1999 Dodge Caravan sport review from North America
"I review again after about 50,000 miles"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator replaced at 125000 miles ($280) leaving me out of commission while on a trip about 100 miles away from home. Luckily, it "died" across the street from an auto parts store. It took about 6 hours (frequent breaks) in the hot sun, w/no cover, to replace. What a pain in the butt to get out. Since then I have replaced the tensioner assembly which, required removal of the alternator, and did it in about 3 hours in my garage.
A/c Condenser replaced at 130000 miles. I started smelling a weird odor and then nothing but warm air. Replaced by auto shop...$800.
Water pump replaced at 131000 miles...$200.
135000 miles. After a faulty replacement alternator was replaced (bad bearing) the belt started making a squealing noise. I noticed that the tensioner pulley looked out of alignment, just slightly, maybe a millimeter. After reading posts on this site, I decided to replace the assembly w/a Dayco ($43) which has a superior design (ie...closed back/flat spring/alignment correction) to the OE tensioner. I am not sure what kind of S-belt is on it, but the squealing went away immediately after the tensioner was replaced. Fortunately, I have not had any problems w/the belt coming off.
General comments?
Very well designed, comfortable, powerful (3.3L Flex Fuel) I just need to figure out how to get some gasohol for it.
Recommended reviews
| 1999 - Caravan SE 3.3 - 6 cylinder Very good value for the money. Fun to drive |
|
| Questionable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3L Flex Fuel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 122000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 135000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Windstar |
| Date of Entry | 20th August, 2006 |