Grand Caravan buying

[supton]

Originally Posted by StevieC
Originally Posted by billpace1956
Get a sienna! Mine has over 300,000 miles and is a 2008. One repair in all that time!

Except the new ones have the terrible 8-speed transmission I had in my Highlander which is awful.

I didn't get a chance to drive the 2008 vintage Sienna but I preferred the Caravan over the 2012-ish Sienna's I test drove. Just felt better.

 

[tiger862]

I bought a 18 Caravan in August for 19k. We have fell in love with ours. Great fuel mileage, quiet, plenty of room and stow and go. Only have 7k on at this time.

 

[KrisZ]

Stow and go is great, probably one of the best features in this vehicle.

People recommending Sienna are most likely doing it blindly based on the old models or just because it's a Toyota. It is cheap inside and the interior build quality is quite poor. Overkill posted some great photos of various interior bits being broken when he rented one.

Grand caravan interior may not be the greatest, as there is a ton of hard plastics in there, but at the very least it holds up quite well to abuse.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by KrisZ
Stow and go is great, probably one of the best features in this vehicle.

People recommending Sienna are most likely doing it blindly based on the old models or just because it's a Toyota. It is cheap inside and the interior build quality is quite poor. Overkill posted some great photos of various interior bits being broken when he rented one.

Grand caravan interior may not be the greatest, as there is a ton of hard plastics in there, but at the very least it holds up quite well to abuse.


The stow n go is wonderful, and we aren't worried about the hard plastic. It's a family hauler, I'll take hard plastic over "soft touch" stuff that'll be destroyed by kids or us using it for home improvement projects.

 

[edyvw]

Originally Posted by Skippy722
Originally Posted by billpace1956
Get a sienna! Mine has over 300,000 miles and is a 2008. One repair in all that time!


Originally Posted by slacktide_bitog
Those Chrysler minivans are known for their awful transmissions

.
Get a Sienna instead. They even offered a 4-cylinder for a couple years which will give you better mpg and be easier to work on. Another good choice is the Transit Connect.



No and no. For 23k for a 2 year old used Sienna I'll buy a brand new GC. Plus they're hideously ugly. I'm not convinced that Toyota's "legendary reliability" is all that, or worth the mark up. Like I said before, my parents 2004 Grand Caravan has been used harder than most pick up trucks and still keeps on going, no repairs were ever needed outside routine normal (usually deferred at that) maintenance stuff.

Thanks for the info though! Carmax has one that was a lease with 20k on it, but 20k is kinda steep IMO.

I got Toyota Sienna, and I am not fan of appliances (though I got it knowing I will soon get small car for myself and use Sienna ONLY when there is no other alternative).
You are right, they are far from what their image is. It is probably the worst assembled vehicle since I owned Zastava 101, which is predecessor of Yugo.
When you drive SIenna you know all the time you are driving appliance, regardless that in my case it is top model. Rattling windows, mirrors that move when you brake or accelerate. Subpar brakes that tend to warp super fast (I upgraded those), engine that takes 15 minutes to warm up (I installed block heater).
But, IMO it is still better than Grand Caravan. First, suspension is better. Let's be clear, suspension is definiately not anything special, but feels better. You can get it AWD. It is not capable AWD, but gives you push when needed. But engine transmission combination is really good. I would say of all minivans it feels (this 2011-2017 as new engines just feel weaker although on paper have more power) strongest although on paper is not (for example on paper VW Atlas is better, but in driving engine does not "feel" as fast as in Sienna. I think it is due to torque being at high rpms).
Now are Sienna's expensive? Yes. But not as SUV's as today people think they are "cool" if they drive Highlander for example, although it is same car as Sienna and actually due to higher center of gravity, drive worse than Sienna.
I drove those Caravans numerous times, and IMO it is not on par with Japanese. Also, Caravan is not cut from same thing as Grand Cherokee as those use Mercedes platform.
Now, if you can get some ridiculous deal on GC, and use it only when road trip calls, or need extra space, I would say yeah, get it. No one drives them because they are good vehicles to drive.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by edyvw
I got Toyota Sienna, and I am not fan of appliances (though I got it knowing I will soon get small car for myself and use Sienna ONLY when there is no other alternative).
You are right, they are far from what their image is. It is probably the worst assembled vehicle since I owned Zastava 101, which is predecessor of Yugo.
When you drive SIenna you know all the time you are driving appliance, regardless that in my case it is top model. Rattling windows, mirrors that move when you brake or accelerate. Subpar brakes that tend to warp super fast (I upgraded those), engine that takes 15 minutes to warm up (I installed block heater).
But, IMO it is still better than Grand Caravan. First, suspension is better. Let's be clear, suspension is definiately not anything special, but feels better. You can get it AWD. It is not capable AWD, but gives you push when needed. But engine transmission combination is really good. I would say of all minivans it feels (this 2011-2017 as new engines just feel weaker although on paper have more power) strongest although on paper is not (for example on paper VW Atlas is better, but in driving engine does not "feel" as fast as in Sienna. I think it is due to torque being at high rpms).
Now are Sienna's expensive? Yes. But not as SUV's as today people think they are "cool" if they drive Highlander for example, although it is same car as Sienna and actually due to higher center of gravity, drive worse than Sienna.
I drove those Caravans numerous times, and IMO it is not on par with Japanese. Also, Caravan is not cut from same thing as Grand Cherokee as those use Mercedes platform.
Now, if you can get some ridiculous deal on GC, and use it only when road trip calls, or need extra space, I would say yeah, get it. No one drives them because they are good vehicles to drive.


That isn't a very compelling argument for a sienna lol... The rattling windows and everything is an instant turn off. After reading this and a few other people mirroring it, it's officially off the list. Granted the van we test drove had 20k on it, it was quiet, felt solid, no rattles, solid brakes. Even my parents beat to heck and back, abused by 3 teenage drivers, "totaled" twice 2004 base model GC doesn't sound like what you are describing. What use is a supposedly reliable drivetrain if the rest of it is built worse than a Yugo?

 

[KrisZ]

The thing with Grand Caravan ride quality, and this is a total mistake on Chrysler's part IMO, is that they have three, maybe even four suspension setups available for Grand Caravan. I'm aware of standard which is for the lower trim levels and perhaps the tradesman edition (although the tradesman edition may have a fourth setup), touring and "sport".

Many people and actual professional tests get one of the cheaper trims to go against Sienna and Odyssey and they they end up thinking all Grand Caravans ride the same. Which is a perfectly valid expectation given that Toyota and Honda offer the same ride on all trims in their minivans and Chrysler is doesn't actually make it a known difference. I had no idea about the difference until I test drove and bought my version and wondered why everyone kept saying they all ride harshly when compared to Sienna and Odyssey, when mine rides pretty darn well, smooth and quiet.

But the upper models or the Town & Country versions come with touring suspension, which rides about the same as Sienna. And Grand Caravan R/T and T&C S models come with the "sports" suspension which is between Sienna and Odyssey I believe, but I have not driven one, so I cannot speak from personal experience.

In any case, my upper trim Grand Caravan drives about the same as the Sienna we test drove and is actually a quieter and smoother ride than the Odyssey, but of course it has more body movement, which I don't mind, as it is a minivan after all.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by KrisZ
The thing with Grand Caravan ride quality, and this is a total mistake on Chrysler's part IMO, is that they have three, maybe even four suspension setups available for Grand Caravan. I'm aware of standard which is for the lower trim levels and perhaps the tradesman edition (although the tradesman edition may have a fourth setup), touring and "sport".

Many people and actual professional tests get one of the cheaper trims to go against Sienna and Odyssey and they they end up thinking all Grand Caravans ride the same. Which is a perfectly valid expectation given that Toyota and Honda offer the same ride on all trims in their minivans and Chrysler is doesn't actually make it a known difference. I had no idea about the difference until I test drove and bought my version and wondered why everyone kept saying they all ride harshly when compared to Sienna and Odyssey, when mine rides pretty darn well, smooth and quiet.

But the upper models or the Town & Country versions come with touring suspension, which rides about the same as Sienna. And Grand Caravan R/T and T&C S models come with the "sports" suspension which is between Sienna and Odyssey I believe, but I have not driven one, so I cannot speak from personal experience.

In any case, my upper trim Grand Caravan drives about the same as the Sienna we test drove and is actually a quieter and smoother ride than the Odyssey, but of course it has more body movement, which I don't mind, as it is a minivan after all.


Ah, so that's been carried over to the vans as well. My Caliber has 2, the 300 has 3 or 4, my Durango had 3 or 4... makes it very confusing when buying parts lol... we test drove a GT, it was definitely on the firm side but wasn't jarring.

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted by KrisZ
The thing with Grand Caravan ride quality, and this is a total mistake on Chrysler's part IMO, is that they have three, maybe even four suspension setups available for Grand Caravan. I'm aware of standard which is for the lower trim levels and perhaps the tradesman edition (although the tradesman edition may have a fourth setup), touring and "sport".

Many people and actual professional tests get one of the cheaper trims to go against Sienna and Odyssey and they they end up thinking all Grand Caravans ride the same. Which is a perfectly valid expectation given that Toyota and Honda offer the same ride on all trims in their minivans and Chrysler is doesn't actually make it a known difference. I had no idea about the difference until I test drove and bought my version and wondered why everyone kept saying they all ride harshly when compared to Sienna and Odyssey, when mine rides pretty darn well, smooth and quiet.

But the upper models or the Town & Country versions come with touring suspension, which rides about the same as Sienna. And Grand Caravan R/T and T&C S models come with the "sports" suspension which is between Sienna and Odyssey I believe, but I have not driven one, so I cannot speak from personal experience.

In any case, my upper trim Grand Caravan drives about the same as the Sienna we test drove and is actually a quieter and smoother ride than the Odyssey, but of course it has more body movement, which I don't mind, as it is a minivan after all.

Agreed. My dad's stripped 2012 rides totally different in terms of suspension and noise than my G.T. trim level 2018. They shouldn't have done this.

Get an SXT or higher to get the better suspension. I have auto-leveling rear suspension in mine and it does really well in the front for ride comfort but with good handling and feedback.
Even the corning at high speed is much better than my dad's entry level van. My father in law has a 2017 SXT and it rides really nice like mine. Just doesn't have the auto-leveling rear suspension and some of the other toys I have like the mood lighting in the ceiling.

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted by StevieC
and some of the other toys I have like the mood lighting in the ceiling.

I guess that's for the high school kids borrowing mom's minivan for a date!

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted by dishdude
Originally Posted by StevieC
and some of the other toys I have like the mood lighting in the ceiling.

I guess that's for the high school kids borrowing mom's minivan for a date!

I guess... I only bought the GT because I wanted a van with a power seat for my bad back and that is all they had with the power seat and I didn't mind the extras like the heated seats / steering wheel etc. so I decided to take it.

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted by StevieC
Originally Posted by dishdude
Originally Posted by StevieC
and some of the other toys I have like the mood lighting in the ceiling.

I guess that's for the high school kids borrowing mom's minivan for a date!

I guess... I only bought the GT because I wanted a van with a power seat for my bad back and that is all they had with the power seat and I didn't mind the extras like the heated seats / steering wheel etc. so I decided to take it.


I was only joking! I do like the footwell and other decorative lighting some cars have. Not a must have, but a nice touch.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by StevieC
Originally Posted by KrisZ
The thing with Grand Caravan ride quality, and this is a total mistake on Chrysler's part IMO, is that they have three, maybe even four suspension setups available for Grand Caravan. I'm aware of standard which is for the lower trim levels and perhaps the tradesman edition (although the tradesman edition may have a fourth setup), touring and "sport".

Many people and actual professional tests get one of the cheaper trims to go against Sienna and Odyssey and they they end up thinking all Grand Caravans ride the same. Which is a perfectly valid expectation given that Toyota and Honda offer the same ride on all trims in their minivans and Chrysler is doesn't actually make it a known difference. I had no idea about the difference until I test drove and bought my version and wondered why everyone kept saying they all ride harshly when compared to Sienna and Odyssey, when mine rides pretty darn well, smooth and quiet.

But the upper models or the Town & Country versions come with touring suspension, which rides about the same as Sienna. And Grand Caravan R/T and T&C S models come with the "sports" suspension which is between Sienna and Odyssey I believe, but I have not driven one, so I cannot speak from personal experience.

In any case, my upper trim Grand Caravan drives about the same as the Sienna we test drove and is actually a quieter and smoother ride than the Odyssey, but of course it has more body movement, which I don't mind, as it is a minivan after all.

Agreed. My dad's stripped 2012 rides totally different in terms of suspension and noise than my G.T. trim level 2018. They shouldn't have done this.

Get an SXT or higher to get the better suspension. I have auto-leveling rear suspension in mine and it does really well in the front for ride comfort but with good handling and feedback.
Even the corning at high speed is much better than my dad's entry level van. My father in law has a 2017 SXT and it rides really nice like mine. Just doesn't have the auto-leveling rear suspension and some of the other toys I have like the mood lighting in the ceiling.

We're leaning heavily towards the GT, I didn't know they had the load levelers though! Those will be nice, had them in my Durango. 1500lbs of pea gravel and no squat once I drove it a mile or 2.

That mood lighting though, hands down my favorite feature. I saw that and now I want it lol

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted by Skippy722


We're leaning heavily towards the GT, I didn't know they had the load levelers though! Those will be nice, had them in my Durango. 1500lbs of pea gravel and no squat once I drove it a mile or 2.

That mood lighting though, hands down my favorite feature. I saw that and now I want it lol


You have too look for one with a factory hitch installed, these come with load levelers.

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted by dishdude
Originally Posted by StevieC
Originally Posted by dishdude
Originally Posted by StevieC
and some of the other toys I have like the mood lighting in the ceiling.

I guess that's for the high school kids borrowing mom's minivan for a date!

I guess... I only bought the GT because I wanted a van with a power seat for my bad back and that is all they had with the power seat and I didn't mind the extras like the heated seats / steering wheel etc. so I decided to take it.


I was only joking! I do like the footwell and other decorative lighting some cars have. Not a must have, but a nice touch.

All good... Just explaining that I wasn't buying it for that toy.

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted by Skippy722
We're leaning heavily towards the GT, I didn't know they had the load levelers though! Those will be nice, had them in my Durango. 1500lbs of pea gravel and no squat once I drove it a mile or 2. That mood lighting though, hands down my favorite feature. I saw that and now I want it lol


Mine came with the trailer hitch package which is required to get the suspension as Krisz mentioned. I kind of like having the trailer hitch for dump runs but also because I have a bumper protector in the hitch port when it's not in use so if someone rear ends me they might take out the bumper somewhat from the impact but they don't take out the trunk gate.

Also great for backing up because you can see it on the camera whereas normally you can't see the bumper line so it gives you better reference for parking right up close to something like high curbs that would otherwise scratch the bottom of your bumper but hit this first instead.

 

[nthach]

I haven't driven a newer Caravan, but been in a few of them over the last few years. I think the current(and last) generation were the best ones Mopar built and they had time to work out the perennial kinks that plauged the Chrysler vans from the 80s-mid 2000s. The 62TE and the newer 43TEs seem to be a decent gearbox as long as the fluid is kept maintained with any ATF+4(no MaxLife shenanigans here please), and the engine choices on those seem to be good picks, I think Mopar did a great job with the Pentastar, but the older vans did also get the 3.3/3.8L pushrod V6.

I would try to find one with the heavy-duty brakes, brakes from what I've read were a weak point for many years and Mopar decided to offer upgraded brakes as an option on the 5th gen vans.

 

[JTK]

Our 2013 Grand Caravan SE was my favorite of all the minivans we've owned over the years. It was a bargain to buy new, had nice features, was great to drive and was problem free for us.

My only complaint was the front seating. On the base and SE models, the seat height is fixed at the highest position. A bit too high up for taller drivers IMO.

People love the sto-n-go seating and I get it. The design and function is magical. The downside is when you have kids and never have the need to drop the mid seats into the floor. The nooks, crannies and pockets needed to dump the seats into will get all kinds of dirt and bits in them. If you have stuff stored in the floor pockets, you have to get it all out of there before you fold the seats. The sto-n-go also makes the middle seats fixed in position so there's some versatility loss there. You can't slide them side/side or push them together like you can with the middle row on other designs.

 

[Skippy722]

Originally Posted by KrisZ
Originally Posted by Skippy722


We're leaning heavily towards the GT, I didn't know they had the load levelers though! Those will be nice, had them in my Durango. 1500lbs of pea gravel and no squat once I drove it a mile or 2.

That mood lighting though, hands down my favorite feature. I saw that and now I want it lol


You have too look for one with a factory hitch installed, these come with load levelers.


Good deal. Thank you Stevie and Kris! We likely won't ever tow anything, but the ability to be able to do so is great.

 

[StevieC]

Enjoy!