Our 2003 GC Sport was totalled last week when we were hit from behind. As far as options, it was fairly loaded, and it had a 3.8L engine.

Given the utility & relative reliability we experienced with this vehicle, we are looking to replace it with another GC or its cousin, the T&C (with the extended length like the GC). Including the settlement with the insurance company, our budget is $10k max. I want to go with the 3.8L engine again.

Under the hood, I really haven't noticed much difference between our 2003 and the 2004, 2005, and 2006 models I've looked at so far. I was surprised to see 5W-20 recommended on the oil fill cap on a 2006 I saw today, so maybe the 3.8L engine has changed?

Can anyone advise on the other changes, and are there certain things to watch out for on the newer models?

 

Any of the years were good, starting with the 2001 thru 2007. They still made the 3.8 into the 2008 and 2010 years, but they came with the 62TE transmission.

 

Did the 62TE tranny replace the A604? I remember the A604 on our '89 Caravan and the money I spent getting that one rebuilt, and was a bit worried when I saw that our '03 had the A604 as well. Is the A604 manufactured in the new century considered to be reliable?

So, I looked at another 2006 models this evening, and noticed (on both) that the muffler runs crosswise with the rear bumper. (Guessing that was to accommodate stow-and-go.) Is it still possible to install a hitch on these?

 

Yes. Draw-Tite makes a hitch intended for Carvans/TCs that have Stow-and-Go seats. I'm sure the other big hitch receiver mfgrs do also.

 

The A604/41TE last year was 2010 with a 3.3 engine, then the 3.8/4.0L engine has the 62TE.