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9 answers

The Dodge caravan is a basically good vehicle. Depending on the equipment and options it can be a very comfortable and reliable vehicle. The longer wheelbase version (Grand Caravan) is a bit smoother riding, but the short wheelbase version handles turns a bit better.

I would recommend the 3.3 or 3.8 L engine, over the 3.0 or the 4 cylinder. The 4 cylinder is underpowered unless you live in a very flat area, and the 3.0 has a history of valve guide problems!! That motor tends to start burning oil and smoking at about 90-120k miles.

The transmissions have had some problems, but most of those are caused by people putting the wrong type of transmission fluid in them. Depending on your budget, I would look for a dual sliding door van, and get the 3.3 engine. Have the transmission flushed and refilled with the correct fluid, and you should have few problems!!

With any used car, have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic prior to purchase. Expect to pay $50-100 for the check out, which is well worth it to know you are not buying a problem!

2006-07-25 16:48:44 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 1 0

Get down next to the car and look along the sides. Look for wavy spots. If you see any, the car may have been hit and repaired. Look at the tires on the front end. Are they worn on one side then the other? If so, bad alignment or bad drive train if front wheel drive. The same goes for the rear.
Look under the hood. Not just at the engine. Look up at the hood it's self. Any black spots that might be burnt oil? Take a good sniff. Smell anything wrong?
Drive the car. Listen for thumps, grinding or anyting else that sounds off.
After the the test drive, check the rear end again. Is there black smoke coming from the tail pipe? Blackened spot above the tail pipe? Could be buring oil.

2006-07-25 22:45:51 · answer #2 · answered by Scott E 3 · 0 0

The Caravan after 2000 is really not bad, if that is what you are looking for. They may have some minor problems like front end or some electrical, but tranny and the engine are fairly good.
Previous model had more problems: tranny, spiral cable in the steering, electrical, etc.

2006-07-25 22:46:33 · answer #3 · answered by mmd_774 2 · 0 0

Look for a Caravan with a 3 speed trans. instead of 4 speed. Cheaper to overhaul when trans goes bad.

2006-07-25 23:09:39 · answer #4 · answered by whyme? 1 · 0 0

the dodge grand caravan and or just the caravan is a great mini-van we have a caravan1994 and it still runs great at 156.000 miles, the extended version will give you a smoother ride, i think they are all great, good choice,

2006-07-25 22:35:49 · answer #5 · answered by erohk2000 1 · 0 0

I can tell you from personal experience that if you see a Dodge Caravan for sale, run like Hell away from it.

2006-07-25 22:33:24 · answer #6 · answered by Me again 6 · 0 0

I have an 05 dodge caravan with 20,000 miles on it and it runes like new, well actually it should run like that. But i have a friend that has one thats a 98 with 160,000 miles on it and it runes like mine that has 20,000 on it.

2006-07-25 23:03:37 · answer #7 · answered by serb423 3 · 0 0

It is an excellent car, (of course take your mechanic wih you). My father in law has had a 97 and it has about 160000 miles in it, and he had never have any major problem with it.

2006-07-26 01:17:32 · answer #8 · answered by wazup1971 6 · 0 0

lemon,cant say it any more clear,youll have nothing but problems with it.

2006-07-25 22:45:29 · answer #9 · answered by freebuns76 3 · 0 0

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