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Vans & Minivans 2008 Minivans 
1261 messages, Last post on Feb 27, 2008 at 7:47 AM
You are in the Vans & Minivans Forum. Your Host is Karens
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Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 07, 2007 9:57 am) Ice Cream Toppings are OPTIONS, folks. Things you get in the standard, base van are not ice cream toppings. That's not the way I look at it. The "toppings" can be either stand or option. The difference is that the "ice-cream" is the core of the vehicle (ride, handling, braking, quality, reliabilitiy, interior space, etc) that are common to every "sunday/minivan" while the "toppings" are the added unique items that some want and others do not (stowNgo, run flat tires, auto-folding rows, etc).
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Replying to: bobw3 (Sep 08, 2007 5:29 am) The important thing is, can you get what you want on your van at a reasonable price or don't they even offer it? Many of the things the Dodge/Chrysler offers now, Honda and Toyota don't even offer, no matter how much your willing to pay. If both the Honda and Dodge top out at $40,000.00 and the Dodge has 3,4,or 5 things the Honda doesn't have, does it make much difference many things on the Dodge were extra and standard on the Honda? It's only a shuffle game they play.
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Replying to: marine2 (Sep 08, 2007 6:35 am) But DCX has lowered prices on the new vans  They do it by beating the crap out of suppliers, demanding 10% "givebacks" per year until they go bankrupt or the part is sourced from China. My company stopped playing this game with the Big 3, after copper prices increased 4 times in past year, along with plastics (oil) increases, we were giving the farm away.
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Replying to: dennisctc (Sep 08, 2007 6:44 am) But DCX has lowered prices on the new vans They do it by beating the crap out of suppliers, demanding 10% "givebacks" per year until they go bankrupt or the part is sourced from China. My company stopped playing this game with the Big 3, after copper prices increased 4 times in past year, along with plastics (oil) increases, we were giving the farm away. Japanese are famous for doing the same thing. As a matter of fact, they started it. The American manufactures were forced to follow or go under. I have a video I taped many years ago somewhere around here, from a show like 20/20, where American part makers were complaining the Japanese were squeezing them dry asking for cheaper and cheaper parts. Many went out of business and when they did, the Japanese built their own plants and hired cheaper workers, or changed suppliers. They were doing the same thing to their suppliers in Japan.
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Replying to: marine2 (Sep 08, 2007 6:50 am) |
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It's funny that most reviews use the Grand Caravan without self-leveling suspension. If any of you have driven the new 2008 Chrysler Town and Country Limited with the self-leveling suspension, you would walk away with a better impression compared to the regular suspension. The drive and the looks inside are better. The T&C I drove takes much quicker composed turns,steering more responsive providing better feedback - not numb like most reviews state for the GC. I have a 97 GC Sport - the enhanced suspension helps it handle like a very good driving car - better than the regular 97 minivan. That, to me, is the difference between the 2008 w/ self-leveling vs the 2008 without(you can buy as an option self-leveling for both T&C and GC). I thought the T&C drove great, the GC good. As I've mentioned before, better trim levels are available on the T&C. Check out the differences and let me know what you think. For those of you out there into this - isn't a self-leveling suspension the ice-cream? Nice job marine2. It would be nice if T&C/GC had a telescoping steering wheel. That's about all that isn't available. Although, even with the leather seats included suede inserts,I wish there was less vinyl. And it looks like the 3rd row is all vinyl. Can't remember the last time I sat on vinyl seats. Leather & fabric, yes. But vinyl? How are those in the summer? If wearing shorts, does your skin stick to it? I know I can always hit the remote starter to get the AC going. I feel like buying something to replace the 97GC, although with 103K it still drives fine. Just that after 10 yrs, starting to want something new. Still love my 2005 300C. So don't know if I will wait to see the VW minivan version or what else coming out. It's nice not having to need a new vehicle. But just want one.
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Replying to: carcom2 (Sep 08, 2007 7:42 am) Doesn't power adjustable pedals negate the need for telescoping?
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Replying to: dennisctc (Sep 08, 2007 7:56 am) I like sitting pretty far back. No problem with my feet to peddle distance. But my arms are pretty stretched out when sitting far back. So, a telescoping steering wheel will bring the steering wheel in closer so arms can be less extended. |
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Mark Phellan's review says: One thing is certain, though: The company that invented the minivan still builds the best minivans you can buy.
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Replying to: carcom2 (Sep 08, 2007 8:11 am) What Edmunds.com says Handsome, packed full of thoughtful features and offering almost endless entertainment options, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan reclaims its spot as a top-tier minivan.
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