Originally Posted By: tlmprnpg
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
We love our 2007 T&C. We didn't care for the styling of the 5th generation vans when they came out, and I personally think the quality of the interior materials went the wrong way with the 2008 models. We bought our '07 model in July of 2007, just before the '08s came on the lot (but long after I got a good look at them). We traded our '03 Grand Caravan for the '07 T&C.
The reliability of our T&C has been the pits. It's had about $5000's worth of warranty work done to it. I believe at least half of that was due to inept dealership technicians or just silly parts practices. For instance, they had to replace the entire powertrain wiring harness ($1300) on our van because a battery cable corroded off...from a hole in the original battery. They wouldn't replace just the cable end...had to replace the entire harness. It's on its 3rd A/C compressor. It's on its 2nd alternator. I question the replacement of both of those as "shotgunning" parts to chase a belt drive noise. It's on its 3rd belt tensioner. I think I've counted 5 front sway bar bushing replacements. These vans are notorious for that. I've put three new rear wheel ABS sensors on it (two right, and one left).
Curiously, all the extra do-dads on our van (heated seats, nav system, power doors and 'gate, moonroof, DVD) have functioned just fine. It's the fundamentals that have failed. I take the van to the dealer this coming week for a leaking solenoid pack on the transmission. That SHOULD be covered under the lifetime powertrain warranty. As noted, maintenance is easy. And for the most part, parts are cheap. Because of how Chrysler has treated us, I'd never buy a new one, but I'd be pretty quick to buy a used one, for the right amount of money. They're easy to fix (I'm a master mechanic now) and parts aren't high.
But we love it. The ownership experience has been terrible, but the vehicle itself is rather nice. I think the driving position is the best of any minivan. It's supremely comfortable and gets reasonably good fuel mileage. Our 3.8/4AT van has returned a hair over 19 lifetime MPG. A 3.8/6AT van should be a bit better.
Your experience worries me a bit. I look at 2007 model because wishful thinking that most bugs have been fixed.
I am lower my choices to 2006-2007 model (non-loaded trims). I rather keep money to spend on fixing them.
i would not worry. hokie's experience is do to type "a" personality. the 3 compressors and 2 alternators that were replaced had nothing wrong with them!!!! they were chasing a pulley noise that may or may not have been serious.
i believe the service department did not beleive the noise was anything but in attempt to alleviate the customer they showed they were "trying", all along making warranty money from chrysler.
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
We love our 2007 T&C. We didn't care for the styling of the 5th generation vans when they came out, and I personally think the quality of the interior materials went the wrong way with the 2008 models. We bought our '07 model in July of 2007, just before the '08s came on the lot (but long after I got a good look at them). We traded our '03 Grand Caravan for the '07 T&C.
The reliability of our T&C has been the pits. It's had about $5000's worth of warranty work done to it. I believe at least half of that was due to inept dealership technicians or just silly parts practices. For instance, they had to replace the entire powertrain wiring harness ($1300) on our van because a battery cable corroded off...from a hole in the original battery. They wouldn't replace just the cable end...had to replace the entire harness. It's on its 3rd A/C compressor. It's on its 2nd alternator. I question the replacement of both of those as "shotgunning" parts to chase a belt drive noise. It's on its 3rd belt tensioner. I think I've counted 5 front sway bar bushing replacements. These vans are notorious for that. I've put three new rear wheel ABS sensors on it (two right, and one left).
Curiously, all the extra do-dads on our van (heated seats, nav system, power doors and 'gate, moonroof, DVD) have functioned just fine. It's the fundamentals that have failed. I take the van to the dealer this coming week for a leaking solenoid pack on the transmission. That SHOULD be covered under the lifetime powertrain warranty. As noted, maintenance is easy. And for the most part, parts are cheap. Because of how Chrysler has treated us, I'd never buy a new one, but I'd be pretty quick to buy a used one, for the right amount of money. They're easy to fix (I'm a master mechanic now) and parts aren't high.
But we love it. The ownership experience has been terrible, but the vehicle itself is rather nice. I think the driving position is the best of any minivan. It's supremely comfortable and gets reasonably good fuel mileage. Our 3.8/4AT van has returned a hair over 19 lifetime MPG. A 3.8/6AT van should be a bit better.
Your experience worries me a bit. I look at 2007 model because wishful thinking that most bugs have been fixed.
I am lower my choices to 2006-2007 model (non-loaded trims). I rather keep money to spend on fixing them.
i would not worry. hokie's experience is do to type "a" personality. the 3 compressors and 2 alternators that were replaced had nothing wrong with them!!!! they were chasing a pulley noise that may or may not have been serious.
i believe the service department did not beleive the noise was anything but in attempt to alleviate the customer they showed they were "trying", all along making warranty money from chrysler.
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