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Which (Grand) Caravan for LH owners

2K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  Pascal_82 
#1 · (Edited)
I've been looking for a vehicle with more storage and general capacity. Which of the Dodge Caravan models is likely to make a 2nd gen LH owner happy (either because the parts are the same/similar or because it doesn't need much service)?

With that on mind, what do you think about this '98 Grand Caravan SE:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/1565652663.html

1) transmission that is in limp mode
Might be a sensor fix?​
2) master cylinder should be replaced
Anything special here?​
3) power steering and/or rack and pinion adjustment
Inner tie rod bushings perhaps? Hard to do on this car?​

Any general tips about the Dodge Caravan line would be appreciated.

<later>
Just found this '01 Grand Caravan ES:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/1569861792.html
Looks better to me depending on:
How bad the subframe damage is.
And how bad the "major dent in rear door" may be...
</later>
 
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#2 ·
depends

Government comps would let me look at first link. But I've owned 3 Grand vans right now we have a 06 T/C touring edition and I love it...... I suggest that if you want one get one with stow and go. and the 3.8L engine. the past 2 that I have owned were plymouths grand voyagers with 3.3L they seemed underpowered when hauling the family (2) kids wife and me (at that time) I have 3 rugrats now. Let me tell you....the 3.8L has a lot more punch than the 3.3L ever did. Plus the older versions without stow and go you have to remove the seats to haul anything, THE FAR BACKSEAT IS NOT LIGHT!!!!!!! its big and weighs about 100+ Ive taking it out many many times. trust me get the astow and go if you plan on hauling anything wider than 3 feet and longer than 4 feet with more than 4 individuals in van. Oh, get captain cairs in middle too........the center bench (my first van) is a ***** too.
 
#3 ·
At least an ES grand or t@c to get a leval of suspention that is real nice.

Bonus some ES models even have autostick!

Sxt may have touring suspention, but you may have to look hard.

t@c and most es have 3.8.

We have a van and may get another to replace my LHS.

But this will be not the ave. soccer mom van.
 
#4 ·
I have always LOVED the '99-'00 Grand Caravan ES sport AWD and the Town and Country LXi or limited AWD. I think they are well rounded, nice size, great price, best looking minivan ever made as well. I talked my friends into getting one 4 years ago as they have a daughter and had started a business and we get ice and snow here on occasion, as well as always wet...They ended up LOVING it so much that 2 years later as their business expanded, they got another one and now have 2. They have had almost no problems and the few they have had have been minor, they also agree that they LOVE the look, has aged VERY well, unlike the '01-on suppository vans. :( I am on my 3rd LH and if I had a family and needed a minivan, i would get one of these in a heartbeat!
 
#5 ·
I had 2 '96 Caravan, one with the 3.0L and 3 speed trans and the other with the 3.3L and the 4 speed trans. The both trans was finished. The 3 speed at 150 000 Kms and the 4 speed at 200 000 Kms. I don't know if it's a problem with those trans or it's just me but I'll never buy this gen of Caravan. I prefer the '01-'07 Caravan. They have a better look and from the '05, you can have the Stow'n Go. Much more room and easier to "remove" the seats.
 
#9 ·
With that on mind, what do you think about this '98 Grand Caravan SE:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/1565652663.html

1) transmission that is in limp mode
Might be a sensor fix?​
2) master cylinder should be replaced
Anything special here?​
3) power steering and/or rack and pinion adjustment
Inner tie rod bushings perhaps? Hard to do on this car?​
I went to see this one:
Many "Bad Signs":
  1. It was running when I got there.
  2. He shows me how the transmission fluid is good. However this was done on a steep slope and he thought was showing me the oil!
  3. There was burned oil on the oil dipstick and it was quite low.
  4. NO fluid in the power steering reservoir (steering problem much?)
  5. I use my scanner for codes and get: P0715, P0733 and P0734
  6. I can't restart it after I switch it off
  7. He has a jump start kit in his hands 5 seconds after he gets out of the car
  8. The battery posts are all marked - this baby has been jumped lots!
  9. We drive it and - no power steering
  10. Did one "panic stop" - had LOTS of time to panic - no brakes!
  11. Limped just as advertised
  12. Bad/loose lock relay on tailgate
  13. Air bag light on
  14. All A/C control lights are flashing - Air bag warning?
  15. When we get back I check for new codes and get P0700 in addition to all the others above
Other than the above it was good.

He said his wife asked why he didn't list it for more. I silently asked myself if he would be able to give it away...
:whistle:
 
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