No more AVP Dodge Grand Caravan?

[JTK]

I was recently poking around online for local dealer inventory and the Dodge website for new Grand Caravans and it looks like the least expensive model for 2017 is the "SE" that MSRP's at just under $25K. Looks like the days of the ~$16-17K base model "America's Value Package" (with all incentives applied) are done. I guess I missed the memo on when the AVP went away LOL. Apparently they don't need to sell them like they used to, given the new Town and Country model.

When I bought our 2013 SE model new, it was just shy of $20K and that was with several option packages. A comparably optioned GC now would be in the $26K range. Going to sit-out trading the 2013 for a 2017..

 

[Huie83]

From what I have read they are trying to phase the GC out in favor of the Pacifica.They were going to stop building it but decided to keep building it for at least the 2017 model year. When I was minivan shopping last year I found new LX model Pacifica's in the mid-low 20's. It is a nicer van than the GC. The stow-n-go is much improved and it is nicer to drive.

 

[JTK]

Yes, we actually dislike the stow-n-go on our 2013 with our 4 kids, one still in a booster seat. The base model's side access 2nd row bench seat is easier for 3rd row access IMO. All in all our 2013 has been an outstanding van. We're just shy of 70K miles. It's a 17mpg hog if you're lucky around town, but it does 26-27mpg loaded to the gills on long highway runs with great power, braking and handling.

 

[JC1]

I looked at the Canadian dodge website and they list the CVP as an option, buy your don't see any availability. Plus the price is starting at 23k Canadian $. When I bought my SXT, the CVP was around $19k.

As already mentioned I guess they are phasing out the cheaper models. I guess I bought mine at the right time.

 

[Nick1994]

Last year I helped my grandmother find a van. We looked at the AVP van and it was dreadful. No rear A/C, can't roll down the back windows, no center console, no stow-n-go, no window tint, hub caps, black door handles and mirrors, etc.

I was surprised it had power front windows.

 

[Huie83]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Yes, we actually dislike the stow-n-go on our 2013 with our 4 kids, one still in a booster seat. The base model's side access 2nd row bench seat is easier for 3rd row access IMO. All in all our 2013 has been an outstanding van. We're just shy of 70K miles. It's a 17mpg hog if you're lucky around town, but it does 26-27mpg loaded to the gills on long highway runs with great power, braking and handling.


Honestly, I'd just run your GC into the ground. We test drove a lot of vans and almost purchased a Pacifica. However, after sitting down with the wife and thinking about it, they really are just a utility that gets thrashed on by the kiddo's. We ended up getting a low mileage(80K) 06 Toyota Sienna for about 1/3 the cost of a new van.

Sine your's has been trouble free, just keep it and drive it until it doesn't make sense to anymore.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Huie83
... they really are just a utility that gets thrashed on by the kiddo's. We ended up getting a low mileage(80K) 06 Toyota Sienna for about 1/3 the cost of a new van.

Sine your's has been trouble free, just keep it and drive it until it doesn't make sense to anymore.

Oh believe me I know this. This is our 3rd minivan since 2003. Started with a used 2001 Windstar LX, then a 2008 Odyssey LX, now the 2013 GC. We're not in to MVs for their sparkle and fancy options that's for sure. I actually loved the AVPs and would have gone that route back in 2013 had they had the HD brakes at the time.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Going to sit-out trading the 2013 for a 2017..


A 4 year old vehicle isn't good enough?

 

[JTK]

It certainly is good enough now. The use it sees and ones that depend on it, is typically what prompts my aggressive replacement schedule.

 

[pandus13]

Originally Posted By: JTK
It certainly is good enough now. The use it sees and ones that depend on it, is typically what prompts my aggressive replacement schedule.

May i suggest a 2015-2016 used AVP with low miles? I thought those already got the HD brakes.....
...with a good/reputable extended warranty!

Passive aggressive version: ...or you can show them the "babes" and cram them in a mazda5. i did it but it was less then 14 miles... IT DOES NOT HAVE FUNCTIONABLE 3rd ROW BACK AC!!! (my baldy hair is still curly from hearing it 2,578 times)

 

[bubbatime]

I read an article about a year ago that Dodge/Chrysler was going to completely eliminate the Grand Caravan from production so that they could sell the more profitable Chrysler Pacifica. They made practically NO money on the Caravan sales, so its a business decision to get rid of it, and sell the more profitable Chrysler. Its probably a lot easier and cheaper from a manufacturing perspective to only have one style of vehicle coming off the production line than two.

 

[JTK]

Thanks guys. This thread was more about the disappearance of the AVP model than me replacing my van anyway. I really have no intentions of doing so at the moment.

Pandus, HD brakes came standard for all in 2014. Back when I bought my 2013, it wasn't just the lack of HD brakes that kept me away from an AVP. I feared the lack of rear HVAC would be a problem. For most of our usage I don't think this would have been a major issue. The front HVAC and associated ducting is really powerful.

It's pretty obvious why FCA is going the route they are. Everyone else in the MV market is in the ~$30K and up range, why should they sell some models for under $20K. I know I'll miss this option, but the market is what drives this stuff.