1998 Dodge Caravan Dodge review from North America
"For the first 65000 the car seems to run fine, but after that watch out"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My Head gasket blew at 90000. I had the timing belt changed at the same time since they were doing the head gasket. When I received the vehicle back I noticed on the invoice a message saying I, the owner, had refused to have replaced the timing belt tensioner.
I was never asked about this and upon talking to the service manager he said the mechanic was fearful for his job and so lied on the invoice because no tensioner could be found in the United States anywhere. After questioning further and catching the service manager in further deceitful comments I decided to take my vehicle elsewhere as it was having problems 1 month later. The independent mechanic diagnosed the problem as the timing belt tensioner and was able to get one in a day.
This vehicle is now having problems with what seems to be the fuel system although nobody can seem to figure it out as yet. I am hopeful it is not the transmission.
At any rate, it is unfortunate that I was lied to as I will not be purchasing a Dodge or Chrysler product in the future.
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| 1998 - Caravan Base 4 cylinder Low cost, however repairs will make up for it |
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| You should forget it and buy a better vehicle for what you'll pay to keep this thing on the road. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 12 miles |
| Most recent distance | 120000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 21st March, 2004 |