I am looking for a cheaper alternative to my Ram for small jobs where I don't have to haul much more than hand tools and a few materials to work. I am debating between a 2004 G/C with a 3.3 and 107,000 miles, and a 2001 T/C with a 3.8 and 96,000 miles. Pros/cons of each. I don't care about comfort, as the T/C will be nicer of course. Which engine is better? I am going shopping/buying one of the 2 on monday. Any major things to look for? Is the driver side strut tower rot out still a problem in the 01+ bodystyle? Thanks for your help, as I am mainly a truck person, and do not have much knowledge about the vans. I do love my 03 neon with 236,000 miles, it seems to be a good car.

 

Both engines have been good motors, either one of them is not a bad choice. Has far as the strut tower problem. I haven't seen any with the RS body 2001 to 2007. Post back and let us know on your choice.

 

Hi , We just bought a new 2010 caravan with the 3.3 & 4 speed trans because of the 4 spd trans gets the best reports over the 6 spd that comes with the 3.8 & 4.0 engines . Read some other forums to make your decisions . O Yes we're old retired folks but the 175 h.p. 3.3 engine moves very well . Good luck . Just my thoughts Lovvorn

 

since when does the 4 speed vs the 6 sp have better reports. if you do more research you find that many 4 spds are having issues. although most are cause they say the 3.3 if not enough for the weight to ratio pull and most times i beleive some people are hard on that tranny. also the 6 spd giving better milage.

 

lovvorn may have been reading other forums and found out the 62TE transmission are having problems. I have been repairing more 62TE transmissions than the 41TE. 62TE are having problems with either the number 5 thrust bearing or the underdrive compounder bearings or both.

 

really? what are the issues with these transmissions when they come in? new parts that get put in better? previous yrs or the ltr yrs been revised with upgraded parts?

 

One of the problems is the shim for the underdrive compounder is causing the bearings to fail and you can hear a grinding sound from the transmission.

 

Tranny is starting to act up here with 40000kms ...Shifting is losing it's precision almost slipping when engaging.

 

Since you are still under warranty, I would have the dealer go on a road test with you. And maybe ck for updates and codes.

 

As far as engines go, our 2001 3.8 has never had to have oil added between 10,000 mile changes and that's still the case at 165,000 miles. In fact, we haven't had a single internal engine issue at all. I have read posts that talk about the 3.3 having valve train issues but that may be because it seems to be the more common of the engines.
If I recall, the EPA highway ratings were identical at 24mpg while the 3.3 got 1mpg better city mileage at 19mpg.