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2008 Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan

501 messages,  Last post on May 18, 2009 at 7:05 PM

You are in the Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan Forum. Your Host is Karens

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


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#487 of 501
Re: Compared to a Kia Sedona! [srs_49] by samnoe
Apr 07, 2009 (2:35 pm)
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Replying to: srs_49 (Apr 07, 2009 2:30 am)

Look, I also had a 2005 Grand Caravan, which was definitely better than my 2008 Town & Country. Not in terms of features, but handling, and some other minor things, was a bit better. IMO Chrysler took a step backwards with the new design. Also, entry/exit is more difficult due to being much taller for some reason.
 
What I meant to say, that I never expected the Kia to feel so much lighter, faster, better bump absorbing, less body lean, easier controls, than my once-beloved Town & Country. But it did. And that was my shock. Hyundai/Kia are improving with giant steps. And Chrysler?????
 
Anyway, we're not into comparisons here, but I just wanter to air out my feelings, my thoughts... That's all. Back to the Chrysler Town & Country........
#488 of 501
Re: Compared to a Kia Sedona! [srs_49] by xwesx
Apr 08, 2009 (10:54 am)
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Replying to: srs_49 (Apr 07, 2009 2:30 am)

I agree; from what I read here, the experiences are all over the map. I think that points to poor quality control in the factories, but it also does not mean everyone buying a Chrysler van is destined for hardship. There will be some folks on either extreme, and most right down or near the middle.
#489 of 501
Re: Compared to a Kia Sedona! [xwesx] by jpelder
Apr 08, 2009 (11:24 am)
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Replying to: xwesx (Apr 08, 2009 10:54 am)

While I kinda agree with that statement, I think the Caravan has a worse than deserved reputation due to some quality problems from 1984-1998. Since then it has been much more reliable. My family had 1986, 1989, and 1991 models. All had more issues than normal. Since then, I've had a 1998 Grand Sport (Good until it hit 8 years old at 140,000 miles, when tranny went out, 2000 Grand Sport (perfect for the 2 years 80,000 miles I had it), 2002 Grand Sport (perfect for the 2 years, 75,000 I had it), 2006 Grand STX (only had a problem with power door locks).
 
My Mother still has a 2002 Caravan Sport which has also been flawless. Two close friends each drive a Grand STX or T&C Touring which also have been flawless in the 2 years they've owned them. I know these are just anecdotes, but the truth is that you rarely hear the success stories. I don't blame people for complaining when they get a lemon, but I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater either. I just hope Chrysler hangs on, because the Caravan is their only vehicle that reigns supreme in it's market segment, and I hope to keep buying them.
#490 of 501
Re: squeaks,Rattles and horrible gas mileage [samnoe] by drewdl
Apr 20, 2009 (2:01 pm)
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Replying to: samnoe (Feb 12, 2009 7:58 pm)

Did you ever find out what this rattle was? I have a 2008 Dodge Caravan, and when it rains, I have a horrible rattle in the rear. It usually happens as I am coming to a stop, or when turning left, but it only happens when it rains???
#491 of 501
Re: squeaks,Rattles and horrible gas mileage [drewdl] by samnoe
Apr 22, 2009 (4:00 pm)
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Replying to: drewdl (Apr 20, 2009 2:01 pm)

I complained to my dealer. I think there is a service bulletin for the muffler rattle. They replaced it (it took them a week waiting for the replacement part to arrive) and I think it's now better. In yesterdays rain I did only once felt it slightly, but otherwise was good during the day.
#492 of 501
gas mileage update by atcmmgc
Apr 24, 2009 (6:52 am)
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I have an 08 SXT 3.8, now has 7,300 miles. Changed oil at local tire place around 6,000 miles from 5w-30 to 5w-20 this time as dealership is to lazy to carry the proper oil. In town mileage increased to about 16 right away and engine seems to rev a little better. Took a rare highway trip and mileage indicator was reading 24-25mpg. so I guess it can get decent higway mileage but i drive mostly in town. Got home drove the last 3/4 of tank in town and ended up at 18.6mpg. I don't know if I'm happy with that or pissed off. On a side note I had a Sedona for a few hours the other day and in most respects its way ahead of the Dodge. Better ride, much better acceleration(it loves to rev) and mostly nicer interior materials, quieter engine,etc. I need a minivan and want to buy american, but IMO any of the imports are a better long term bet. Face it the only real thing the dodge/chrysler have going for them is stow-n-go and price. You can buy a Sedona pretty darn cheap too though. The squeaks,rattles continue. Only 17 months to go on my lease Yay. I wonder who I'll turn it in to when all the dodge dealers are out of business by then?
#493 of 501
GPS "Safe Mode" override and review of my 2008 GC SXT by samster820
Apr 28, 2009 (6:22 am)
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I've got a 2008 GC SXT early build (10/08). It has lots of great features, but has had plenty of problems:
 
- Power doors open back up just as they hit the closed position. Dealer has upgraded software several times and it still happens every week or so. Quite a security issue--we've returned to the car a couple of times to find the door open since we don't always stick around to watch it close. Has anyone heard of a definitive fix for this?
 
- MyGig freezes with no sound, can't adjust volume. Seems to have been fixed by latest software upgrade (fingers crossed).
 
- Rear hatch shock sticky, so it doesn't open all the way and then won't power close. Dealer is replacing on next visit.
 
- Loud whine from rear at highway speeds. I found that gently pressing the brake at speed several times clears the noise. Will have dealer check rear brakes next visit.
 
All the bells and whistles are nice when they work. The Backseat TV is great. Stow 'n go is fantastic. No other minivan was able to get rid of 2nd row seats so neatly. 4.0L Engine is powerful but noisy.
 
GPS is fine, but the fact that you can't use it while driving makes it virtually useless. If I'm driving and need to find nearest gas or food, I don't want to have to pull over to do it. Does anyone know if the dealer can override this?
 
Is there a list of all dealer-programmable settings for the GC on the web somewhere? I couldn't find anything via Google.
 
I was able to get the Chrysler lifetime warranty when I bought the car, so if they can stay in business, I won't have to pay for repairs ($50 deductible), but overall the car has been very disappointing in quality, despite having many good features. Make sure you get all the SW upgrades.
#494 of 501
Problem with Driver Power Window Auto Feature. by joejr303
Apr 28, 2009 (11:27 am)
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The window work fine. Problem is when the window is in the down position,and then use the auto/express feature the window goes up and then goes back down. Happened 6 times in 2 months. Dealer could never get it to happen when they have the car.
 
Has any one else had this problem??
 
Thanks
#495 of 501
Re: Compared to a Kia Sedona! [samnoe] by wzman1
May 02, 2009 (2:16 pm)
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Replying to: samnoe (Apr 05, 2009 11:46 am)

Wife and I own a 2008 Grand Caravan SXT, 4.0. Had opportunity this week to rent a Kia Sedona LX while travelling, and had high hopes based on your comparison. I'm afarid I can't agree with any of your observations. The only way the Kia bested our own Dodge was in sticker price. We liked power,handling,ride, appointments, etc, in our Dodge better than the Kia.
#496 of 501
Re: GPS "Safe Mode" override and review of my 2008 GC SXT [samster820] by kkelln
May 18, 2009 (4:28 am)
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Replying to: samster820 (Apr 28, 2009 6:22 am)

Hi; There is a fix for the MyGig. Please note that most other makers of minivans do the same thing and limit the nav and entertainment system function for the front seat while the vehicle is at speed.
 
Here is a link to the product: http://www.coastaletech.com/MYGIG.htm
Copy and paste it in your browser address bar. Scroll down a bit and watch the demonstration video. As you will see, ALL factory options are unlocked. So, while driving, you can now use all nav features, watch a movie, or even view the backup camera.
 
If you are impressed, go to ebay and search for MYGIG LOCK PICK. You can usually find it on there for quite a bit cheaper than ordering direct from the maker. Finally, there are other products out there too, but this is generally the one most recommended. BE CAREFUL ON EBAY. There are several knock-off -look exactly the same but are not LOCK PICK brand and I can not vouch for how well they work (or do not work).
 
Hope this helps!
Kirk

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