My budget is $5000 for a van for the family, Ive looked at them all, the odysee has to many tranny problems, and all the other ones are ugly. Ive got my mind set on a caravan because I can buy way newer for my budget. My question is should I be looking at immaculate pre 2000, or 2001 and newer which I like better. Ive seen alot at $3500 in the 04-05 range w/ 140k. And some 01 w/ 90k for around $4500. Should I be worried about mileage on these and any other problem areas to look for going to start my test drives in a few days. If you were shopping what would you buy any info would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.

 

first question is, where do you live?
04-05 wise, check if the A/C works, and climate control, it is a common failure on such mileage and costly repair.
and if it is possible, try get a mechanic to lift the car up and see if anything leaking.

 

I'm in Phoenix so a/c is a big deal is it just those years 04-05 that have climate control issues thanks for the heads up

 

I recently picked up an 02 Caravan with 140k for my wife and an 03 Grand Caravan with 155k for myself. Both were $5000 out the door and the A/C works great on both of them.

 

I had a 98 that had the climate control go out of it. Had a shop fix it but it was never really right after that. Also if any of the caravans your looking at has a trailer hitch on it walk away! My 98 had one and was on its second trans and eventually burnt up also.
I would NOT be afraid of higher mileage if it was well maintained. Have had a few over the years.
The 98 had a 3.8l with 210k on it and ran like a champ but then the trans took a crap. Paid 2 grand for it, drove it for 5 years so I wasn't about to pay $1600 for a rebuilt trans so I parted it out.
02 I have now is 3.8l with 160k on the clock and runs like a champ and has no hitch on it!
Been told and seen 3.3l run 200k-250k no prob and the 3.8l run 300k plus no prob!
The key is maintenance! Really any of these newer vehicle should run 300k plus as long as they are maintained properly.
Good luck with your search!

 

Just my $.02, but I think I'd go for the '01 with 90k miles over an '04-'05 with 140k miles. I've got an '01, and it's been a champ. I bought it with around 80k on it, and it's well up over 150k now. I've had a few bumps along the way, but most I was able to fix myself without to much expense. Other than the stow-and-go seats though, the '01 should look and run pretty much like an '04-05, and I would think the extra mileage would be far more significant than the extra years. Just my thoughts though. Good luck.

 

'98 with 3.3, on second trans, (w/ hitch, and I use it!), 214K and still kickin'.
This trans is starting to 'Whrrrrrrrr' as it shifts, but I pulled a loaded Uhaul about 1200mi over mountains, so I have my moneys worth.

Starting to see little stuff wear like, driver side slider power lock quit working... ect. (couldn't be easy to replace stuff)
The old gal is just plumb wearing out on me. I too, will be in your shoes soon, looking for a good replacement with lower miles, passing mine to a family member while there's still some life in it.

Has anyone seen an 04-05 with a bubble-top conversion?
My '96 has been the road trip queen, best vehicle I've ever owned.




EZ1

 

EZ....great interior....a TV?....totally retro....love it.

 

Max,

It's kinda funny, you don't expect all that inside. The MOD IV conversion on these GCVs is huge inside, but doesn't look all that big from outside.

The TV doesn't get used as much anymore, laptop for gaming and movies while on road trips, but I still love the extra headroom inside.

I have yet to see a newer (2000-2011) GCV with a bubble-top. I wonder if the old MOD IV top will fit the roof line of the newer vans. I am NOT afraid to cut a hole in the roof! ;-)


EZ1

 

Yeah, interesting thought pulling it off and moving it to a newer van. I suppose some simple measurements lengthwise and widthwise along the roofline and then from ground up (as best as one can do) to determine how much of an angle or arc the roof has to see how close it would come to the new rooflines. Then if it's a fibreglass top, and if you're handy enough, you could fab up some pieces to fill in gaps if needed. It'd be covered over by whatever roofliner you end up re-installing and if the gap (if there is one) isn't too big, i doubt you'd see or notice it if it's painted up nicely... Now that I'm thinking about it... That's a lot of work... Are you married still? You may not be if she loses you into the garage on that one...;o)