HOWDY! Newbie here w/some questions

[Copedawg]

Hi! I/we just purchased a 2005 Caravan SXT w/49+K miles from CarMax. We did not get the extended warrenty, just 30 days. We have 2 kids 16 months and 1 week old so we needed a "new" vehicle to accomadate (SP). My wife is not thrilled with it b/c she thinks it's not cool but I think she will find it very accomadating and it will make her life easier hauling around kids, etc. My questions: I know the earlier models had some serious A/C issuies. Does this one fall in that catagory? What are some of things that go wrong with these vehicles? What should I be looking for? I come to this forum b/c I have a 97 F350 and I belong to another forum that has literaly saved me THOUSANDS of dollars. I am pretty handy with a wrench and motivated by beer, I feel there is nothing I can't do with the correct direction. Thanks in advanced for all the input. Copedawg OUT.

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[chopper]

Transmissions are usually a weak point with Chrysler minivans.That's not to say your tranny will go for sure but they're worth keeping an eye on.

Here's a link that can shed some light.
http://www.allpar.com/

Not COOL!
I figure being able to drive in heavy snow and rain,hauling seven people,while gettin' 25mpg is pretty cool.Then you can haul sheets of plywood on the return trip.
Check the brake fluid,if it's anything but clear it nees to be changed.The brown color indicates water in the system and the water WILL corrode the lines and caliper bores eventually.DOT 3 is supposed to hold moisture in suspension like this so the water don't freeze and block the lines.
A trans fluid cooler might be a good idea if you do a lot of driving in heavy traffic.

[grimace_247@hotmail.com]

an easy way to aviod any tranny issues is simple, change your tranny fluid once a year , second sounds dumb but drive it nice and it will nice nice back.

[master tech]

The transmission have gotten better than years ago. As long you service the trans every 15k, it will last longer.

[Pablodragon]

don't know if you have the power sliding doors or not, but that seems to be an issue that is posted about here often on the 2005's..
there is a sticky post at the top of the forum here, ..alot of 2005's mentioned... and someone actually just started another post on a 2005 power sliding door isuue

[picabu]

There is an Ac duct, windshield wiper and air bag sensor recall for 05 GC....you might want to get that done.