Approaching 200K miles on 2003 Caravan se. Very few issues but it's time to get a newer family mover.

Was looking at 2010 models with low miles and then started reading about 2011 with some improved saftey, fuel economy, and comfort features (I don't care about the styling). But what concerns me is the new unproven engines.

Gone away are the 3.3 and 3.8 proven powerplants that are seeing 200K to 500K miles if well maintained. And I've been reading about problems with the new 3.6 rattling, solinoids etc. I am very leary of getting in on the ground floor while chyrsler works out the bugs.

Any thoughts from you mechanics out there?

Also on 2010 I have the 3.3 and no issues with power but with this new model being larger should I only consider the 3.8 and 6 speed transmissioin?

 

i have a 2010 4.0l and so far knock on wood been ok. i also been reading a few people have had isssues with the above newer models but not saying mine or prev has not had theres either. not sure why but the newer oes seem to have more issues with tranny then the 2010's but i not sure if its related to the new engine or not.

 

The new 3.6 Pentastar VVT is awesome. One of the best engines. The best selling minivan in Canada. Price for the CVP is $ 18,999/- Plus HST is something very reasonable. 3rd row stow and go. 2nd Row bench with in floor bins. So much room for shopping. Anyone interested let me know.

 

I owe GC 2011 Crew. Overall, it is a good car except for two things: transmission and fuel consumption. Main reason for bad fuel economy comes from Chrysler inability to configure transmission the right way. Either every transmission has to be configured differently or they do not know what they are doing. Second and third row seats are much better than in 2010 GC. Dashboard is way better looking than 2010 model. Cabin is very quiet with exception of wind noise coming from sims on the front doors. When rainy, water gets stuck inside mirror arm enclosure and noise coming from water moving inside is significant (it sounds like a running water). Whichever model you decide to buy make sure you drive it in city and highway, uphill and downhill (if you have any available). Drive it also on parking lot on slow speed so you can get a better feel on how transmission works.

 

dont unless it gots the 4.0 or 3.6vvt NO 3.3 OR 3.8 WORST MPG but other then that awesome van also invest in a big brake kit van weighs more then stock brake can handle..

 

The 3.6 may have some minor problems but overall it's a beautiful design with great power and superior fuel efficiency. It's a real eye opener when you stomp on it!!

 

The 2011 van feels much different than others, including the 2010. Firm and tight, but not at all harsh, it invites you to drive. I have some badly pockmarked roads near my house that make most cars feel like crap. The potholes and bumps hardly register in the new Dodge.

I used http://carsabi.com to search for the car. You can get some nice statistics and price lists of the dealers near by.

 

if you are going with one of the 2 go for the 2011, the new pentastar is great, sounds really nice and very nice power. The only issue the have is the erratic transmission shifting but besides that best bang for the buck...Mine is at 14k and besides the transmission shifting issue it is pretty good.

 

I just bought a 2012 and my only concern is the shifting issue. In normal mode it's not bad, in eco mode it's terrible, like it can't figure out what gear it should be in other than 6th as soon as it can get there no matter what speed you're running. Is this the normal operation or are they working on a new program for it? Other than this I love the van.

 

The transmission shifts like that. There is no update flash. It is normal in dodge corporate but it is not normal.. The software is the only issue.