We purchased this van in 2000 with 101,000 miles on it. We have replaced the common parts, and have never touched the tranny. The motor has been bullet-proof to say the least. We have put in a water pump, ac pump, and just last week a fuel pump (ouch). Fuel pumps aren't cheap! We had it in to the garage about 6 months ago because the front end developed a "clunk". He lubed up the sway bar bushings and said the front end is solid, needs nothing. He couldn't believe that it still had all of its original front end parts and that they were in amazingly great shape! We had the van looked at when we first decided to buy it at the local garage. Our mechanic told us then that we should be able to easily put 250,000 miles on it with proper care. I think he's right!
Very comfortable ride! We have recently bought a 2006 Chrysler T&C, and the old 96 Caravan is ten times the ride, quality, reliability. Our Caravan has always started even on the coldest (-25 degrees) Minnesota mornings. Recently, we have developed an electrical problem and the interior lights will flicker. Started with the drivers door lights, now has moved to the entire van. Otherwise, a real joy to own / drive. I would recommend one to anyone... and have!
Why would you say your 1996 Caravan is 10 times the quality and reliability than a 2006 model t and c? That dosn't make any sense... Why would a 10 year old car, be more reliable than a car that's barely one year old. Any quality? How would you know? Did you take apart your 2006 brand new model year car? yeah right!
I bought a 96 dodge grand caravan two years ago. The only repair I have had to make is changing the brakes and the starter. I had hear so much bad things about them and I was very surprised at how dependable it was. The next van I will buy will be a dodge grand caravan a great car.
We have owned our 1996 Grand Caravan for 6 years. We bought it at 80,000 miles and it is now at 166,000 miles and going strong. We have just recently had to replace the A/C pump, but other than that just small minor things. Its still very dependable and starts every time. We are in the market for a new car because I now drive out of town for my job, but we will still keep the ole' girl when we need more room for the whole family. I've always heard that you should be cautious with Dodge Caravans because they have bad transmissions, but as long as you actually CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID every once in a while - we have never had a problem. We have to add fluid every once in awhile so it does use or lose some. I've read so many negative comments - do these people not know how to lift a hood and do alittle preventative maintenance?
I bought a 1996 Dodge Caravan new and now have 292,000 km - over 180,000 miles. Did the front brake pads yearly, we live on a mountain side, put in a new fuel pump @ 249,000km, and later a new electrical relay. Everything else is original including the water pump. In 40 years of driving, this is the best vehicle I have owned. New, it burned 11/2 qt of oil every 3000 miles. Now it burns and leaks a qt every few weeks. I am amazed how little I have spent on repairs, many of which occurred in my carport.
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