I have the chance to buy a 2010 van that is almost exactly what I want for $7k+ under sticker price. I keep my vehicles for years so quality is an issue for me, so here is the question... Is the 2010 quality enough, or do I wait and pay more for the 2011's which appear to have improved quality? If you could also mention which van you own and how many miles you have on it to help me understand where you are coming from. I'd like to make my decision by the end of the week. Thank you.

 

it's up to you! if you think that dodge made a big improvement on the 2011 that will make you pass a deal on a 2010 i'll say go for it. 7 years ago i bought my wife a 2000 G.C. and today it has 117k miles and i don't have any mayor repairs on it. Fuel pump, radiator, evaporator fan, 1 set of rotors and 1 caliper. Never had to open the engine, never had an oil leak. The only other thing that i have left to do is struts and shocks because they are still factory... So for been 10 years old, i'll say it been a great van to own with low problems.. Good luck in you decision....

 

dakota raven when you do your front struts rust proof the heck outta the towers before you put the new struts back in. 96 -00 models are NOTORIOUS for rotting away there.

 

Consumer Reports says that the 2008 and 2009 were below average in reliability. Whether or not they've improved the 2010 is open to question.

 

2011 is basically new yr design which is always promatic. 2010 is the last yr so basically worked out kinks. its tough choice. i got a 2010 sxt 4.0l that now has 8500km bought it dec 30.09. so far little complaints but overall ok.

 

So the wife ruled and we pulled the trigger. We have until they make the dealer trade and we make the final payment should we change our mind. We are getting the 2010 VW Routan SEL w/RSE and Nav in Neptune Blue because it has all the features we want like the Nappa Leather, tow package and 4.0L. We negotiated fog lights and monster mats (Mopar calls them Slush Mats?) added with a final price shy of $35k after taxes and tags. Pick up will be sometime between when they get it with the fog lights installed and Thanksgiving.

 

not to bad actually, i paid 42,000 tax in but its dodge sxt 4.0l with nav,leather,entertainment group 1, tow package, stow and go, power doors and rear. 17" aluminums with fogs.

 

Yeah, I gave up Stow-N-Go by getting the VW but still have the underfloor bins for storage. Had to take a sunroof in the SEL package, I would've prefered the overhead bins in place of the sunroof for more storage. Can't think of any other regrets by getting the VW over the Dodge, sure don't regret the price.

Edit: Forgot I'm giving up the 5yr/100k mile powertrain warranty for 5yr/60k powertrain but got no-charge Carefree maintenance for 3yr/36k mile.

 

actually forgot also got extended warranty that makes everything 5yr 100,ooo,ooo.km

 

If all goes well, tomorrow I pick up my 2010 Neptune Blue Routan SEL w/RSE, Nav and dealer installed fog lights. Soo excited!!!