Thought I'd try this forum to get the right advice.

I've owned a '99 Caravan in the past that the in laws owned before me and overall it was a good vehicle. I'm currently looking to get the next generation ('02 to '08?) but I'm not sure if one year may be better than another, certain upgrades or fixed issues etc. I know the transmissions can be touchy and was wondering if it may be better for certain years.

Also any trouble spots to look for? Is relatively high mileage a concern? Most of the vans in my price range run anywhere between 90k to 130k. I want to make sure I get the best van with the least amount of issues possible. I do realize that a used van will need things, but I can handle the usual wear parts like brakes and suspension, I'm more worried about nagging issues with the engine and drivetrain.

Any help is appreciated, hope to be a regular posting member soon.

 

We had picked up a 2005 Grand Caravan about 4 years ago, with 72,000 miles on it from a used car lot here locally (minivan #3). With the exception of a bad water pump, which was an easy change and cheap on that 3.3 liter, we have put over 80,000 miles in 4 years trouble free. Just our 2 cents worth. no probs so far with the tranny or drivetrain.

 

None of these vans have a stellar history. If I had to say "avoid this van" I'd say the 08s. They are plagued with brake problems to the point they have an extended warranty. Subsequent vans are having similar. They also were the first to use the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). It's a fancy fuse box combining several boxes into one. It's turned into a headache for some to the point they are going back order with a week or more delay. 04s and up use a combination engine and tranny computer in one box. Not the headache the TIPM is but not a major improvement either. All that said, many have no problems.

 

Cougar what is the difference between a TIPM and the combination tranny computer you spoke of. I thought the TIPM combined both.

any info. would be appreciated.

 

The TIPM is the fuse box on 5th generation vans. It combined the 4th generation FCM and IPM into one box called the TIPM.

The concept of the combined TCM/PCM (tranny/engine computer) is called the NGC or Next Generation Computer. I guess in an attempt to decrease confusion it is still called the PCM though it has controlled both the engine and tranny since 2004.

 

Cougar thank you for the information.