Headlights developed condensation around 70,000 miles and needed replacement at 80,000 miles due to failed inspection.
Driver side front power window switch needed to be replaced at 70,000.
Both rear quarter panel motors failed around 72,000 miles.
Water entering into front passenger area from overhead console reading lights.
Intermittent trouble with power sliding door since 65,000 miles.
Digital display on stereo/cassette player acting up since 63,000 miles.
Worn out left outer tie rod end at 62,000 miles.
Power sliding door electric actuator and associated parts replaced under warranty at 55,000 miles.
This mini-van is very roomy and has comfortable seating for 7.
The interior finish is cheap and flimsy:
knobs, vents and seat belt attachments detach easily.
The engine and transmission are reliable and strong. Our van easily pulls a pop-up camper in addition to a canoe on the roofrack and 7 passengers
inside.
The reliability of power sliding door is a nightmare. The overall reliablity of all power options is not impressive.
Overall fuel consumption about 19 mpg with a 50-50 mix of city and highway driving.
We are now in 2005 and the mechanical and electrical condition of our van is getting disastrous.
At 87,000 miles the dealer noticed the following problems:
Wiper park switch (under the hood) malfuntioned $262
Driver side power window regulator needs replacement $664
Coolant thermostat needs replacement $247
Transmission fluid needs to be replaced after 20,000 miles
Serpentine Belt needs replacement after 20,000 miles
Transmission cooler lines leaking
Power steering hose leaking
Oil present in engine coolant due to leaking intake manifold
Total estimated cost of repair $2,600 for a van that is not even 8 years old and not worth more than $4,000.
And remember the power sliding door and rear quarter panel windows are still not working, because of the high repair cost (estimated $1,000-1,500 combined)
Well Well Well,, after reading all of your troubles and repairs needed to be done and especially the very (a steal) high price asked for repairs.. i can think that you are not a mechanic or do not like to do the works of your own... a thermostat can easily be changed by you (get a clinton books or alike for your van and it will save a bundle of money) the wiper switch, radio and window regulator can easily be found at scrap yard for a fraction of the price and can easily be changed by you like I did and I am not an expert mechanic, but just want to save money.. the radio cost me 50 bucks and the wiper switch 35 bucks and easily changed in less than 2.5 hours in my driveway.. also changed thermostat (37 dollars) and water pump (don't remember the price) the serpentine belt takes 5 minutes to change (41 bucks) and my 1997 transport has more than 210000 miles and I have changed (by a mechanic this time) twice the cheap intake gasket which I have to say is costly (450 bucks installed) but after all it still a good van..if you know how to maintain and repair the "little" problems that can upset you.. and you don't have to go all the time to your dealer because most of the mechanics know how to repair them for a fraction of the price.. hope this will help you.
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