YACT: Is this a TERRIBLE deal? ::Update::

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
Carmax link to minivan

I like CarMax because, from what a couple of guys here say, it's pretty painless.

I think if I really looked I could probably find it for a couple of grand less, but I'm not sure it's worth it to me. My life is to crazy right now and neither I, nor my very pregnant, very tired wife, have the time.

Thoughts, opinions... I'm not married to the car, let me know what you guys think...

TIA

=================UPDATE=========================

Actually picked THIS car. The total was $6900 which includes a 4 year Daimler\Chrysler warranty for an additional 60,000 (so ends at 108,000), very comprehensive warranty.

It's got an oil leak presently, but the engine looks to be in good shape....

I'm satidfied, I think I got a pretty good deal. The body is pretty beat up. Dinged, scratched, somebody did a TERRIBLE bondo job.. and it smells a bit like dog. :) All the mechanicals work though and it's got a nice ride...


Thanks for your help everyone.
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,155
635
126
I think I'd rather have the 3.8 in a minivan. just doesn't seem like enough power when you have a full load.
 

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
KBB didnt have a 3D or list what model it is so i went with a 4d SE

1999 Dodge Caravan SE Minivan 4D




Engine: V6 3.0 Liter
Trans: Automatic
Drive: Front Wheel Drive
Mileage: 69,000

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Review of This Car


Equipment
Second Sliding Door
7 Passenger
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Tilt Wheel
Cruise Control
AM/FM Stereo
Cassette
Dual Front Air Bags
ABS (4-Wheel)



Retail Value Search Local Listings for This Car $8,975
 

andylawcc

Lifer
Mar 9, 2000
18,183
3
81
i don't know much about Minivan's pricing and depreciations, but for 8 grand I think its a good deal.
 

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
Originally posted by: Citrix
Originally posted by: djheater
Originally posted by: Citrix
s

tupid?

henanigans?

ample?

At least take the time to bold it. For fvcks sake.


Chill out i hit reply before i was ready.

I wasn't being mean, I just forgot to include the smiley :)

Smiley's make everything better. :)
 
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
*points*

You're a minivan driver now!

*laughs*

*pause*

Now learn to drive and tell your wife to quit cutting me off!

</Stereotypes>

- M4H
 

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
Originally posted by: Citrix

Retail Value Search Local Listings for This Car $8,975

I'd read that KBB typically over-values or at least is often behind the real market in terms of price estimation.... do you think that's true?
 

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
*points*

You're a minivan driver now!

*laughs*

*pause*

Now learn to drive and tell your wife to quit cutting me off!

</Stereotypes>

- M4H

It will be her car. Feel free to flip her off.
 

OutHouse

Lifer
Jun 5, 2000
36,410
616
126
Originally posted by: djheater
Originally posted by: Citrix

Retail Value Search Local Listings for This Car $8,975

I'd read that KBB typically over-values or at least is often behind the real market in terms of price estimation.... do you think that's true?


here is the same listing for the van but in my town, Boulder.

$9,165 :disgust:

so yes i think its true.
 
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
Originally posted by: djheater
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
*points*

You're a minivan driver now!

*laughs*

*pause*

Now learn to drive and tell your wife to quit cutting me off!

</Stereotypes>

- M4H

It will be her car. Feel free to flip her off.

Horn not functioning. Please watch for finger. :D

- M4H
 

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
Originally posted by: Citrix
Originally posted by: djheater
Originally posted by: Citrix

Retail Value Search Local Listings for This Car $8,975

I'd read that KBB typically over-values or at least is often behind the real market in terms of price estimation.... do you think that's true?


here is the same listing for the van but in my town, Boulder.

$9,165 :disgust:

so yes i think its true.


Ughh. I definatley wouldn't pay that for it...

Thanks guys. Any more opinions?
 

anno

Golden Member
May 1, 2003
1,907
0
0
I was going to suggest you look at a sienna instead (I drive a '99 sienna, since 10/98 and I have been quite happy with it, and expect to continue to be for at least 4 more years :p), so I looked to see if that carmax had one and turns out they have 2 but boy howdy, they're a LOT more expensive, I was amazed. so.. I'm not going to do that.

looks like a good deal to me. :)

anno
 

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
Originally posted by: anno
I was going to suggest you look at a sienna instead (I drive a '99 sienna, since 10/98 and I have been quite happy with it, and expect to continue to be for at least 4 more years :p), so I looked to see if that carmax had one and turns out they have 2 but boy howdy, they're a LOT more expensive, I was amazed. so.. I'm not going to do that.

looks like a good deal to me. :)

anno

My first choice would be an Odyssey or Sienna after '03. But my price limit is 8G. Siennas and Odysseys both command a price premium, which in my opinion, though they're GREAT cars, they don't deserve. The Caravan is not terrible and the price is right... so I settled on that model, but again I'm open to suggestions.
 

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
19,003
24
81
my family has had nothing but trouble with our 1998 model dodge caravan. probably spent upwards of 6k maintaining it over the last 6 years. just one experience though. a honda or toyota would probably have noticeably lower maintenance costs.

-Vivan
 

AnyMal

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
15,780
0
76
If you can deal with the terrible color, go for it. 3.0L V6 should provide plenty of power, our first Caravan had 2.5 L 4 and it hauled ass, out current model is '03 SXT with 3.3L V6 and it hauls ass even better but the gas milege is nowhere near what it was. Overall, I am very happy with Caravans, they are roomy and well laid out. After all, there's got to be a reason why they are #1 in minivan market for almost 20 years.
 

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
Actually picked THIS car. The total was $6900 which includes a 4 year Daimler\Chrysler warranty for an additional 60,000 (so ends at 108,000), very comprehensive warranty.

It's got an oil leak presently, but the engine looks to be in good shape....

I'm satidfied, I think I got a pretty good deal. The body is pretty beat up. Dinged, scratched, somebody did a TERRIBLE bondo job.. and it smells a bit like dog. :) All the mechanicals work though and it's got a nice ride...


Thanks for your help everyone.