You are here: Forums Vans & Minivans Toyota Sienna Used Sienna or Caravan

Used Sienna or Caravan

6 messages,  Last post on Jun 04, 2009 at 11:01 AM

You are in the Toyota Sienna Forum. Your Host is Karens

What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan, Car Comparisons, Van

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#2 of 6 Re: Used Sienna or Caravan [jmirror] by yatesjo Jun 02, 2009 (6:13 pm)
Replying to: jmirror (Jun 02, 2009 4:34 pm) The price 2008 Dodge should trigger a lot of questions about why it is so cheap. Unless it is a fleet/rental being retired the original buyer gave up a lifetime powertrain to get rid of it at half the purchase price. Why?   Safety is good so that isn't a worry.   The previous owner took a huge depreciation hit, so a big chunk of cost of ownership is taken care of. They are not the most fuel efficient vans on the market; even the EPA ratings on the underpowered base engine are overstated. With any Dodge, make very sure that if the transmission fluid gets changed only at the dealer as Chrysler transmissions take a special blend of fluid not found at most service stations and the tranny will die a quick and expensive death if the wrong stuff is used.   Reliability is the question mark though. The first year of a new domestic model is always bad news. Early reports look particularly bad for the 2008 Dodge (see Inside Line's long term test). Replies to this message: jmirror (Jun 02, 2009 7:31 pm) yatesjo (Jun 02, 2009 8:18 pm)
#3 of 6 Re: Used Sienna or Caravan [yatesjo] by jmirror Jun 02, 2009 (7:31 pm)
Replying to: yatesjo (Jun 02, 2009 6:13 pm) I have noticed several Dodge Grand Caravans with the 20k - 40k mileage for around $12k to $13k range. I am assuming these are rental vehicles. Replies to this message: yatesjo (Jun 02, 2009 8:18 pm)
#4 of 6 Re: Used Sienna or Caravan [jmirror] by yatesjo Jun 02, 2009 (8:18 pm)
Replying to: jmirror (Jun 02, 2009 7:31 pm) Based on the observation of family members who got retired rental cars, I wouldn't go near one. Renters don't exactly treat those kindly and gently and so long term they have lots of problems. A minivan may be better off than, say, a Mustang, but it still wasn't driven by people with any care about how it would run in the future.
#5 of 6 Re: Used Sienna or Caravan [jmirror] by ateixeira Jun 04, 2009 (11:01 am)
Replying to: jmirror (Jun 02, 2009 4:34 pm) A couple of things...   Those early Dodge vans are not only lacking the SAC you mention, but the 2nd row windows don't open. They have aged a lot and will seem old the day you buy them. I'd reeeeeaaally try to stretch and get the newer generation van if you pick a Dodge.   Second, buying an ex-rental would be like buying a used mattress from a cheap motel. Used by a lot of strangers that didn't really care for it.

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Vans & Minivans Toyota Sienna Used Sienna or Caravan