i am trying to decide between the grand caravan and the kia sedona .. i can get a much bteer deal on the caravan casue i get some kind of discount via my employer .. but as i keep reading reviews about brake problems (mainly with 2008 models) as well as some transmission problems i am having second thoughts!

Are you guys happy with your purchase? what is the heighst miles you have on your 2001?

any reason why is should buy or avoid the 2011 caravan?
Thanks.

 

Welcome to DF
I'll leave that up to the members with the 2010-2011 caravans. They maybe better to answer that for you.

 

The 2011 vans are great the new engine gave these a ton of power...and sounds great...there are issues, specially transmission and brake issues too....but all the issues can be solved if you have good techs at your local dealership

 

dont forget the 3.6 pentstar engine is new so it also has some issues as well. in nut shell its a draw of luck cause how many people who are satisfied actually reply. i have a 2010 with 4.0l. i can say im satisfied. although few things i liked better or quality that i could be concerned at a later time. but in overall would i make same decision. probably yes.

 

I do not have a 2011, I drive a 2009 SE 3.3L with 40,000 miles. There are a lot of differences in the 2011 model, however, they also have a lot in common. I would easily buy a 2011, I am very happy with my 2009. My only complaint is that I wish it had more power, the 2011 model fixes that completely.

My rear brakes are warn out at this time but I live in the city and it is a heavy van so I will not hold that against it.

 

Wait a little longer for 2012 model to hit the lot, and grab a clearance 2011 for better deal

 

Not sure what your employer discount is, but you can negotiate up to $10k off MSRP on a '11 VW Routan (rebadged T&C) if you won't miss Stow-N-Go and don't mind the appearance/styling.

 

Love my 2011 GC R/T but I've also got engine issues. See my other posts for details. Its disappointing to have issues so soon but I won't knock the product if Chrysler will stand behind it, which they are doing. No different than when I had my VW Passat, and it still runs like a champ 200,000 KMs in. In fact, I would have bought a Routan (same as T&C) but I couldn't justify the extra spend over the R/T.

 

It's a very comfortable car for a family with a lot of unique and interesting features. 5th generation is wisely designed in terms of correcting all the errors of the previous 4th generation. I own a minivan (2008) 1st time, but it's really good compared to all my previous cars. I like many things in this car. It's easier to say what I don't like or would've wished to be changed:

1. AWD option (just in case for winter)
2. Turning radius (could've been a bit smaller to increase maneuverability in crowded cities and narrow parking lots)
3. Fuel consumption (it's not bad actually, but new 2011 Honda Odyssey is a bit (2-3 mpg) more efficient)

that's about all... everything else is perfect for me.

 

Im sure they still have the same brake problems as the older models, but that can be easily fixed with upgraded rotors. They are a normal wearable part so I don't think the warranty covers them anyhow. Brakes are easy to do on your own also.