2000 T&C w/3.8, Are the 3.8's goo reliable motors?

Hi All,
I may be buying a 2000 T&C Limited w/a 3.8 motor w/ 57k on it. Was
wondering if these are considered good & reliable motors? It seems
more ChryCo minivans have the 3.3 motors, including my '92 Caravan and
it's been pretty reliable. What type of routine maintenance is
recommended when the odometer reaches 60k? This van was converted for
wheelchair entry(dropped floor, auto ramp) by Braun, asking price is
$27k, anyone know if that's a fair price? The van is loaded and clean.
Thanks.

Dan

Dan

Remove NOSPAM from address when replying

 

Yes, the Chrysler 3.3 and 3.8 (the latter being a slight variant of the
former) are very sturdy and durable engines.

 

Dan, the price seems just a bit high, but that depends on what part on
the country you are in. Take a look at this website to get an idea of
what the going price is in different areas.
http://www.disableddealer.com/item.asp

Don

 

2000 was the last of that series and some people still report transmission
issues. The 3.8 series motors I have owned have been relatively trouble
free. Some thermostate issues.

That price seems high to me also. At 60,000 miles you might need new plugs
and wires (dual plat is recommended). Also transmission filter and +4 fluid.
Other than the air filter there is not much else to attend to. OK perhaps
the fuel filter. I would look for a 2002 model or newer since much
transmission progress seems to have be reached during that period.

Richard.

 

I do not know if it applies to this engine, but our Dodge Grand Caravan
needed to have a timing chain replaced at 50K. If it is not replaced and
it goes, the damage is very expensive to repair.

 

Maybe... if you overlook the well-known tendency for multiple failures
of serpentine belt tensioners, with less frequent collateral damage to
water pump shaft seal, and then there is that pesky failing rear-V head
gasket...

But these are nothing new, and have been debated here ad nauseum.

 

Your information is garberated; you're making it sound as if the timing
chain is a scheduled-maintenance item, which it certainly is not. Timing
*BELTS* on engines so equipped are scheduled-maintenance items, but not
timing *chains*.

 

thanks for the clarification.

 

Why would you buy another model of a vehicle that had experienced three
transmission failures in 80,000 miles?


Matt

 

Primarily to keep my wife happy. SHe really likes the vehicle. I was
planning to buy an Honda Oddessy but it didn't come (back then) with
leather or any where near the trim level as the T & C.

BTW, Chrysler paid for 2.5 of the three transmissions. Two within the
7-70K drive train warranty that was in effect back then and half of
the third because I raised so much of a fuss.

Flipped a coin on buying an extended warranty on the '99. Did not and
got lucky.

 

Because they fixed the problem and it is otherwise a good vehicle.