Well, I'm trying to sell our Yukon Denali to get another DGCV. We had an 05 when our son was born, but then sold it. Now that our daughter is here too, we are figuring we could use the extra room/seating for our situation. I'm looking at the 08-13 body style now. But are there common problems that I should watch out for? I searched and found that the 3.6L engines are having problems with a CAM phaser. I started reading about certain vans with transmission problems. So in the model year vans that I am looking into, is there some that are better than others? Just from reading about these CAM phaser problems, I'm thinking about going with this 2009 3.8L that is kind of close to me. Any other input?

think that yr 05 was best longest running ones. the newer ones plague with issues.

1. transmission ( econo mode, bumps,etc)
2. brakes. unless u get the upgraded ones now.
3. 3.6l did have the one head issue not sure still problem.
4. gas still higher than what they say,

Hmm, that sucks. I really wanted the newer body style since I wanted to be able to roll down the windows in the back. I did see a couple threads about brakes, but is it just the pads are wearing out fast? Or are calipers being replaced also? I got a little confused with a couple threads that I read about that.

well caint be 100% sure the 14's aint fixed but if you get the 17" wheels and upgrade the brakes 2 piston should be fine. now the tranny mm think they still not corrected but heard they changing them in the future, think 8 speed not sure. the engine has had issues not sure the newer have them. I have 10 yr and so far my brakes suck replaced them 36000km. I see in future that going to be a problem. tranny has some jerk in reverse uphill. but overall caint complain too much since I got it, still bugs me I have 20 service brakes 20,000km due to the design flaw.

I'm not %100 sure, but aren't the 2014's 30th edition all blacktop models with 17" stock? Google them, they are beauties ;-)

My son has the 2012 SXT with a very few options. He bought it earlier this year with 28,000 kilometers and just turned 39,000 kilometers on the weekend. He and his wife love the van, their first Chrysler product.

It has the 3.6 engine with the 6 speed trans and 12" brakes.

The van is almost as economical as their previous Mazda 3 Sport (2.3 liter engine). Tires are lasting about the same length of time. The trans is very smooth in operation, except backing up a grade in reverse when is does vibrate a bit. The econo feature on the trans skips gears (deliberately) and is a complete disaster and is not economical or pleasant to use. They never use it. I just replaced all the brakes and rotors with Wagner Thermo Quiet Ceramic pads and aftermarket rotors. The factory front rotors rusted in the outer 3/8" and inner 1/4" and damaged the pads. The rear brakes were about 1/2 worn but got replaced anyway because Ceramic pads are so much better. Total cost including taxes was $254 CDN. Oil change at 11,000 kilometers (about 6 months) was exceptionally easy and quick, the 3.6 has a great design.

I have driven it a bit and it is a great drive.

Good luck with your purchase.

We love our 2013 SXT.

update....I'm going to check out a 2008 SXT. Hopefully this one turns out ok. it has a lot of options.