Had a couple of Caravans in the mid 90's and had trouble with the transmissions in both of them.

I have the chance to purchase a 2005 Caravan SE in like new condition with 35,000 one owner miles from an old lady who's husband has passed.

I'm just wondering how reliable the transmissions are in these newer Caravans?

Thanks.

 

I have a 1996 avenger and the transmission never had any repairs done, just changing the fluid every 15k no matter what. engine oil every 3500 miles. Any car or truck that has regulator service, will last longer.

 

Unfortunately Chrysler has a reputation for bad trannys … of course, sensible driving and regular maintenance will help. I’m sure the “little old lady” was a sensible driver :-)

 

The FWD transaxles are greatly improved. The older ones suffered from differential and seal problems.
The 2000 + models are as reliable as any other manufacturer. (Pretty good)

 

Thanks for the replies.
Is $6,000. a good price for an 05 Grand Caravan SE with 35,000 miles, leather Stow N Go seats and power everything except the sliding doors? 3.3 V6 Engine. CD Player ETC.
This vehicle is like showroom new.
Thanks.

 

the 88 to 2000 trans was known for the clutch cage breaking or shattering for what was known as no reason. a rebuild would involve installing a heavyer cage on the clutch assembly. I however have a 94 with 295,000 km on it and a 28 with 209,000 km on it. no issues with either one. I pull quite heavy loads, camper, car dolly, boat trailer. treat it nice and dont rabbit the starts and they are as good as any other as far as i am concerned.

 

Hooterville
6k sounds like a good price.

 

I agree the price is good, a dealer would probably want at least 9k for the same vehicle. check kbb.com or edmunds.com to verify.

 

I just purchased a 2002 GC and sometimes it downshifts hard - like a clunk. Is that normal? And also I am confused by the owners manual that says that the tranny NEVER has to be serviced - any comments on that?

 

As far as the tranny goes, Chrysler has always had a reputation for bulletproof engines and total crap transmissions for as long as I can remember. IMO it was well warranted probably from the 70's until as recently as about eight or nine years ago. I don't think, across the product line, the transmissions are any worse than Ford or GM nowadays.

As far as the price goes, jump on it, it's a steal! I just checked yesterday's local paper (Friday has an entire Automotive Section here, all dealer ads plus expanded classifieds and a couple auto related articles, featured dealer/salesman of the week type stuff). A quick scan shows two '05s at dealerships, one with 60k miles, the other with 42k miles. They are priced at $11,995 and $12,995 respectively. I know you can still "haggle" from there but still, ain't no way a dealer is gonna drop anywhere near $6000 from that starting point. Jump on it!!!