Older model with low mileage or newer model with high mileage?
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Older model with low mileage or newer model with high mileage?
Hi Everyone,
I am looking into purchasing my first minivan. After researching all of the minivans out there, I am leaning toward buying the Caravan which would be the first Dodge I have ever bought.
Constrained to a budget, I have been looking at 2 potential buys:
(1) a 2001 Dodge Caravan SE with 66k miles (clean title and original mileage); or
(2) a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan with 93k miles (clean title)
I am really surprised to see a 9 year old van with such low mileage, but I read on one review that there have been problems with older Caravans, so I should look for something 2003 or newer.
On the other hand, though the 2005 is newer, I am really turned off by the high mileage (that's 18.6k/year!)
Any thoughts from other Caravan owners? How does the longevity of the Caravan hold up? Should I care more about the mileage or the age of the minivan? Besides the length, is there any advantages over owning the Caravan compared to the Grand Caravan?
Thanks in advance.
I am looking into purchasing my first minivan. After researching all of the minivans out there, I am leaning toward buying the Caravan which would be the first Dodge I have ever bought.
Constrained to a budget, I have been looking at 2 potential buys:
(1) a 2001 Dodge Caravan SE with 66k miles (clean title and original mileage); or
(2) a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan with 93k miles (clean title)
I am really surprised to see a 9 year old van with such low mileage, but I read on one review that there have been problems with older Caravans, so I should look for something 2003 or newer.
On the other hand, though the 2005 is newer, I am really turned off by the high mileage (that's 18.6k/year!)
Any thoughts from other Caravan owners? How does the longevity of the Caravan hold up? Should I care more about the mileage or the age of the minivan? Besides the length, is there any advantages over owning the Caravan compared to the Grand Caravan?
Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Orlando Florida
You should care more about what it will cost to maintain these vans, what specific problems each model has ( had ) that will cost you big bucks to fix.
In my case i have to get a new evaporator core for the a/c ( not cheap and not easy even for a do it yourself project )
I also have to replace the body control module due to the wipers not working in any setting other than high, and they don't park.
Another concern in my case is the transmissions have been known not to last to long on my particular model, after doing research i found that the 7176 tranny fluid just did not hold up well to the shear forces in these trannies and would have to be changed at 30,000 miles or less which no one ever really does low miles on a car or not.
The new +4 fully synthetic tranny fluid ( which i bought ) is supposed to supercede the 7176 to hold up better.
In closing do your research with those who have owned both models and make the best decision that fits your needs and your wallet.
Hope this helps
In my case i have to get a new evaporator core for the a/c ( not cheap and not easy even for a do it yourself project )
I also have to replace the body control module due to the wipers not working in any setting other than high, and they don't park.
Another concern in my case is the transmissions have been known not to last to long on my particular model, after doing research i found that the 7176 tranny fluid just did not hold up well to the shear forces in these trannies and would have to be changed at 30,000 miles or less which no one ever really does low miles on a car or not.
The new +4 fully synthetic tranny fluid ( which i bought ) is supposed to supercede the 7176 to hold up better.
In closing do your research with those who have owned both models and make the best decision that fits your needs and your wallet.
Hope this helps
Welcome to DF
This is for both members. 1st post, either one of those van would be a good deal. Yes the early vans had transmission problems and after 2001 with the RS body, they seem to hold up well.The only problem that 2001 to 2007 has been the axle shafts. But also remember that, honda,toyota,all gm and fords have transmission problems too.
This is for both members. 1st post, either one of those van would be a good deal. Yes the early vans had transmission problems and after 2001 with the RS body, they seem to hold up well.The only problem that 2001 to 2007 has been the axle shafts. But also remember that, honda,toyota,all gm and fords have transmission problems too.
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 96
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From: Orlando Florida
Welcome to DF
This is for both members. 1st post, either one of those van would be a good deal. Yes the early vans had transmission problems and after 2001 with the RS body, they seem to hold up well.The only problem that 2001 to 2007 has been the axle shafts. But also remember that, honda,toyota,all gm and fords have transmission problems too.
This is for both members. 1st post, either one of those van would be a good deal. Yes the early vans had transmission problems and after 2001 with the RS body, they seem to hold up well.The only problem that 2001 to 2007 has been the axle shafts. But also remember that, honda,toyota,all gm and fords have transmission problems too.
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Hi GQ Rod and Master Tech,
Thank you both for the responses.
GQ:
I have tried to track down model-specific issues but besides recalls, I only seem to come across general owner complaints. These complaints range from someone being absolutely ecstatic with their Caravans, those who don't like them just because the cup holders are not big enough, to those who have genuine mechanical issues. Maybe I am not looking in the right place though... if you know of any online sources that can give me greater insight, then please refer me to them.
Master Tech,
Thanks for the welcome. I was aware of the transmission issues with Hondas but didn't know the problem was wide spread. I was also not aware of the axle shafts issue for the 01-07 models - so thank you for the info.
From my basic understanding, I know that no car is perfect; to some extent each car has its own set of issues that I have to be willing to deal with. I just want to make sure that I am making the right decision. Sometimes we get emotionally attached to a car because we like the look and the features, but the overall maintenance and repairs just completely puts us in over our heads.
I have 2 more questions if anyone doesn't mind answering:
(1) I see that some minivans are V4 and some V6. Would a V6 be a better deal as it would put less strain on the engine? Or does that matter? Also, when I checked the appraisal on kbb.com for a 2005 Caravan SE, a V4 was $3100 and a V6 was $4400. Why such a big difference?
(2) Is the Chrysler Town & Country more or less mechanically the same as the Caravan?
Thank you both for the responses.
GQ:
I have tried to track down model-specific issues but besides recalls, I only seem to come across general owner complaints. These complaints range from someone being absolutely ecstatic with their Caravans, those who don't like them just because the cup holders are not big enough, to those who have genuine mechanical issues. Maybe I am not looking in the right place though... if you know of any online sources that can give me greater insight, then please refer me to them.
Master Tech,
Thanks for the welcome. I was aware of the transmission issues with Hondas but didn't know the problem was wide spread. I was also not aware of the axle shafts issue for the 01-07 models - so thank you for the info.
From my basic understanding, I know that no car is perfect; to some extent each car has its own set of issues that I have to be willing to deal with. I just want to make sure that I am making the right decision. Sometimes we get emotionally attached to a car because we like the look and the features, but the overall maintenance and repairs just completely puts us in over our heads.
I have 2 more questions if anyone doesn't mind answering:
(1) I see that some minivans are V4 and some V6. Would a V6 be a better deal as it would put less strain on the engine? Or does that matter? Also, when I checked the appraisal on kbb.com for a 2005 Caravan SE, a V4 was $3100 and a V6 was $4400. Why such a big difference?
(2) Is the Chrysler Town & Country more or less mechanically the same as the Caravan?
Professional
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Anchorage, Alaska
The two vehicles are of the same generation and very similar mechanically. All things equal except mileage I'd go with the '01. If you were talking about different generations it would be a different story. One thing to be aware of though is newer high mileage rigs often have nothing but highway miles while some older low mileage rigs have nothing but stop and go city mileage.
For example if I found an '08 with 80k miles I'd rather have it than an identical '05 with the same mileage because it insinuates low wear miles.
This is a multi-dimensional question and the best way is to check it out really well.
For example if I found an '08 with 80k miles I'd rather have it than an identical '05 with the same mileage because it insinuates low wear miles.
This is a multi-dimensional question and the best way is to check it out really well.
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One thing to be aware of though is newer high mileage rigs often have nothing but highway miles while some older low mileage rigs have nothing but stop and go city mileage.
For example if I found an '08 with 80k miles I'd rather have it than an identical '05 with the same mileage because it insinuates low wear miles.
This is a multi-dimensional question and the best way is to check it out really well.
For example if I found an '08 with 80k miles I'd rather have it than an identical '05 with the same mileage because it insinuates low wear miles.
This is a multi-dimensional question and the best way is to check it out really well.
Ideally, I have just thought that a newer model with high mileage is more of a riskier buy because it undergoes some serious wear-n-tear in such a short amount of time. On the other hand, an older model with less miles has had more gentle wear over a longer stretch of time. Moreover, most maintenance schedules go by miles, so the car might be in a better condition since its mileage is relatively low. I am no expert of course - this just seemed to make sense to me.
Professional
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Anchorage, Alaska
Good point. I just don't know if they are city or highway miles on the '01 because it is being sold by a dealer. I can ask about the '05 since it is the owner selling it though.
Ideally, I have just thought that a newer model with high mileage is more of a riskier buy because it undergoes some serious wear-n-tear in such a short amount of time. On the other hand, an older model with less miles has had more gentle wear over a longer stretch of time. Moreover, most maintenance schedules go by miles, so the car might be in a better condition since its mileage is relatively low. I am no expert of course - this just seemed to make sense to me.
Ideally, I have just thought that a newer model with high mileage is more of a riskier buy because it undergoes some serious wear-n-tear in such a short amount of time. On the other hand, an older model with less miles has had more gentle wear over a longer stretch of time. Moreover, most maintenance schedules go by miles, so the car might be in a better condition since its mileage is relatively low. I am no expert of course - this just seemed to make sense to me.
Many manufacturers base maintenance on type of driving. An example is my old Toyota recommended every an oil change every 7500 miles or 3000 in extreme conditions. Highway miles minimizes wear on almost everything. Also, a low mileage city car can have way more "hours" on the engine because of the lower average speed. But who knows maybe the 66k was all highway and the 90k was all city. You don't really know. You can just guess.
The good thing about buying from a reputable dealer they have some liability if the car is junk. Anything with problems or high miles is wholesaled to a used car dealer. Just realize the dealer cleans them up so that's the best it's going to look and you probably aren't going to get a good deal.
I always buy private. It a bit riskier but you can get a much better deal just make sure you check it out really well.
Last edited by 2002caravan; Mar 3, 2010 at 03:39 PM.
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The good thing about buying from a reputable dealer they have some liability if the car is junk. Anything with problems or high miles is wholesaled to a used car dealer. Just realize the dealer cleans them up so that's the best it's going to look and you probably aren't going to get a good deal.
I always buy private. It a bit riskier but you can get a much better deal just make sure you check it out really well.
I always buy private. It a bit riskier but you can get a much better deal just make sure you check it out really well.
Through my time researching and trying to make a decision though, the '05 has been purchased by someone else. Fortunately, I have also picked up interest in 2 '02 Chrysler T&C's (both for sale by owner) so I am going to add them to my list of potential buys.