When looking at a used Caravan, a few known issues should be checked for. Be sure that the air conditioning system quickly begins to blow ice-cold, in both the front and rearward rows of seating. If it doesn't, a defective compressor could be to blame.
Pop the hood and have someone start the engine. Listening from outside, any excessive ticking sounds could indicate a problem with the valvetrain that requires updated parts.
Check for proper and free operation of sliding doors, which should slide open and close with ease. During ownership, keeping the slider tracks lubricated with some whine grease is a good idea.
Transmission problems are well documented. Some owners report having had to replace the transmission several times at fairly low mileage. Problems with the gearbox tend to come up suddenly- ranging from leaks to a dangerous total loss of power.
In the worst case scenario, an internal part becomes detached and causes catastrophic failure that will stop any trip dead in its tracks. Apparently, a dislodged differential pin can blow a hole clean through the side of the transmission casing- which is sort of cool, until you're stuck with a bill for a tow-truck and new gearbox.
There's a decent chance that the transmission in your used model could have been rebuilt or replaced under warranty. Check for this, and on a test drive, pay special attention to the quality and consistency of gear-shifting. The transmission should shift up and down smoothly with no 'slipping', 'clunking' or hesitation.
Proper maintenance is key. DO NOT put off transmission fluid changes and regular maintenance. Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and keeping them in proper check will help keep any vehicle running properly for years. Needless to say that if an extended warranty is available and covers the transmission and differential, it's probably a good idea.
Recall items include defective sliding-door latches and lower control arm bolts which pose a safety issue, as well as a possibly-leaky power steering fluid hoses that could cause a fire. Check with a local dealership to see if the recall work has been performed.
The price and relative value of the Dodge Caravan makes it a best-seller, in both the new and used marketplace. Be sure to try one out- and bring your family and their things along for the ride. Just look into the performance of recall work, pay attention to the transmission and consider and extended warranty if it's available.
photo:Chrysler
Pop the hood and have someone start the engine. Listening from outside, any excessive ticking sounds could indicate a problem with the valvetrain that requires updated parts.
Check for proper and free operation of sliding doors, which should slide open and close with ease. During ownership, keeping the slider tracks lubricated with some whine grease is a good idea.
Transmission problems are well documented. Some owners report having had to replace the transmission several times at fairly low mileage. Problems with the gearbox tend to come up suddenly- ranging from leaks to a dangerous total loss of power.
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| 2001 Grand Caravan ES |
In the worst case scenario, an internal part becomes detached and causes catastrophic failure that will stop any trip dead in its tracks. Apparently, a dislodged differential pin can blow a hole clean through the side of the transmission casing- which is sort of cool, until you're stuck with a bill for a tow-truck and new gearbox.
There's a decent chance that the transmission in your used model could have been rebuilt or replaced under warranty. Check for this, and on a test drive, pay special attention to the quality and consistency of gear-shifting. The transmission should shift up and down smoothly with no 'slipping', 'clunking' or hesitation.
Proper maintenance is key. DO NOT put off transmission fluid changes and regular maintenance. Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and keeping them in proper check will help keep any vehicle running properly for years. Needless to say that if an extended warranty is available and covers the transmission and differential, it's probably a good idea.
Recall items include defective sliding-door latches and lower control arm bolts which pose a safety issue, as well as a possibly-leaky power steering fluid hoses that could cause a fire. Check with a local dealership to see if the recall work has been performed.
The price and relative value of the Dodge Caravan makes it a best-seller, in both the new and used marketplace. Be sure to try one out- and bring your family and their things along for the ride. Just look into the performance of recall work, pay attention to the transmission and consider and extended warranty if it's available.
photo:Chrysler
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