, the transmission are poorly designed and have very weak clutch material that clogs up the coolers in the radiators and creates a heat issue for the transmission



Uh.... not really.

The 41TE / 42LE used to be known to be a somewhat "dusty" transmission, but its not a cause of overheating, nor is it related to the clutch materials- its the shift schedule and clutch-to-clutch shifting design. The dust was caught by the filter and unless severely neglected it never causes a problem.

The heat issues also stemmed from the full-electronic design. The early versions of that transmission run at full hydraulic line pressure all the time rather than modulating line pressure with throttle position as old "analog" automatics do. That caused more heat than initially expected, so after about 1995 auxiliary coolers became pretty much standard- problem solved.

Furthermore the newer versions that have full electronic control of the engine throttle don't have 1/10th the problems that the old 1990s versions had, where the transmission had to "soak up" the power of the engine during upshifts. The newer ones use the throttle servo to close the throttle during shifts- just like you do with a manual transmission- which GREATLY reduces the wear on the clutches and drastically extends the life of the transmission.

 

[moving2]

Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
If he doesn't mind a more truckish vehicle, an Astro would probably be the best choice IMO. They are very reliable and tough. AWD was available too.


Originally Posted By: defektes
Had a Astro at our work model 2000 with the 4.3l vortec that was used for transporting tools and trailers with supplies and parts for big jobs.


Originally Posted By: StevieC

I would probably go for an Astro as well. Can't kill the engines/transmission. But they aren't the cheapest on fuel, bit of a pig actually. But it's cheaper than a transmission.

If this van is to be used with a family, I would cross the Chevy Astro / GMC Safari off the list quickly, and then run FAR, FAR away from them. This is not a safe vehicle period, much less for a family. See this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP5bBhaJpyk

 

[StevieC]

I have rebuilds that I have done that will beg to differ with your statements... How many have you rebuilt?

Of the newer ones I would say 15 or so and all had the same problems as I described.

Sure they are "better" than past versions but still have the same history of issues just last longer between rebuilds instead of the 60-100K they used to.

 

[JTK]

The Astro/Safari vans are indeed brutal on fuel. Family and friends have had them. They are tougher than a car based FWD MV for sure, but if you don't need to haul anything but people, I don't see the point in an Astro for 15-18mpg you'll get. They are also more challenging in the snow than a FWD van.

Joel

 

[exranger06]

I recommend a Caravan with the 3.3l. I drive one at work and it is a pleasure to drive. As pleasurable as a minivan can be anyway. My company bought it when it already had 180k miles so I don't know if it has the original transmission, but it now has over 200k and the engine and trans still work beautifully. It has lots of power, and actually hauls a** when you need it to. Once again, I don't know how it was previously maintained, but I know my company sure does not take care of the vehicles, and it has been beaten on every day since we've had it.

Seats are really comfy and great for long drives. Rides down the highway nice and smooth. It's kinda like driving a couch.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
Have no idea where you're located but ever see the Ford or Chevy rust problems, both mush worse than a Dodge Caravan.

Regarding relibility My last Caravan had close to 300,000 when the transmission let go and if I remember right I replaced a cv joint axle, and the exhaust system. The one I currently have is at 200,000 mileswith a replaced exhaust system and a serptine belt.

Neither one owed me anything. And with all those Minivans they built parts will never be a problem. Just stay away from the 4 cyl. engines.


Not up here in rust land. I literally cannot count how many rot-box Caravans are on the road.

 

[Nick R]

I've changed my mind. a Chrylser T&C/Voyager/Grand Caravan are good vehicles. I looked up the transmission problem,s it does seem to stem from the poor clutch material used. The problem was fixed in the late 90s/early 00s

 

[jcwit]

But in my opinion not like the Ford or Chevy, at least not with the 5 Dodge Caravans I've had over the years. This is salt country in No. Indiana.

 

[03hemi]

the dodge or chrysler minivans are the best sold hands down

 

[fdcg27]

May I offer a suggestion?
If you can find a clean one with The 3.0 is the one you want, the Vulcan having a great rep for durability. The transmission will last a very long time if fluid changes are done every now and then, and the later Aerstars don't seem to rust badly. Best of all, the van is quite spacious, and it isn't hard to average 20 mpg in actual use.
On decent tires, it isn't bad to drive in the snow.
Our Aerostar has been as reliable and as durable as any Honda or Mercedes we have ever owned.
An old-school vehicle, and that is how it rides and drives, but once you get used to it, you would be quite happy with it.
We've had ours for twelve years, and on its new Michelin Harmony tires (and new tie rod ends), it still drives well. It does not use oil and rust is just now taking hold in the sills.
I have been very happy with this vehicle over the years, and would buy another to replace it.

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I've changed my mind. a Chrylser T&C/Voyager/Grand Caravan are good vehicles. I looked up the transmission problem,s it does seem to stem from the poor clutch material used. The problem was fixed in the late 90s/early 00s
It has gotten better but it isn't "Fixed". It will last now about 150-160K KM versus the 60-100K before... But it's a far cry from the 3-speed I had in my Caravan that was original at 460K KM I had on mine before the van went up in flames due to an electrical fire.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
But in my opinion not like the Ford or Chevy, at least not with the 5 Dodge Caravans I've had over the years. This is salt country in No. Indiana.


Doesn't seem to be that way up here?

 

[StevieC]

We have Krown Rust & Rust Check though... Maybe that is why?

 

[jcwit]

Hey! I discovered we have Rust Check in South Bend, Indiana. Got both the Pentrating oil in later Sept, then got the Coat & Protect done last week. Much better than the "Z" stuff.

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

I have heard nothing but good things about the Ford Edge...Maybe they can get a good deal on a 07...Even if the mileage is high it should be just fine as long as it was serviced regularly...It is also nice looking.

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: jcwit

Hey! I discovered we have Rust Check in South Bend, Indiana. Got both the Pentrating oil in later Sept, then got the Coat & Protect done last week. Much better than the "Z" stuff.


Make sure you get it done every year or at least every other year otherwise the Rust-Check stuff turns acidic overtime because it contains a solvent in it and will help to accelerate rust if not reapplied. The Krown Rust control stuff doesn't have the same problem and so this is what I use.

Just want the best for your truck.