Thinking of buying a 2000 Dodge Caravan (vehicles, minivan, SUV, brake)

[CTR36]

I am in the market for a good used minivan. I have owned a 1991 Toyota Previa and 1994 Nissan Quest and loved them both. But I seem to like the style of the Dodge Caravan. Do you guys think this is a good reliable van?
My BIL has owned them ever since they started making them back in the 80s. He loves them. But I want to know from other owners what has been your experience with them. I see several on craigslist going for $2400-$3000.
Good deal or not?

[M3 Mitch]

I think if you'll look in Consumer Reports you'll find they rate the Mopar minivans somewhat less reliable than the 'yota or the Nissan. I have a buddy in DC who has an old Dodge minivan, mega mileage on it, still works well for him.

I think there is a lot of variation among the various engines and transmissions Mopar used over the years, some are a lot better than others.

If I just had to get a minivan, I'd go for a Honda Odyssy. Check one out, it's the "only minivan real car guys don't hate".

[caturpilar]

I'd say stay away from Chrysler/Dodge pre 98 models. They had terrible transmission problems. Got my wife a van. We looked at several and she liked the look, comfort etc of the town and country. I knew a lady who had a 94 caravan and she put around 200k on it. It took 2 trans. to get there but it was a nice van. Of course Mopar had trans problems with alot of their vehicles in the 90s, I think they got it figured out now.

[dkf747]

I'm a Chrysler/Dodge minivan fan. Forget Consumer reports. Google "Chrysler minivan fans" to find a forum where you can find just about everythng you need to know about that van. These vans are way better than the other vans from the same time period. The transmission issue is blown way out of proportion. Hondas also had transmission issues back then as well. Check out the forums to be fully informed.

[GregW]

Keep thinking about the Chrysler and buy a Toyota.

[johnfrisco]

Please don't buy it! You are only asking for problems.

[seamusnh]

Most people I know with Chrysler vans have had problems. We've had two (a 93 Nissan and an '00 Toyota Sienna) and they have been very reliable. Our Sienna has 214k on it now and is going strong. My wife wants it to die so she can get a new SUV, but the van is not cooperating... toyotanation.com is the site for toyota owners....

[Filet Mignon]

I've owned quite a few Dodge minivans. An 85, a 90, two 91s, a 94 and now a 2004.

The biggest problem with them is the transmissions. But honestly, I've only had 1 van have tranny problems. That was my 91 Grand Caravan, and it had almost 210,000 miles on it before that happened - so I don't think that's too bad. Also, if you're getting a used Caravan/Voyager/T&C with a REBUILT TRANNY, you won't have any more trouble with it.


The Dodge/Chrysler mini-vans aren't perfect. But there really is a reason why there are more of them on the road than all other brands of minivans combined.

[Padgett2]

We had one. It had over 200,000 miles on it and NO transmission problems. We found a good deal on a Plymouth minivan and traded it in. It needed a new paint job in a BAD way!

My love for the Chrysler minivans is the way the seats fit. We both have bad backs and the seats seem to have more support.

We always made sure that the oil was changed when it was due, transmission and brake fluid was kept at the proper level too. I think that makes a big difference on the kind of service you get from any car.

[CTR36]

Thanks for all your input!! The one we will be looking at is a 2000 Grand Caravan, 6 cyl. They want $2700. I am going to look at it this weekend.