Is The Dodge Grand Caravan The Best Used Minivan On The Market??
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- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
- Is the Dodge Grand Caravan the best used minivan on the market. In this vide I will break down the good, the bad and the pricing for these vans as well as their competitors. Then you can decide is this is the best van for you!
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Biggest insider tip. Don't run 5w-20 oil. It's too thin and a big contributor of the rocker arm / lifter tick. Run 5w-30 and change it religiously at 3k miles. This is coming from someone who has put over 500,000 miles on 3.6L engines.
@@devilcharger what should you use???
@@shawnpeet9606 I'm in Florida, so in the hot summer months ( June - September) I run 10w-30 full synthetic oil. I don't want to name drop as that often starts an oil debate. Outside of that range, 5w-30 full synthetic. This formula has worked very well for me. I currently have 2 vans with over 250k miles
( 2011 & 2014) No ticking / random multiple cylinder misfire.
@@devilcharger thank you.
@@devilcharger thank you!!!
Agree, 5w-30 for the win
I'm still surprised that Dodge discontinued the Caravan in 2020! Best minivan ever built! 😊
The Pacifica is essentially a redesigned version, So much so that they low end model now is called the Grand Caravan.
I bought a 2015 with 69K Miles on it. By 90K miles it was leaking oil from the cooler and started to get rocker arm tick. Replaced all 24 rocker arms and oil cooler assembly myself. That took 11 hours to do it. Radiator started to develop a seeping leak at 95K miles. Both sliding doors needed door lock actuators replaced by 80K miles. Driver side window regulator needed to be replaced at 73K miles. New battery lasted 2 years. I highly recommend if you buy one of these you MUST have the mechanical ability to do your own repairs.
So far on my 2014 GC from 20k to 70k miles I have changed tranny fluid lines, brakes and rotors, MAF sensor, Spark Plugs, o2 sensor, thermostat, corroded lug nuts.
Add to this my battery just crapped out after 2.5 years. Costco gave me a free one with their 3 year warranty. Lots of niggling electric issues common on these
Absolutely love our Dodge caravan. The best vehicle we have ever bought. Highly recommend.
My 2005 Dodge Caravan 3.3 V6 finally blew up at 360,000 miles. She was a work vehicle too. By no means was I gentle on her. Great car. Now I’m looking for a used one in the next generation around 2009-2015. Love these vans
Sorry to hear ole miss is gone but boy it served you well .I have a 2003 3.3 v6 @ 175K still just great .
Work and play van and I have exactly your plans once it dies the next gen should serve me just fine.
Mines an 05' SXT with the 3.8l v6. Over 250k and still getting me there. Planning on adding a next gen one to the mix when I get my tax return and make this one the family backup. Sounds like we're all thinking alike!
i love to hear about these long lived vans. thanks for sharing.
Yep. When mine goes out, I will just go and get a newer model. Lol
Update: I bought a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan with 138,000 miles on it back in October and unfortunately it only went to 171,000 miles. Engine and transmission went out
Replaced the 2011 Caravan transmission at 124,000, costing $2700. Now this Caravan has 276,000 BECAUSE I pay to service that transmission Every 40,000 miles. Cost $120 each time, total seven times, equaled $840. Far better value than another transmission. So Happy
I’m not a big fan of the first generation penastars engines that were in the 2011 roller rockers on the overhead cam would fail overtime, causing a ticking, and if not fixed valve train issues.
Later generations of this engine solved that issue.
I also took care of the transmission in mind. I got it to about 208,000 miles with the transmission failed.
I’m a bigger fan of the old 3.3 L V6 caravans in town and country’s, the transmissions were reliable, if taken care of. They need the fluid changed regularly Chrysler master tech told me they overheat when the fluid gets dirty because that’s how it’s cooled through the radiator. Transmission won’t cool if the fluid turns to maple syrup and the sediment can mess with the solenoids.
I drove one of those vans 437,000 miles before the transmission failed. Engine was still running like a champ.
Can I know what transmission service you did? Thanks
I turned off the Eco mode and my transmission shifts much smoother. Maybe try it out if you're noticing you're having hard shifts in your transmission. I noticed it when I would come up to a stoplight and the light would turn green and before I would come to a complete stop. I would go to push on the gas it would shift hard. I saw a video that said turn off the Eco mode and it solved the problem of shifting hard. I'd rather pay a little more in gas instead of replacing my transmission again. I Hope that can help.
@@titodenny4 thank you for this tip. I’ll take mine out of eco mode now. It doesn’t have shifting problems but I don’t want to replace transmission down road too soon
Those vans have one feature no other van has, the Stow n Go seating. All the back seats fold into the floor. The floor is completely flat when folded down. It's like a pickup truck with a larger bed. 4x8 sheets will fit in it.
The wife and I have had 6 of these and loved them all. Last week I got the 7th. It's a 2015 with 50k kms or 30k miles. It's mint.
I feel like I won the lottery! The original tires were still on it. I swear its never been over 50mph. I think the old fella just went to the mall and his grandkids hockey games in it. I couldn't be happier. We raised 4 kids with these as the workhorse
vehicle and now its my turn with the grandkids. In a world full of scammers and bad deals the Grand Caravan is a reliable winner.
If it was a reliable vehicle why would you need to go through 7 of them?
Bought my first Dodge Grand Caravan in 1984 and have owned 11 of them through the years, It is the most useful vehicle you can buy. and no one ever steals them because they are a Soccer Mom van. I have put up to 439,000 miles on one and have never put less than 250.000 on any of them. I have never replaced and engine or a transmission on any but one. That was in 88 when Chrysler used a Mitsubiishi drivetrane which sucked. My current 2013 has 280,000 miles on it and I will put 500 Grand on it before its through. People think its new. The absolute best buy in a vehicle.
Funny how so many folks are at opposite ends of these vans! Glad to hear you love yours!
NEW '18 OWNER TODAY. HAPPY AS A CLAM!! I have never been emotional over a vehicle purchase. Until today. I know what I got, haha! 104k miles, 11k cash.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🤣 I feel ya!! I just picked up a 2018 GT in beautiful condition w 110K on it for 9K cash baby!!!
I got mine for $15k with 40k miles
I have a 2015 Grand Caravan SXT Flex, 3.6L Pentastar and I don’t run flex fuels. I just rolled 315K miles yesterday. I have the original engine that has new timing chains and guides, cam rollers on Bank 1 & 2. Phasers lifters and recently @292K a rebuilt tranny. I do most of my own engine work except transmissions. I had the rust bubbles on the front hood. I just had a new MOPAR OEM hood installed by a local body shop. As for rust, other than some small pitting on the frame, I have no surface rust. The rear wheel well rust can be avoided by spraying it down with a hose. Yes, it’s garage kept! All my electronics work including the DVD player. A/C has a minor leak in the rear. I think it’s the evaporator. Front & rear suspension has not been glossed over either. Rear springs, isolators, and jounce bumpers are less than 1 year. Front struts are Monroe Quik struts, also less than 1 year.
Now you ask why have I done all this work? It’s simple with regular oil changes, tire rotation and alignments, keeping it clean and just flat out “babying” it, if you will, it’s gonna last a long time! I recently looked at Carmax to see the trade in or buy it value. Both Carmax & Carvana quoted $400 & $550 respectively.
I’m retired, not a licensed mechanic, but I love my Dodge! I’ll be darned if I’m gonna jump into a new Chrysler Grand Caravan (built by Chrysler Canada) for in the neighborhood of $70K, not to mention the $600/mo payment for 60 months, after a hefty down payment. My goal is to not waste my retirement income on a depreciable asset!
This is my 2nd Caravan. The 1st one went 430K. BTW, I haven’t spent more than $9500 on major, obvious wear and tear items. I think I’m well ahead of the game? Too bad Stellantis wants us to go electric. As for now I’m sticking with Internal Combustion to get me where I want to go!
My old 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan ES w 3.8 V6 w 174K mi (near new condition always garaged in SoCal - no rust/salt) is running great! No hitch, never used to tow.
... but KBB says Value only $358 and local Dodge dealer won't trade any older than yr 2000... so I guess I keep it!
Best vehicle ever. I took the seats out and now it is a camper van with shag rug and plenty of storage.
I love mine..2020👍👍
This is what I am hoping to do. I need a cheap car for a commuter, and one of these has caught my eye
We have a 2016 grand caravan that we picked up about 6 months ago with 120000 miles. so far. No problems whatsoever and doesn't even use oil. It runs and drives like new.
How’s going now? Any issues?
The price you give is correct for today's prices. It just boggles my mind that back in the winter of 2017 I was able to get my Caravan GT model loaded with only 3k miles for 19500. I guess this is why I'll be driving it into the ground!
Hello. I’m thinking about buying a GT Dodge Caravan. Please have you had any problems with your GT. Thank you
Just bought a retired JUCY DGC, already outfitted as a campervan. Love it!
I have a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country with 190,000 miles on it, and it still runs strong. Change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, and you'll be fine.
Toyota Sienna for the win but cost a lot more up front.
I believe in the long run, it will offset with it requiring almost nothing other than basic maintenance to go 300k miles on that 3.5L
I don’t know anybody that had a Dodge or Chrysler van that didn’t have a ton of problems with them.
I realize the older caravans lasted forever though, literally never died.
New ones are trash.
Electrical issues, transmission issues and motor issues. Just my personal experience from friends and family. :)
How new is bad ? How’ about the 2015 with Manuel sliding doors no Bluetooth etc. l?
I own a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew with almost 200000 miles on it. I have three vehicles and that one is still my favorite vehicle to drive, I recently started using mid grade fuel in it and that really improved it's performance. Drives almost as good as my Cadillac, and I can go almost three weeks on a tank of gas. Great vehicles.
We've used GC in our pilot car fleet for years. Have several with well over half a million miles. Transmissions get replaced every 150-200k, but the 3.6 engines and even the 3.3 are just about bulletproof. Replace the oil cooler and heater hoses with aluminum upgrades and you're good to go.
Driving my second being a 2019 SXT previously owned a 2006 Sport. Would much rather have a Honda or Toyota and their far better history of dependability. Only reason I have gone with Dodge is their much cheaper to buy and the fold away seats on the later model. I do think they look better than any other van out there at any price 😊
I agree, simple crisp lines without being overdone. I had a 1996 when I was married, drove great but we had issues with the V6 engine. For a fraction of the cost of a camper or RV, one can have a go anywhere economical RV.
I love our '15 SXT. I had no idea about the stowaway roof rack feature, lol. Mine have been out since we drove it off the lot new. They handle like a car. The engine has a lot of power and the transaxle is good and strong. I found the build quality to be excellent, contrary to popular belief about domestic cars. Any parts I've replaced have been normal, wearable parts, except the oil filter housing. When I renewed the suspension at 220k miles, I could've probably easily gotten another 50k miles out of the ball joints and tie rod ends. Parts are reasonably priced and it's easy to work on for the most part...certain things are a little tedious (i.e. removing the upper intake manifold to access plugs, injectors, leaking oil filter housing if applicable) but by no means difficult. I could on & on. 242k, we only paid $26k, meaning we've gotten over 9 miles per dollar. Great van.
Own a 1994 Dodge Caravan with the 3.0L engine. Parked with a blown head gasket. Fantastic vehicle before I parked it. Own a 2004 Dodge Caravan SXT with the 3.3L engine. 334,000 km. Fingers crossed still going strong. Love it. Load it up every summer with a couple tandem kayaks and 5 adults for a vacation up North for a week. Owes me nothing! Original A/C still working.
I’m looking at purchasing a 2013 with 60,000 miles on it for $5,000. I know the owner well - no known issues but I’ll still have it checked out. I’m excited about the room it has for transporting stuff.
60,000 miles for 5,000$?! How’d it go !?
Another big thing that can be an issue is break wear. Mine has been fairly reliable but it is one concern listed
Before the pandemic the brand new 2019 s were like 24K ..wow
those were the good old days
My 2010 Dodge GC has 300,000 miles. Still runs great!
2014 town & country.Bought it used with 40,000 in 2014. Best vehicle I ever own. And the longest owned. 190,000 miles on it. Don't take it to Wally World for an oil change, cracked the oil assembly on me. I changed that out. Also installed transmission pan with a drain plug. Haven't drove it much since 11/23. Had 2 major surgeries. Trying to get it drivable. New tires and po480 pop up. Fuses and the relay next to radiator. Fan worked when you hit the ac, but no fan on temp rise.
So now the neighbor was cutting his grass and threw a rock and my passenger rear window busted. Can't win.
These vans do eat brakes & rotors. No major failures, mostly reg maintenance.
I've had two minivans, the first a Plymouth and the second a Dodge and I used them primarily to deliver mail. They both exceeded my expectations. for the twenty years I used them to deliver mail not once did I ever have them break down on the route nor did I have to have them towed. I found them to be very low maintenance. I changed the oil and the brake pads and once a transmission. They were both very reliable vehicles..
After I got a translator to translate Canadian to English, I have to agree the Dodge minivan is a great vehicle. I have gotten more that 500,000 miles from 4 vehicles. Ale were driven over-the-road. Basic issues with high miles were wheel bearings, breaks, and around 400,00 miles, the odometer will go out. I have a 2014, 220,000 miles and I just got 27.1 miles too the gallon when I drove 400 miles one way and and another 400 miles for the return trip. It may have been better if I didn't have to drive at walking speed, for 3-miles on both legs of the trip. Great driving van with great gas milage.
I Totally agree I still keep my Dodge Grand caravan 2010 I give you to my oldest son and he blew up!! But I will buy other engine because of good memories 🙏🏾❤👍🏽
Wife has had a one owner, we always buy 1 owner vans, 1991 model with 175,000 kms. bought in 2001 and sold in 2009 for a 2000 with 160,000kms. and the 3.8 V6 180 HP, which to me was the best body and powertrain combo ever. In 2013 wife bought a brand new 2013 to replace the 2000 and it was in an accident this past April and was totaled with only 77,000 kms on it. Replaced with a 2017 Crew with 125,000 kms as could not find one with less than 100,000 kms. anywhere. From personal experience over 20 years of vans and never having one let us down, and we did multiple long distance travelling with each of them, and the fact that even with 200,000 + on them they still bring a decent price I do agree that the Dodge/Chrysler minivans are the best ones ever.
Thanks Gregory!
Miles.
Got a 2014 Dodge 30th Anniversary Edition. Got it when it had 24K, now it has 108K.
No problems at all yet, very dependable!
I bought a 2019 GT. The torque converter was bad and the dealership ate the repair. So far I am happy with it. I think they are a great value van if you are willing to put some work on it.
10 years in to my 2014 SE - door actuator on sliding door went out ($25 part, a pain but doable via RUclips).
It may not be the most robustly built vehicle, but overall I think they got it right. Love the ease of different seating configurations…significantly more usable volume of cargo space than a Suburban (more height/space). The V6 engine is a little course/buzzy compared to higher end vehicles I’ve driven (V8s), but is plenty powerful, confident in passing a vehicle on the freeway at 90mph if you’re into that sort of thing.
Paid $21,600 before tax, so $24k-ish in 2014. In hindsight would have paid the extra $3k for a package with power middle row and rear windows, but still happy. I am getting that rear wheel well rust exactly what he mentioned…not ideal but I’ll probably just spray another layer of rust preventative and color match paint once/year…better than completely letting it go.
It’s never not started in 10 years except for last year when I finally needed to replace the original 9 year old battery.
Not my favorite vehicle ever, but if the government mandated that we as a country would only produce one vehicle …this is probably the ideal choice.
Hi from Tennessee
Was blessed with a 1996 Dodge van. This one has 8ft of space behind seats. I use mine for trout fishing & camping , haul my drum set and music gear, or carpentry tools to build houses. It works good .
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve got 2013 T& C. I’ll never sell it. Best and most versatile car ever. Almost a twin to the Caravan.
We've had sooooo many caravans over the years. Great cars overall. Excellent information my friend
Right on
JUNK
@@chadhaire1711junk if u dont take care of it
@@zerowater1645 By doing what? There is no maintenance to do for electrical systems, body panels, climate systems, info screen, computer modules, or any similar stuff that will die on that Dodge shitbox Caravan
We've had ONE 2004 Honda Pilot over the years. It has 373,000 miles on it. Original engine, transmission and radiator.
Bought me a used one and love it.
appreciate the video. I owned a 1994 Caravan, loved it, can't remember the mileage served the family well. I had a 2001 Grand Caravan again, served us well, developed what appeared to be a transmission problem. It would rev when sitting at a traffic light etc. Dealer said it needed a new transmission....WRONG, took it to a highly recommended transmission place, they found it was teh "Chrysler phantom problem" alternator was putting out inconsistent voltage which caused the issue. So new alternator, battery and serpentine belt (one of those, while we're in here moves that made sense) $600 vs the $6000 the dealer wanted for a transmission. It had some rust, sold it to a friend who ran it a while and then he sold it, probably still running. I'm watching all kinds of videos because since I retired, and am now making $$ as a musician I want to sell my Kia Soul and get another minivan. Don't get me wrong the Kia was/is a great little car, over 100k, starting to burn some oil, but on a recent trip to Virginia it really struggled with some of the inclines. so it looks like a Grand Caravan for us.. now to find one. ;)
Best of luck in your future ventures!
They have the best fans out there for the price I love my van
I own a 2014 T&C 30th Anniversary. A great vehicle. Be sure to good to a Chrysler minivan owners forum to see some of the problems you may encounter during ownership.
I absolutely LOVE my Dodge Grand Caravan. It is by far, my favorite vehicle, and we have owned I think 7 different types of vehicles. So, out of 7, it came out as #1 for me! It has so much room, so many great features for a family, and nice bells and whistles. I feel so comfortable in my van. Your review was SPOT ON. There are some minor things we have had to get fixed over the years, but all in all, it has done us well. I will ride it til the wheels fall off!😂
We have a 2016 grand caravan it has 186k miles and running strong. Only replaced the trans lines and oil filter housing.
Love them. I want my caravan back.
Our son had two Caravans. Dealership ended up buying both of them back due to so many issues. I showed him this video, and he laughed.
Our 2006 Grand Caravan has 186K miles and it needs a new power steering reservoir/filter, but it just goes and goes (might need to replace the power steering pump if we waited too long to replace the reservoir/filter. It's losing clearcoat on the paint and has some rust (at the connection between the front fender and the body panel; which I haven't been able to completely deal with--I'd have to take that joint apart to really get the Rustoleum to the right spots. It also has a cracked windshield. As best I can remember, the only major problems we've had with was needing a new A/C compressor and the gas tank developed a hole just as we were about to head off on a trip. So, we ended up borrowing a friend's car for that trip. Funnily enough, we couldn't find a junk yard tank anywhere close to home, but found one on the trip! Brought it home and got it put in. That was several years ago.
My wife wants to replace it because trips between Utah and South Dakota, where our daughter's family lives, make her a bit nervous. So we have our trusted mechanics check it out first. I'm happy to put more miles on it!
Excellent video! We owned a 2015 and put a ton of miles on it. The van was bulletproof! Just did basic maintenance with only one costly repair and that was the oil filter tube that leaked. Other than that would highly recommend getting one.
Thanks for sharing!
Morning it’s Feb. 24, 2024. Love the dodge Caravan.!. Because it’s a little smaller than your common minivan. And all the back seats fold down and hide into the flooring for a flat surface.!. Not like some minivan where you have to pullout the rear seats or fold the middle seats forward and it just lay behind the driver and passenger seat.!.. especially when you’re going camping no need to rent a motor home or a trailer.!. It’s perfect for sleeping two people.
Plus, like you said it big enough to fit large things.!. The wifey and myself are talking about trading our 2016 Hyundai Tucson for a dodge minivan just for that reason.!. And great for shopping plus for the grandkids.
Great presentation on this video.!. 😊🇺🇸🎉🙏🏽😇👍…
It’s also got a peppy motor! I just bout my first one today
Bought a used 2014 Grand Caravan, the CEL came on on the way home, the transmission started to slip in R. Not a great experience. I'm a fairly capable DIY guy. Changed the Trans filter and oil 3x (drain and fill, drive, drain and fill, etc), still had the same problems. Not a great experience. On the other hand, one of my buddies had an OLD Caravan, that thing won't die.
I just got a used 2019 and so far so good. I use it for camping and love it!
Right on
Bought our third this week. I was a parts manager at a Chrysler dealer. These cars are awesome.
That is awesome!
11:00
I own a 2011 crew. Best purchase i have ever made. Had it for almost 10 years.
Recently purchased a 2009 diesel 2.8 with 180 k miles in the uk for £900, brilliant vehicle for its intended purpose for a home renovation project!
I live out in the sticks and the local taxi company runs a pair of these. One has 400,000km and the other 450k. They are smooth and rattle-free
Yes if you want constant repairs
I have 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. I bought it in 2019. So far I haven't had any big problems.
I have a 2006 Grand Caravan with stowaway seats and 3.8L ...162 thousand miles. Changed water pump. Alternator and valve cover gaskets. Excellent minivan.
We have a 2013 T&C and love it. We had to replace the transmission at 165k miles, but everything else still works.
I bought my 2015 Chrysler Town & Country(with 43k mi) in 2021 and only paid 14,500 for it. Looks just like the caravan you are showing with a slightly different trim package and front grill. I've had it for three years and it is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.
Decent fuel mileage, easy to handle and do well in winter.
You are right that other auto manufacturers were trying to catch up to the features with this van, but I think they opted instead for a sleeker look. That might be why these are still such a good deal on the used market.
The utilitarian appearance doesn't exactly turn heads, but when you need to move anything and flip down the seats to reveal a covered cargo area bigger than some pickups, you are damn glad to have one!
I've got a 2007 with 290,000 mi on it only thing has been done is oil changes tires and steering arms other than that it's been great
I own a 2013 RAM CV Tradesman (dodge grand caravan)…. She looks and drives like a new one… I’m a courier, run her every day ALL OVER the Southeastern US. I have 513,732 miles on her. Original engine and transmission. So smooth and powerful 3.6 v6 and the 6 speed transmission is butter smooth. Over time I’ve replaced tires brakes struts sway bar end links bushings radiator thermostat oil cooler and coolant temp sensor belts hoses coil packs and spark plugs. All maintenance items AND oil and fluids / filters have been replaced on time or ahead of time ALWAYS. I own a 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 ST Tradesman Quad Cab it’s got 380,542 miles with 4.7 v8 and it to is like new. Also own a 2012 RAM 1500 regular cab long bed 4x4 Tradesman. Also looks and runs as new with 234,560 miles on the 4.7 v8. Also own a Jeep Compass Sport 2wd with 150,344 miles 2.0 4 cyl. Also looks runs as new. All are white in color and basic models and I LOOOOVE THEM ALL …. But for my money the Grand Caravan (CV Tradesman cargo van) is by far the best vehicle I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!!
Great info Sir! Thanks for sharing.
Tell this to Scotty and he will say you are lying. For me it is Mopar or no car! I have had similar experiences with my Chrysler vehicles. Dirt cheap and easy to fix!
I just bought a 2019 GT with 80k miles for $20k. I can't do without stow-n-go, and the Caravan has a more upright windshield than the Chrysler Pacifica/Voyage, so there is more room for my 6'5" frame to get in without bending my neck (I have a bad back). I rented a 2017 GT with similar mileage last year and decided it was good enough for 3rd car use duties (carrying my huge dog and my wife's market tent and goods) and maybe the occasional 180 mile trip to Disney. I'll listen out for the well known rocker tick and catch it before it eats the cams (hopefully) and put in the all aluminum oil cooler from Dorman when the OEM one cracks.
Better value the Toyota or Honda,...
I'm running a 257,000 mile 2008 as a work truck I absolutely abuse these vans. Lol I have the seats down semi permanently.
Well, call me surprised! When we were looking at new vans back in 2000, the Dodge caravans didn't impress us. We went with the bottom trim Odyssey, and that van was terrific. It did require a warranty transmission replacement, though. Also a worn out ignition switch cylinder. It's interesting to read the comments here and see so many Dodge fans. Who knew?
Bought a 17 for 12k cash. 83 k miles…. Motor started ticking then tapping with check engine light after 1k miles. Ended up having a bad camshaft, 2 rocker arms. I changed 8 lifters, 2 rockers and the camshaft….. purrs like a kitten now. Cost me $600 bucks to fix. I’m a mechanic so I lucked out. You can get these cheap if you know how to fix them.
I'm on my 3rd, 2 Caravans and the 3rd is a 2018 Grand Caravan.... They have all done their job as was intended.... I do get a lot of flack from some because I also drive a Corvette... I always get asked why I have both... Because, sometimes I like to carry a lot of stuff, other times I don't....
I love love love LOVE my dodge caravan. I tell everybody I don’t know why everybody doesn’t drive a minivan. It’s better in the snow than my stupid Four-wheel-drive GMC terrain. Which I sold to buy the minivan. It’s my second minivan and I will never not drive one.
I am waiting now for a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan to be delivered 11/16/23 from Carvana. I chose the wrong color black so now they ar bringing me a white one. I agree that while I was testing the black 2017 that the transmission keep shifting around. That's another reason that I am sending it back. I thought it was broken because I have only know of a transmission about to fail me when that happens but,I am happy to find your video now I have now more worries. I was torn between the Pacifica, Odyssey, and the Grand Caravan . I'm glad that I chose well.
Thank you for the video!
How is your van running? Curious how much you paid. I am looking into carvana.
i have a 2014 Dodge 30th Anniversary Edition, i bought it at 77k miles in 2017 for $16k. it now has 151k. I love it and give it 5 stars. i can do anything i want with this van. i use it as a work van and can carry any and all i need to carry or move. sometimes people want to make fun of me for driving a mini-van but i don't care. it is the most useful vech i have ever owned. it is still on the same brakes. about 6 months ago i bought new brakes thinking it would be about due to change them. but no they looked great. so i kept them for whenever they need them in the future. only issues i have had are the backup camera - the image is upside down and the drivers side sliding door needs the track cable replaced - sometimes it opens back up when trying to close it due to a bad wire in the track cable.
Thanks for sharing!
i own a 2016 sxt caravan 3.6L and it runs grate
I have the lifter chatter at 190,000 and I just learned that heavier oil would help. I put in 10 w 30. I also use top tier gas and it helps.
Thicker oil may help with lifters, but if it’s the rocker arms, which it more than likely is, then it/they will need to be replaced!
Short answer... YES
My 4th Dodge GC is a T&C. Ny last SXT (2005) was indestructible at 175k miles, with the 3.8 and original Trans still good. I junked it because most fo the other things were just worn out, but it served me well for 12 yrs and 100k miles. My current T&C (Limited 4.0) is only 5 years newer, but the difference in tech is impressive. Still kind miss my 3.8.
Minivans not just GCV are the most cost effective vehicle you can buy.
No way of knowing what other vans drive like...what I know is that we've had our 08', 3.3 since 2012 and its been a beast. The winters have been hard on it and it goes through brakes quite a but the engine and tranny are still strong and the power band for the small v6 is pretty decent....
They are a bit undersized is the reason for the wear. I let off of the gas early when coming to stop signs and when I see a red light ahead, I let off and many times by the time I get to the traffic light it has changed so I hardly need to apply the brakes at all. Helps quite a bit. The vans with 17 inch tires have slightly larger brakes then the ones with 16 inch tires.
Dodge Grand Caravan is the greatest vehicle ever made. Well if you have a family and animals. You can use it for work. It’s a great big comfortable car and very reliable if you treat it right.
We have a 2001 Dodge Caravan and it has been our least costly used vehicle to own.
I bought 2017 Crew Plus in 2018 (left over I guess they couldn't sell). It's comfortable, versatile with two rows of Stow-n-Go, and it's done everything I needed it to do without an issue. Tri-zone automatic climate control, you can watch a movie on the head unit, and good storage. I'm starting to see some wear on the drivers leather seat, and I see some rust stains on the bottom of the drivers side door, but i don't see any actual rust, so I'll have to have a close look. Overall, it's been a good vehicle. I have the full overhead console with the ambient lighting that goes from the front of the van right to the back, but no video screens, I guess they weren't putting in dual screens by that point, so lots of overhead cubbies. It's coming up to it's first plug change soon at 60,000 miles, but that's just regular maintenance. Try and buy its replacement, a Pacifica with the equivalent trim level, and see what that will put you back. Scary. I'm just going to maintain this van and drive it until it wont' go anymore.
Pentastar motor married to the worst transmission mine had 55000 miles in mint condition I sold it fast when the notorious valve ticking started.
I have a 1994 Dodge Caravan with just short of 200K which we bought used in 1995. That beast is still running on original engine and tranny. It is my beater which I am seeing how long it will last.
I have had a couple of these vehicles and I found its hard on brakes. The best feature is definitely the stow n go. Last year I got rid of my 2012 Town and Country and bought a 2017 Kia Sedona. So far I am enjoying the Kia but time will tell.
Every minivan owner I knew cursed the transmission. If you overtorque the oil filter the housing breaks. You have to remove the intake manifold to repair it?
Indeed you do!
I have a 2015 r/t put a k&n air filter and did a muffler delete I’ve been racing this bad boy like a sports car a lot of people ask me if it’s stock or modded this bad boy is quick
@Vexulus' I've smoked a many of sport cars with my 2003 mini van v 6. It takes off like rocket I love my smile at the next light. NAh' I don't win all the time. lol lol. 150k miles and still going strong.
285 HP will do that!
I like the caravan so much I own two of them.
a 2015 and 2017. Bought the 17 new when the 18 model year came out and got a great deal and bought the 15 the next year. Both run great and because I telework from home, both are "low mileage" for their age...about 37K on the 2017 and 75K on the 2015. I'll keep these though...maybe until I can't drive anymore...LOL
That is one of the strangest places for a shifter that I think I’ve ever seen on any vehicle. Not a complaint or a praise, it’s just one of those things that made me go “huh”.
I agree!
we have that exact model in the 2014...we love it but we are also gonna have to put it down bc of the transmission
Shares a lot of common parts with town and country and others. So there are lots of parts available new and used.
I’m so here for A Dodge Caravan! May the universe make it my reality soon! Thank you for sharing this information!!!
I have had 6 Grand Caravans and put a million miles on them. They are better than the Honda Odyssy (bad transmissions). 3.6L Pentastar motors have soft camshafts/ with Rocker Arm failure. $3500 to fix. A better buy is a pre-2011 with the 3.8L motor.
The 2011 started the new redesigned interior that I love better than pre 2011.. What year was the top end issue resolved After 2011 on these and Town Country.?..
Really, after 2015, the pentatick issue faded to almost to nothing.
The 2016 and later pentastars had much less of the above issue than the 2011 to 2015 generation.
They upgraded the vslvetrain in 2016 n later pentastars. It was known as the Pentastar upgrade 3,
whereby they upgraded the valvetrain n egr system
OMG that pricing !’ Just got a fully loaded 2017 GT one owner 99k miles. $7,700 🥰 going to flip for 12k. Of coarse I have to fix the famous oil leak lol.
Keep in mind these prices were a year ago!
My 2015 caravan needed a new transmission at 98,000 miles.
its just the best car on the road. i prefer this to any super car out there for pure practicality
Couldn't agree more!
We’re proud Grand Caravan owners.
We love them as well!
I have a 2019 gt model and I love it. Bought in 2020 with 18K miles on it for 19k from carvana. Now in 2024 it has 50k miles and knock on wood haven’t had any problems with it. Too bad dodge stopped making them. 😢
Ive a '99 GCV 3.3 and we're at 260k miles. Original engine and trans, oil changes at 3500 miles and trans spill and fill every 20k. I've another one owner '99 with 90k miles waiting to take its place. We're headed for a half million miles but it may out live me.
The most comfortable seats.
I had a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan and I drove it for 9 years they had 234,000 Mi on it when I got rid of it and you still drove good when I got rid of it
Used 2009 bought from a dealership, after a year DVD did not work, started had many mechanical issues, dpdge has terrible windshiled hose that can easyly break in cold days in Canada. It was not even 200K km yet we had so mamy prpblems. Radiator, AC issue, engine shaking, fuse problems etc. We are done with Caravan no more.
Why hasn't Dodge just gone ahead and fixed these problems ? I have a older mini van and use it in my Carpentry Co. , very good service.
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
You are so welcome