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Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan 2005+

1446 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2013 at 8:51 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Van

Messages Page 42 of 145

#410 of 1446 2005 GC SXT by uga91

Dec 31, 2004 (5:44 am)

Looking today at a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT, black, with power liftgate and center front console as the only options. Sticker is $27,780, quoted $22,800 after $3500 in rebates. TMV is more like $22,474, so we'll see what happens. I have had 3 Dodge or Chrysler mini vans before, including a 2003 Chrysler Voyager LX that I have now (not trading it, VERY happy with it), so I'm looking forward to the upgrades for 2005.

#411 of 1446 Re: 2005 GC SXT [uga91] by hansienna

Dec 31, 2004 (9:21 am)

Replying to: uga91 (Dec 31, 2004 5:44 am)
If you like your 2003 Voyager LX, have you seriously considered a 2005 Caravan SXT for the $14,900 you mentioned in another forum?
     The $7,900 difference makes the regular length Caravan SXT very attractive unless you need the additional interior space of the Grand Caravan SXT with "Stow-N-Go", power sliding doors and liftgate, larger 3.8L V6, etc. Each is a most attractive vehicle.
     The few extra inches between each row of seats make the Grand Caravan considerably more comfortable if adults sit in either the 2nd or 3rd row.

#412 of 1446 Re: 2005 GC SXT [uga91] by steve_ HOST

Dec 31, 2004 (1:09 pm)

Replying to: uga91 (Dec 31, 2004 5:44 am)
Check out the Chrysler Voyager/Dodge Caravan: Prices Paid & Buying Experience board too.
 
Steve, Host

#413 of 1446 hansienna by uga91

Dec 31, 2004 (8:30 pm)

I did, but I want the extra space and the power doors and liftgate.

#414 of 1446 uga91 by samnoe

Jan 01, 2005 (6:37 pm)

Be sure to test-drive the '05 SXT before buying. I bought one ('05 GC SXT) and it drives different than the 2003 Town & Country I drive at work. It's more floaty and soft, and I think it has some more body lean (even though I have the upgraded touring suspension which should help handling).
 
Also I have a few rattles in all 4 front/sliding doors (!). Hope to go service it soon (after Holidays).
 
Happy shopping and good luck. Be sure to report back.

#415 of 1446 Re: uga91..05 GC SXT [samnoe] by hansienna

Jan 01, 2005 (8:48 pm)

Replying to: samnoe (Jan 01, 2005 6:37 pm)
Maybe the 02-03 T&C are more solidly built than the new 2005 GC and T&C. My 02 T&C LX has no rattles in it at 3 years of age.
     Altho I would like the 3rd row of "Stow-N-Go", there is better toe room under 2nd row for 3rd row passengers in my 2002 and the 2nd row seats are slightly more comfortable.
     My 2002 T&C LX also has the heating coils at the base of the windshield and the Trip Computer has the "Instant Economy" that has been deleted.
     I had seriously planned to buy a new 2005 Odyssey and sell my 02 T&C but the reports of a "whistling noise" by my nephew in his new 2005 Odyssey EX has put my plans on indefinite "hold".
     I would be sick if I sold my very nice, quiet 02 T&C LX and got a new Odyssey that was not as quiet and lacked some features I have on my low end Chrysler T&C LX.

#416 of 1446 Hans, by samnoe

Jan 02, 2005 (12:11 am)

And you are still sure that the '05 Ody gives you great mileage (better than your low-end Town & Country), while so far most people in the Odyssey board are still complaining about that bad mileage. If you want to buy the new Ody because of the fuel economy, be certain to check it with at least 2 owners for a longer term. Don't believe Honda, and car magazines - even not CR. Real world drivers only know real facts.
 
By the way, about the instant fuel economy feature that Chrysler eliminated from the overhead console, I think you can have this feature by pressing "average fuel economy" and then press "RESET", that will give you current mileage.
 
Too bad I did not test drive the new Caravan before buying. Not that I'm upset, don't get me wrong, it's an excellent van, but having driven the '03 Town & Country for many months, I've expected the '05 to be pretty much the same - if not better. The '03 I drive almost daily have a smoother ride, and handles better bumps and potholes than my new '05 Grand Caravan. But that may be due to my touring suspension. Now I know that Chrysler made big changes underneath for the Stow N' Go, so therefor it's definitely a different drive.
 
However, there are a few minor improvements in the '05 over the '03. The column shifter has a better feel when shifting, and does not block the audio controls as in the '04 models. The signal lever also has a better click feel. But the clock has smaller typefaces than the '03. And I still hate the gauges and most other controls from the DC vans. I think that even the Freestar lights up much nicer at night. However the Town & Country Limited (or Touring w/the luxury package) do have nice cream faced gauges with a light green/blue background.

#417 of 1446 Re: 2005 GC SXT wind drumming at 70mph [burta10] by marine2

Jan 02, 2005 (2:08 pm)

Replying to: burta10 (Dec 18, 2004 5:46 pm)
I just bought a new 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan and was told when not using roof rack, to pull front crossbar back as it does cause wind noise when traveling at higher speeds.

#418 of 1446 Didn't like it by uga91

Jan 02, 2005 (4:39 pm)

I went to my local Dodge store today to test the 2005 Grand Caravan SXT. They sold the black one they quoted me a couple of days ago, but they had a dark blue one just like it, so I drove that one instead. The ride was not as nice as the ride of my 2003 Chrysler Voyager LX. I was expecting more due to the longer wheel base, and I was let down. The rear seats are wonderful to look at and fold around; but, they are just as advertised--smaller and stiffer than the previous seats. I was not impressed enough to pull the trigger, so I left. I learned a long time ago to leave if I have any hesitation during the test drive.
 
From there, I went to the Honda store as they are advertising $2000 off MSRP on 2005 Odysseys. I drove a red LX model. It was much nicer to drive than the Grand Caravan, but again, I had no overwhelming desire to own it. It may because the salesman was a jerk and I didn't like working with him. I may go back and find a new salesman.

#419 of 1446 Re: 2005 GC SXT wind drumming at 70mph [marine2] by 97xpresso

Jan 03, 2005 (6:51 am)

Replying to: marine2 (Jan 02, 2005 2:08 pm)
I never plan to stick anything on the roof, so I pulled both crossbars off the roof racks. It improves gas mileage, easier to clean or remove snow from roof, looks better than a totally nude roof, and can easily be re installed if the need ever arose. That being said, I never had noises from the roof racks. Also there are two arrows on each rack denoting where the cross bars should be placed if not carrying anything, for quietest operation if you choose to leave them on.

Messages Page 42 of 145

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