Hi Scotty,
LOVE your videos! You have been so helpful! The first video I watched, I thought you were just some crazy guy posting car videos. But, I kept watching and learned sooo much from you! Your awesome!
I am searching for a used vehicle. I wanted a van since my 2007 Chevy Uplander van got crushed in an accident. I like all the versatility of them.
Problem, not sure people take care of their vehicles like they say.
The one I am looking at now is a
Privet party 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T
one owner with 129000 miles,
garage kept, automatic transmission (but seemed sluggish or maybe even slipped a bit when going up hill)
leather interior heated seats and steering wheel.
He says he did all the oil changes at around 3000 and any other maintenance. Decent tires, newer battery, everything seems to be working that I can locate. Says he has title which I will look when I see him again.
Him and I had trouble getting 2nd row seats to fold in floor, we couldn't get them flat. According to him he never put them away in the floor before. He never need to.
So that's where I am at. Any suggestions?
Lynn
Why don't you consider a Toyota Sienna? They are more reliable.
Yes I would if I could find one! The ones I have seen are older like early 2000, not sure I want to go that old. Saw some at car dealer but too much money! I may stop looking for a van and get something else. Thanks for your help!
I would not buy it.
See Scotty’s video: the newer ones are no better.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VrIWevxpmt4
Thank You! I couldn't find Scotty's video on the Caravan, thanks for showing me! This would be my third one. I had the Voyager and a Caravan. Didn't have either of them for long before engine and transmission problems. Just thought that maybe Chrysler was making them better now. Just love the space in them! Guess i will pass. ):
Be sure Chrysler is not making anything better, in fact a lot worse since the Italian company Fiat partly took over in 2009, and fully in 2014.
To give you an idea of how awful they are: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/Grand_Caravan/2011/
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Sienna/2012/
Also 7000 is way overpriced just walk away for a 10 year old Chrysler minivan
For that price in my area you can find 2006-2010 ones: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/search/cto?purveyor-input=owner&max_price=8000&auto_make_model=toyota+sienna
Not a horrible vehicle, but don't overpay. A family member has a 2013 that has been a fine vehicle, the only thing wrong so far has been a thermostat.
You mentioned the automatic transmission seemed sluggish. That should be a major warning sign. These dodges don't have great transmissions. I would pass it up if the transmission has a problem unless you are getting it for almost nothing and are willing to put some money into it.
Yes, I took it for a drive and wasn't sure what I was feeling when going up a steep hill. I thought if I could get it cheap, he wants 7200, I would have extra cash to have the transmission looked at! My offer would be about 4900. The owner may not like that. But I think that I am passing on Caravans, after looking at Scotty's video, and look at Honda or Toyota. Thank you for your help! Really appreciate it!
129,000 miles on a Grand Caravan is about the end of it's life.
Thank You!
Get an estimate for a replacement transmission from a transmission shop. Factor that into what you are willing to pay. The engine is probably good for a lot more miles. If he gives you a great price and you are tempted, be sure to have a good mechanic check it out before buying. Sounds to me like he knew the transmission is going out and was hoping you wouldn't notice. Not a good start.
You may be right on that one! Thanks for your help!