30th Sep 2007, 09:27
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?
6th Nov 2009, 17:01
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.
24th Jan 2007, 12:34
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.