Tell Me About These Damn Minivans, Please!

[Howard]

I have a 96 (or was it 97?) Dodge Caravan.

Recently we had to send it in to repair the rear seatbelts. Something about not being able to engage properly. And... we constantly have to bring it in to fix the air conditioning. And occasionally it feels like the torque converter is slipping excessively.

Other than that, it's a pretty good ride. A tad rough over old/rough/bumpy road, though.

 

[ultravox]

A tad rough over old/rough/bumpy road, though

Now that you mention it, my last van, the LE was really rough over the bumps compared to the other 3 vans and I could never figure out why untill I noticed that I had the heavy duty suspension on it with much thicker coils sprinds in front than the regular suspension. This reall is over kill. Unless you're always carrying 6 passengers or hauling a cord of firewood, I'd stay away from the heavy duty supensions. The regular suspension works just fine.

 

[gogeeta13]

Originally posted by: ultravox

A tad rough over old/rough/bumpy road, though

Now that you mention it, my last van, the LE was really rough over the bumps compared to the other 3 vans and I could never figure out why untill I noticed that I had the heavy duty suspension on it with much thicker coils sprinds in front than the regular suspension. This reall is over kill. Unless you're always carrying 6 passengers or hauling a cord of firewood, I'd stay away from the heavy duty supensions. The regular suspension works just fine.

The LE's stong suspension is an absolute MUST for a full load of people and vacation stuff....

on the montana and the 89, the suspension is soft, and with a full load, you can barely turn the thing around a corner at 5 mph, the entire body leans like a mother.

 

[Ornery]

Just had a brilliant idea! I discovered the Honda Odyssey is competitivley priced with the Dodge Grand Caravan Sport when new. It's only when they're used that they're much higher priced. Hmmmm, not only would this be my first FWD, first mini van and first Import, but it would also be our first new vehicle ever!

I'm seeing Autobytel pricing close to $22,000.00 without options and I'm hearing of 0% financing for 60 months!

Why buy the ES models over the LX? They have the same engine and tranny as far as I can see. How stripped could it get? Hand crank windows? No power door locks? AM radio? Must do more research...

2002 Honda Odyssey Minivan Standard Equipment

Looks like it's got the basic electrical stuff. Now to see if I can swing it...

 

[Ornery]

So? What are my chances of getting that '02 LX for under MSRP with 0% interest for 5 years?

I've been reading a discussion board where they say you're doing good to even get the 2003 EX models at MSRP. They occasionally get it for $500.00 less and consider that a deal! Hell, I almost lopped that much off my digital camera!

Is it the same story when I have to buy parts for this damn thing?

Autobytel shows:

• Base Invoice (without options):
  $21,822.00
  
  Base List Price (without options):
  $24,250.00

What will the "out the door" price be? Sales tax here is 5.75%, and I suppose there's 101 fees...

 

[Ornery]

Just drove a 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LX/LXI with 42,000 miles on it. It's on a dealer's lot and was traded in by the original owner. It can be had right now for $14,900, which is a pretty good price.

The thing is idling a little rough. It's also a bit loud from the exhaust. Oh, and it rides pretty stiff and a tad noisy too. I checked the tires when I got back from the test drive and found they were brand new Michelin MX4s. I'm not sure what original equipment was, but they couldn't have been that noisy and harsh. Any idea what those tires should be? How much would the dealer be out of pocket for a whole new exhaust and tune up? Think I could get that thrown in?

If I go to strike a deal for this thing, I'm going to want that engine smoothed out at idle. I'll also need the exhaust quieted down, and I'd like quieter tires. It's out of warranty now, but he says he can offer an extended one for a price. I've heard I can go to third party outfits to do that cheaper. Is that right? Should I bother?

We're heading off to the West side of Cleveland to look at a couple used Grand Marquis. One is from a private, original owner. The other from a dealer, which has a clean Carfax. I've got a list of 30 other Grand Marquis here and almost all were used for rental, corporate lease or commercial registrations. This turned into quite a challenge!

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Just drove a 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LX/LXI with 42,000 miles on it. It's on a dealer's lot and was traded in by the original owner. It can be had right now for $14,900, which is a pretty good price.

The thing is idling a little rough. It's also a bit loud from the exhaust. Oh, and it rides pretty stiff and a tad noisy too. I checked the tires when I got back from the test drive and found they were brand new Michelin MX4s. I'm not sure what original equipment was, but they couldn't have been that noisy and harsh. Any idea what those tires should be? How much would the dealer be out of pocket for a whole new exhaust and tune up? Think I could get that thrown in?

If I go to strike a deal for this thing, I'm going to want that engine smoothed out at idle. I'll also need the exhaust quieted down, and I'd like quieter tires. It's out of warranty now, but he says he can offer an extended one for a price. I've heard I can go to third party outfits to do that cheaper. Is that right? Should I bother?

We're heading off to the West side of Cleveland to look at a couple used Grand Marquis. One is from a private, original owner. The other from a dealer, which has a clean Carfax. I've got a list of 30 other Grand Marquis here and almost all were used for rental, corporate lease or commercial registrations. This turned into quite a challenge!

Whatever you chose, right now there is a bitching deal on an extended warranty over in hot deals. Let me get a link.

-PAB

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: PsychoAndy

Originally posted by: Ornery
Just drove a 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY LX/LXI with 42,000 miles on it. It's on a dealer's lot and was traded in by the original owner. It can be had right now for $14,900, which is a pretty good price.

The thing is idling a little rough. It's also a bit loud from the exhaust. Oh, and it rides pretty stiff and a tad noisy too. I checked the tires when I got back from the test drive and found they were brand new Michelin MX4s. I'm not sure what original equipment was, but they couldn't have been that noisy and harsh. Any idea what those tires should be? How much would the dealer be out of pocket for a whole new exhaust and tune up? Think I could get that thrown in?

If I go to strike a deal for this thing, I'm going to want that engine smoothed out at idle. I'll also need the exhaust quieted down, and I'd like quieter tires. It's out of warranty now, but he says he can offer an extended one for a price. I've heard I can go to third party outfits to do that cheaper. Is that right? Should I bother?

We're heading off to the West side of Cleveland to look at a couple used Grand Marquis. One is from a private, original owner. The other from a dealer, which has a clean Carfax. I've got a list of 30 other Grand Marquis here and almost all were used for rental, corporate lease or commercial registrations. This turned into quite a challenge!

Whatever you chose, right now there is a bitching deal on an extended warranty over in hot deals. Let me get a link.

-PAB

It wasn't easy to find but here it is.

I'd be weary though because this is a fairly new company and I haven't read any reviews on them. But they're offering AT'ers a $100 off coupon until 10/4 I think?

 

[Ornery]

Thank you so much, PAB & RossMAN!

I'm still not sure I'd buy the warranty for either vehicle, but here is a quote for a 1999 Grand Marquis with 52,000 miles:

• TotalCare covers far too many parts for us to list them all here. However to give you an idea of the scope of coverage, here is a sampling of the parts and components covered by TotalCare. Depending on your vehicle, TotalCare also covers hundreds, if not thousands, of additional parts and components.
  
  ........DEDUCTIBLE TERM $50 $100
  1 years / 12,000 miles - $1042 $978
  2 years / 24,000 miles - $1343 $1230
  3 years / 36,000 miles - $1578 $1436
  4 years / 50,000 miles - $1935 $1737
  
  Below is a partial list of parts covered by TotalCare:
  • 
    
    ENGINE
    
    All internal, lubricated parts
    Cylinder Block
    Cylinder Head (s)
    Harmonic Balancer
    Timing Chain
    Timing Belt
    Balance Shaft Belt
    Gears
    Pulleys
    Guides and Tensioners
    Oil Pump
    Intake and Exhaust
    Manifold
    Diesel Engine Vacuum Pump
    Engine Mounts The following parts are covered only if damaged by the failure of an internal, lubricated part
    Cylinder Barrels
    Timing Chain Cover
    Valve Covers
    Oil Pan
    Rotor Housing
    
    
    TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE
    
    All internal, lubricated parts
    Ring Gear
    Flywheel
    Transmission Mounts
    Clutch Master and Slave Cylinder
    Shift Linkage, Cables and Bushings
    External Switches & Solenoids
    Electronic Controller
    Shift Lever
    Back Up Light Switch
    Speed Sensor
    Speedo Cable
    Neutral Safety Switch
    Torque Converter Lock Up Solenoid
    Tail Shaft Housing
    Bell Housing
    The following parts are covered only if damaged by the failure of an internal, lubricated part
    Transmission Case
    Oil Pan
    Transfer Case
    
    
    DRIVE AXLE (FRONT/REAR)
    
    All internal, lubricated parts
    Drive Shafts
    Axle Bearings
    Drive Axles
    Stub Axles
    Tripod Joints
    Universal Joints
    Constant Velocity Joints and Boots
    Locking Hub Assembly
    Drive Axle Housing if damaged due to the failure of an internal, lubricate part
    
    
    SUSPENSION (FRONT/REAR)
    
    Upper and Lower Control Arms
    Control Arm Shaft and Bushings
    Upper and Lower Ball Joints
    King Pins and Bushings
    Torsion Bars
    Strut Bar and Bushings
    Stabilizer Bar
    Links and Bushings
    Wheel Bearings
    Knuckle
    Spindle and Support
    MacPherson Strut ( Housing not including Shock Absorber or Insert)
    Coil Spring
    Leaf Spring
    Trailing Arm
    Track Bar
    Strut Bearing/Plates
    Radius Rod and Bushings
    Steering Dampener (Shock)
    Steering Knuckle Wear Sleeve
    Electronic Level Control Programmer
    Electronic Level Control Compressor
    Pressure Limiter
    Compressor Relay
    Height Sensor
    Dryer
    Air Bag
    Compressor Assembly
    
    
    STEERING
    
    All lubricated parts contained within the Steering Gear Box
    Rack Assembly
    Control Valve
    Power Steering Pump
    Power Cylinder Assembly
    Pitman Arm
    Idler Arm
    Tie Rod Ends
    Drag link
    Steering Column Shaft and Coupling
    Rack Bushings
    
    
    AIR CONDITIONING
    
    Condenser
    Evaporator
    Compressor
    Accumulator
    Receiver Dehydrator
    Clutch, Pulley and Field Coil
    Idler Pulley and Bearing
    Expansion Valve
    POA Valve
    Orifice Tube
    Compressor Pressure Switch
    Thermo Switch (De-Icer)
    Vacuum Door Switch
    Clutch Cycling Switch
    Electronic Temperature Control Programmer Module
    Electronic Temperature Control Sensors
    Temperature Sensor Internal
    Ambient Temperature Sensor
    Heater Control Valve
    Evaporator and Heater Core Case
    
    
    HEATING
    
    Heater Blower Motor
    Heater Control Switch
    Heating Cables
    Heater Core
    Fluids required as part of a covered repair
    
    
    BRAKING SYSTEM
    
    ABS Control Unit
    Wheel Sensors
    Pump and Motor
    Accumulator
    Actuator Assembly
    Master Cylinder
    Vacuum/Hydraulic Assist Booster
    Wheel Cylinders
    Disc Brake Caliper
    Pistons and Seals
    Proportioning Valve
    Metal Hydraulic lines and Fittings
    Backing Plates
    Caliper Sliders
    Brake light Switch
    Fluid Level Sensor
    Bleeders
    Self Adjusters
    Brake Springs
    Actuating Lever
    Parking Brake Lever
    Parking Brake Ratchet Assembly
    Brake Accumulator
    Vacuum and Fluid Reservoirs
    Abs Pressure Warning Switch
    
    
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    
    Generator or Alternator
    Voltage Regulator
    Distributor
    Ignition Module
    Coil
    Engine Wiring Harness
    Manually-Operated Switches
    Wiper Motor(s)
    Starter Drive and Solenoid
    Starter Motor
    Ring Gear
    Anti-Detonation Sensors
    Factory Installed AM FM Radio
    Cassette Player
    CD Player
    Speakers
    Oil Pressure Switch
    Horn
    Air Bag, Sensors and Switches
    Coolant Reservoir Sensor
    Temp and Oil Pressure Sensors
    Windshield Washer Pump
    Headlamp Motors
    Relays
    Illuminated Visors
    Headlight Timers
    Power Mirror
    Ignition Lock Cylinder
    Rear Defroster
    Safety Restraint Systems
    Power Trunk Motor
    Dome and Map Light Assemblies
    Seat Heater Assembly
    Power Seat Memory Controller
    Seat Belt Motor
    Seat Belt Chime
    Factory Alarm Systems
    Trip Computer
    All Wiring Harnesses
    Convertible Top Motor
    Tachometer
    Turbo Gauge
    Mirror Heating Elements
    Idle Control Solenoids/Motors
    Electronic Digital Dash
    Factory Installed Anti Theft Device
    Oil Pressure Gauge/Light
    
    
    FUEL SYSTEM
    
    Fuel Pump(s)
    Fuel Injectors
    Fuel Injection Pump
    Fuel Distributor
    Fuel Tank
    Metal Fuel Lines
    
    
    COOLING SYSTEM
    
    Water Pump
    Radiator
    Fan
    Viscous Drive
    Clutch and Motor
    Condenser Fan
    Cooling Fan Thermal Switch
    Thermostat
    
    
    SEALS AND GASKETS
    
    Seals and Gaskets on all covered parts
    
    
    TAXES AND FLUIDS
    
    State and local taxes, where applicable, and fluids as required as part of a covered repair
    
    
    HIGH-TECH / CONVENIENCE GROUP
    
    Four-Wheel Steering Center Shaft and Couplings
    Power Steering Unit
    Control Unit
    Control Valve
    Speed Sensors and Oil Pump
    Turbocharger
    Intercooler
    Wastegate
    Wastegate Actuator/Controller
    Supercharger
    Pulley and Clutch
    Computerized Timing and Mixture Control Unit and Sensors
    Power Door Lock Switches and Actuators
    Cruise Control Module
    Servo
    Engagement Switch
    Power Window Motor and Regulators
    Power Seat Motor
    Power Antenna
    Power Sun/Moon Roof Motor
    Ignition Switches
    
    
    MISCELLANEOUS
    
    Door Handles
    Trunk Shocks
    Glove Box Latch
    Locking Cylinders
    Seat Tracks
    Door Strikers
    Door Latches
    Hood and Trunk Latches
    Speedo Head
    Hood and Trunk Release Cables
    Hood Springs
    Steering Column
    Tilt Wheel Mechanism
    Locking Hub Assemblies
    Air Pump
    Egr Valve
    Electronic Power Steering

I'd be far more likely to buy one for the minivan than the Marquis.

 

[Ornery]

Holy crap! I just got a quote for the 1999 Chrysler Town & Country with 42,000 miles on it. The prices were about $1,000.00 higher than the same year Grand Marquis with higher miles!

• ........DEDUCTIBLE TERM $50 $100
  1 years / 12,000 miles - $1358 $1249
  2 years / 24,000 miles - $1918 $1767
  3 years / 36,000 miles - $2305 $2152
  4 years / 50,000 miles - $2852 $2619

BTW, I'd still like to know what my chances are of getting that dealer to tweak that minivan VERY CHEAPLY, if not, thrown in free before I buy it.