Things to look for on used mini-vans?

I'm looking at Caravan/Voyagers in the 4-6k price range. Are there any
models in the 98-2004 range that have problems to be avoided? Any
particular engine or tranny prone to problems? The last van I had was a 92
Caravan, great vehicle. Any info or a good link would be appreciated.

thanks

 

"Steve Moore"

IMO, very little of that Consumer Reports stuff applies on a car in that
price range. By the time a vehicle enters the 4-6k price range, everything
that could go wrong probably has. What you are looking for are major
problems that may or may not have to do with design issues. Usually
maintenance issues at this point. Keep in mind you will be dealing mostly
with low end dealers that lie, and private sellers looking to get rid of
problem vehicles - they'll be lying, too. Nobody sells a good used car.
Maybe keep that rule of thumb in mind. Good luck. Frankly, if you are the
kind that has to ask, you might look at spending a little more and getting a
car with maybe 10-20k miles of warranty left on it.

- D

 

There are people like that, but it's certainly not true that "nobody" sells
a good car. Often people are just tired of them, or something happens i.e.
death in the family or someone quits driving and they have a surplus
vehicle. I've had some luck at sniffing out these deals. But you're right
it's a crapshoot. And you're also right that in this price range maintenance
not brand is what's important.

 

Thanks guys. "I have to ask" because I haven't really followed the minivans
for several years. I vaguely remember with the last generation there was a
certain run of engines, and at least one particular transmission that were
prone to multiple problems. Just looking to avoid anything obvious. It is
a crapshoot, but at the same time it's usually easy to spot something
that's been abused. If it hasn't, something with 90k - 100k miles stll has
a lot of life left in it. I'm willing and able to do things like exhaust,
brakes, etc. I just don't want to be dropping trannys or pulling engines.

Maybe I'll find a preacher-owned special

 

The 3.3 and 3.8 engines seem to do better as opposed to the 2.4 and
3.0 for the years that you are considering.

The 3.0 was better in later years, but still had problems with leaking
valve cover gaskets.

The 2.4 had headgasket problems until mid-way through 1999. Some feel
that the 2.4 is not powerful enough for van applications.

Transmissions from the late 1990's and into this century are better
than their predecessors. ATF+4, which is a synthetic fluid became
universal for Chrysler during 2000 - 2001. The 2000 Chrysler Cirrus
that I recently got, calls for ATF+4 in the owner's manual. The Mopar
branded fluid is available, as is the aftermarket flavor.

More info about all this is available at allpar.com

-KM

 

Only those labeled as ATF+4™ - *NOT* those with a shopping list of
various types of tranny fluids that the contents can be substituted for
(i.e., if the label says "Can be used for vehicles that require W, X, Y,
Chrysler ATF+4, Z, etc., etc.", don't use that).

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

"Steve Moore"

You and everyone else.

Minivans are especially tough. I've owned 3 myself, all used. I love their
functionality. But most are owned by idiots. It's a tough class of owner.
You could only do worse by trying to find a good used Ford Explorer.

-D

 

Most of them smell like spilled milk.

 

"Robert Reynolds"

When you pull the tranny dipstick?

- D

 

It can be OK if used in light-duty applications i.e mom's taxi. The problem
for heavier-duty use is not only the engine but the tranny has to do a lot
more downshifting than with the sixes.

 

On the 1996-2000 models be sure to check the strut towers for rust.

 

I like my 1999 Voyager with the 2.4 engine. It's a nice combination,
although it doesn't get a lot better gas mileage than the 3.0. My
theory about the transmission is that it is more likely to hold up
without such a big engine wearing it out.

 

Also check to make sure the air bag and ABS (if equipped) lights come
on and turn off when started. Bulb removal is one way to attempt to
mask a problem with either of these systems.

I guess this applies to all other warning lights as well.

-KM

 

I'm not so sure the transmission will do better with the 2.4 engine.
With the smaller engine the transmission has to do more shifting.