Used Dodge Caravan...buy or run?

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Originally Posted By: oilmaven
Okay, okay...not even going to test drive it...gonna keep looking...possibly an early Sienna or Odyssey (only have to worry about sludge (Toyota) and transmission (Honda) issues with those).


If you look at an Sienna after 2001, the holes in the heads are larger, and the engine isn't prone to sludge. If looking at any years before that, make sure the oil was changed on time.

You made a good choice getting rid of it, I just sold my 96' Grand Caravan for $700. I'm glad it finally sold, I just wanted that pile of [censored] out of my driveway. I was willing to let it go for free, but wanted to try and get money from it if possible. Considering I've spend over $9k in repairs on it in the past 7 years.
 
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There are still a few relatively low mileage Villagers/Quests around that are in good shape (finding a good one is tough...they're also pretty rust-prone, at least the ones I see around here). Problem is they command some pretty high prices too considering they haven't made them since 2002...although that Nissan drivetrain is VERY durable. I've already been looking at them online.
 
There are still a few relatively low mileage Villagers/Quests around that are in good shape (finding a good one is tough...they're also pretty rust-prone, at least the ones I see around here). Problem is they command some pretty high prices too considering they haven't made them since 2002...although that Nissan drivetrain is VERY durable. I've already been looking at them online.
 
Wasn't trying to be smartazz,, just looking at autos from a different lifestlye then the normal mom and dad soccer car . If one wants a good auto, test it. If you dont test it, you might be making thousands of dollars on repairs as some folks in here have said. After driving over 100k miles a year, one learns what to test and look for in a used truck, van, or car. I was a in expediting and in that job, downtime is a killer, imho. Buyer beware.
 
I purchased a 2005 Grand Caravan in 2006 with 20,000 miles on it. We've replaced the EGR valve (70,000 miles), rack and pinion (50,000 miles) the AC has been worked on about 5 times (usually every summer like clock work, never the compressor usually the "H" valve fails according to the dealer, the front brakes last about 20,000 to 30,000 miles, the driver side power window controls (60,000 miles) there are a few other things that I cannot recall but nothing major. The engine and transmission are fine at 100,000 miles. I just did the plugs and wires and the original platnum plugs looked good after 100,000 miles. I'm praying that I can get 150,000 miles or another 4 years with no major mechanical issues but I already plan on spending at least $500 in extra repairs a year. We recently got 27 MPG on an 1,100 mile trip driving 70+ so overall I think that I am happy with the thing, but I'd never buy another one.
 
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I think if you can get it for a bit less than $3500, and get your sister to realize that its not going to be perfect, it might go for a few more years without a major issue. Then if it does have a major problem, its scrap.
I know a few people that run these vans just as basic transportation and they seem to be able to either have good luck with the transmissions or get them replaced very cheaply.
 
I'd buy the 2005 SWB van the OP was talking about if I could get it for $2,000. If her budget is, say, $4,000, that would leave $2,000 in the bank for any early repairs.

I do like Hondas, but I'm no Honda apologist. I'd honestly skip an Odyssey if any earlier than 2003 (and at this price range, it likely would be something that old). The V-6 transmissions from that era are prone to early failure. The more I've learned about them recently, the more I think that using a fluid OTHER than the OEM fluid can at least prolong the life of them, but the average Odyssey out there has likely had minimal transmission servicing. You're looking at a ticking time bomb with those. Odyssey transmission failures improved significantly in 2004 and beyond (with an updated transmission), so if looking at a 2004+, I'd be a little more secure about it. My co-worker's wife has an '04 Ody with over 150k miles on the original transmission. I'd still want to change that ATF regularly if buying one.
 
Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge has always had good engines, IMO......it's the rest of the vehicle that are problematic.
The old Torqueflight (I think) A/T that was used in my dad's 1972 Plymouth with the 318 was bulletproof but the later FWD transmissions were iffy.

Buying a Chrysler product (new or used) is always a roll of the dice....and I'm not a gambling man...
 
No offense, oilmaven, but the condition/value of used vehicle is completely up to the individuial vehicle and how it was treated.

This one could be a gem, but based on a bunch of internet chatter, you're not going to even check it out???

Sorry, that seems a little silly. When the budget matters, taking time and checking out every good-sounding lead is important.
 
I think I may have found "the one". I was perusing the internet yesterday and found a 1999 Mercury Villager that had just been listed. It was shown as having 63,000 original miles. I called the number and talked to the guy selling the van for his dad. There weren't any photos posted so I needed more info. Turns out his dad is over 80 years old and recently stopped driving. The van has been garaged in the winter as he's been a "snow bird" since owning it. The van is a "loaded base model" with all available options (alloys, rear air, dark tint, power driver seat, courtesy light package, etc.). He had just taken some photos and emailed them to me and from what I could see it looked beautiful. He said his dad had taken meticulous care of the van...had the brakes and new tires put on at 50,000 miles (not sure how long ago that was but says there are receipts for all services performed) and had just had the plugs and wires replaced. I asked him about rust and he said he checked it out (bottoms of doors, rocker panels) and that there isn't any...claims the body is clean.

Now for the problem...the van is an 8 hour drive away.

He said I was the first caller and would give me first "dibs" on it. I told him I'd get whatever cash I could (banks were already closed for the weekend)and drive down to see it and leave a deposit...would have to come for the van next weekend. I was half an hour from the house when he called me and said it was crazy for me to drive all that way (I'd have had to stay in a motel and drive back today)and that he had already gotten several calls on it. He suggested it might be easier if I send him a deposit and trust that he'd hold it until I drive down next Friday (he said he was telling callers it was promised to the first caller but was keeping their names and numbers in case it didn't sell). I could bring the rest of the money with me and buy the van if I liked it. He assured me I would not be disappointed and that the van was at his dads house (he gave me the address. I agreed (driving there twice is too crazy even for me)...this van is in great condition from what I can see in the photos...and I have no problem with what I've been told and what I can see. The best part is the price...essentially the same as the Caravan (the Villager is 6 years older but has half the mileage). I KNOW sending money like this is risky but he already sent me the VIN number and the van checks out. I'm going ahead with it and sending the money on Monday. He said it would obviously be easier to sell it to someone locally but wanted to give me first shot at it as I was the first caller and needs something to show I'm going to follow through (hence the deposit). I'm normally pretty cautious but this feels fine...this guy is not a nut and I'm not worried...and I think this is a pretty good deal.

I already have a driver lined up to take me there next Friday...will swing over and check on my house (rented for the last 5 years)which is 3 hours from where the van is located after (hopefully) picking up the van. I've arranged to stay with a friend in the area and drive back next Sunday (another 8+ hours).

Sorry about the long post...so what do you think, guys...am I crazy?...
 
Lightly used, garage kept, well-maintained van driven by a "mature" guy?

I would jump on that. And if you're not willing to give him a deposit, then don't be surprised if someone else jumps on it first...If I were the seller, I would not hold a car for some promise on the phone if I had a cash buyer standing in front of me. I would, however, hold it for someone who provided some security.

As an example, I provided a $500 paypal deposit on the MB when I bought it in Florida two years ago to ensure that it would be there when I flew down to pick it up the next week. It was applied to our negotiated price.

This van sounds about perfect for your sister's needs/budget.
 
Astro...my sentiments exactly. I said I'd forward $500 and the seller agreed that was adequate based on me completing the sale no later than next Saturday (I still have the option of saying no). There is no other way to show interest and I can't expect him to hold the vehicle without a deposit...particularly considering that this vehicle will go quickly. My other alternative is to take precious remaining vacation days to drive down with the deposit and check it out. This guy is doing me a favor and I'm going ahead with it...I don't get any bad vibes...I talked to him long enough to feel OK about the deal.

As far as losing the money, I lost 10 times that amount on a REALLY bad stock investment back in the '90's (was too embarassed to even talk about it back then).

I'm good with the arrangement...will let you all know how it works out.
 
The parts are so cheap for the Chrysler minivans and also readily available and in stock at the local parts stores...its hard to go wrong. I have 3 in our fleet so far from 1999 to 2003. As mentioned, I've had no problems with the 3.3L or 3.8L engines.
 
If everything is in as good condition as the seller states then that van still has plenty of life left. Our Nissan Quest is 12 years old with 130000 miles on it and shows no sign of quitting.
 
Originally Posted By: oilmaven

I'm good with the arrangement...will let you all know how it works out.



Hope it works out for you!

Is this vehicle in the same State you live? You're positive the title is clean and all the paperwork is in order?

All that time, resources and gas money might be worth another grand on a local vehicle.

Joel
 
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