170k Caravan time to trade?

[JTCHess]

I have a 1993 Grand Caravan that we purchased new. It just went over 170,000 miles and barely uses any oil. I have used Mobil 1 in it since new. My question; This van is on it's 4th transmission and I'm wondering if I should put another one in when the current one goes. I have been getting about 40,000 miles on the rebuilds. The current rebuild should be good up to 200,000 miles. Also, has Chrysler fixed these transmission defects in their new minivans or should I be looking at Honda or Toyota?



thanks, John

 

[moparguy]

John, I think it comes down to personal preference. You are driving the cheapest transportation possible, it's paid for and its weakness's are known. Even if you replace the transmission every couple of years, it's still cheaper than a new vehicle that will have bigger insurance premiums, payments, and will still only take you from point A to point B. Same as your current van.



My wife (sweet thing that she is) is still driving the 1988 Dodge Dynasty we bought new. It now has about 250,000 miles of mostly trouble free miles. I've replaced the heads (valve guides), and the transmission at about 150k. We could easily have justified buying 2 or 3 vehicles over the past 15 years, but by my math, I've saved $40,000 to $50,000 by driving the old DieNasty.



On the transmission issue. It's my understanding that if you buy a new DC transmission, it has all the latest factory upgrades. As a preventative maintenance move, I change the fluid and filter every year, or at about 15k. Works for me.



Good luck, Ronnie

 

[LSMITH]

Chrysler has not fixed the transmissions in the minivans as of about a year ago. Most fail in the first 50k miles though if they are going to fail. I would buy the extended warranty if I bought a new Chrysler.

 

[JTCHess]

Moparguy,

Thanks for your thoughts as they pretty much mirror mine. I just had the electric fuel pump replaced as a precaution. I have two "Grand" Vans, both 93's, one a Caravan, one a Voyger. The Voyger only has 67k on it which I purchased used about 18 months ago. Finally getting it into the shape I want it in. Now if I can only figure out why the Caravan ocassionally runs rough and shuts off at stop signs I'll be happy. Too bad that Chrysler hasn't fixed the transmissions. When it's time to buy new I guess it will be a Honda or Toyota.



thanks, John

 

[rkressg]

Originally posted by JohnHess

I have a 1993 Grand Caravan that we purchased new. It just went over 170,000 miles and barely uses any oil. I have used Mobil 1 in it since new. My question; This van is on it's 4th transmission and I'm wondering if I should put another one in when the current one goes. I have been getting about 40,000 miles on the rebuilds. The current rebuild should be good up to 200,000 miles. Also, has Chrysler fixed these transmission defects in their new minivans or should I be looking at Honda or Toyota?



thanks, John

John,

I have a 94 T/C with over 140,000 on the clock. The chrysler trans. only last about 40,000 if you let D/C rebuild them. If you are anywhere close to Pittsburgh, PA, there is a Cottman Transmission (A buddy of mine runs the shop) that will build you a bullet proof transmission cheep. Do not let D/C rebuild you transmission, their techs do not know what they are doing and their replacement parts stink.

Just my $0. 02

-Rich

 

[parcher]

RGilbert, I take personal exception to your statement that chrysler techs don't know what they're doing. One of my re-built (I re-built it) transmissions is in my my friends ssm/gta Dodge Avenger. It's got a 830hp small block and clicks off 8. 49 1/4's at 151 mph. My boss says he'd trust my re-builds over the factory new any day of the week.

 

[Bill Lins]

Mebbe ya oughta let DTT rebuild it!

 

[The patriot]

We got a 92 caravan this past summer. It had just had a factory trans put in it, and had a good inspection sticker. 93K miles.

We payed $1200 for it, and plan on driving it till the wheels fall off, or until the next inspection is due.

We bought it just to keep the miles down on our two newer cars, but it really comes in handy sometimes.

The gas gauge dont work, and it has just died two times in the 8K miles we ran it. Nothing serious, started right back up, and were were only in a parking lot.

It has a 3. 0, and leaks a bit of oil. Not enough to have to add oil between changes.

Eric