What to look for when buying a used Dodge Caravan
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan |
The best selling minivan, Dodge Caravan offers a spacious comfortable interior with available Stow 'n Go seats, decent engine and good handling. The 2001-2007 Dodge Caravan comes in a short or extended-wheelbase version (Grand Caravan) as well as a cargo van. The front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive was available on Grand Caravan until 2005. Fuel economy is on par with other minivans. Inside, high seating position offers good visibility. Front seats are comfortable and supportive. There are number of second- and third-row seat configurations available: the seats can be folded or removed in different ways depending on the model. Starting from 2005, the Stow 'n Go seats became available in the Grand Caravan. With the second- and third-row Stow 'n Go seats in an upright position, you have two under-floor storage bins in front the second row and a large cargo well behind the third row.
The second- and third-row Stow 'n Go seats can be easily folded into the floor.
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan interior |
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Stow 'n GO seats up |
The Stow 'n GO third row-seats and one of the second-row seats are folded to the floor |
Powertrain and Fuel Economy: Dodge Caravan offers three engine choices:
the 3.3L OHV V6, similar in design 3.8L V6 and the 2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC engine (not available in Canada). Both, the 2.4L and 3.3L models get up to 17/24 mpg (13.8/9.8 L/100km) city/highway for 2007 model. The 2007 3.8L V6 Caravan is rated at 16/23 mpg (14.7/10.2 L/100 km). That is pretty much inline with other full-size minivans. The 2007 Toyota Sienna gets 17/24 mpg, Honda Odyssey returns 16/23 mpg. Mazda 5 is offers better city mileage (19/24 mpg), but it's a much smaller vehicle.
Handling and Ride: On the road, Dodge Caravan offers smooth, stable and fairly quiet ride. The handling is good for a minivan. The 3.3L V6 engine power is adequate even in the heavier Grand Caravan. The 3.8L engine provides good low-end torque and more passing power.
Safety: In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, models from 2001 to 2005 early release, got four stars, while the 2005 (later release) to 2007 Caravan received five stars. The side-impact crash test ratings remained the same: 4 stars for the driver and 5 stars for the rear passenger protection.
Pros: Affordable, good value for the money, good handling, comfortable quiet ride, front visibility, roomy and versatile interior, available Stow 'n Go seats.
Cons: Unimpressive reliability records, interior materials quality, parking brakes release location.
Overall: Dodge Caravan is comfortable, roomy, nice-looking minivan, but the reliability is below average. Common problems include a leaking power steering hose, brakes wearing too fast, front suspension issues (e.g. stabilizer bar bushings), door locks, faulty ECM and other electronics. It's probably a good idea to avoid 2005 and older models, as they had more troubles. A good extend warranty that covers electrical problems and various control modules is worth considering.
What to look for buying a used Dodge Caravan: Running a used car history report is a good first step. When checking the vehicle, make sure to test all the electrical components including power locks, heater, air conditioner, heated seats, turn signal, etc. Check if power sliding doors work. During a test drive, see if all the gauges work and there are no warning lights on the dash. A jolt when coming to a stop could be an early indication of a transmission problem. Before buying a vehicle, have it properly inspected by a mechanic.
You might also be interested:
 How to buy a used carstep-by-step guide » |
 How to spot signs oftransmission problems » |
Maintenance:
If you live in the Rust Belt, rust proofing will help to protect the body, chassis and underneath electronic components from corrosion. Change engine oil regularly to keep your engine last longer. Keep all the fluids including coolant topped up. Lack of coolant can cause overheating of the engine. According to the owner's manual (2004), the automatic transmission fluid and filter need to be changed every 60,000 miles, but many agree that it's better to change transmission fluid more often. Have your vehicle inspected, at least once a year, in a repair shop to keep it safe.
More on maintenance:
 10 simple tips how to keepyour car running longer » |
 Easy car maintenance checklist with photos » |
Resources:
Safety Recalls - NHTSA - check for recalls.
Transport Canada - Road Safety Recalls - check for recalls in Canada.
Dodge Owner's Center - owner's manual, multimedia system guides, recalls and more.
2006 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan Specifications
| Dimensions: | |
| Caravan: Wheelbase: Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Grand Caravan: Wheelbase: Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: |
113.3 (2878 mm) 189.3 (4808 mm) 78.6 (1997 mm) 68.9 (1749 mm) /with roof rack/ 119.3 (3030 mm) 200.5 (5093 mm) 78.6 (1997 mm) 68.9 (1750 mm) /with roof rack/ |
| Seating capacity: |
7 |
| Cargo capacity: | |
| Caravan: Behind intermediate seat: Behind rear seat: Seats removed: Grand Caravan: Behind intermediate seat: Behind rear seat: Seats stowed (fold-in-the-floor): |
44.2 cu. ft. (1.25 cu. m) 15.1 cu. ft. (0.43 cu. m) 142.3 cu. ft. (4.03 cu. m) 54.9 cu. ft. (1.55 cu. m) 26.4 cu. ft. (0.75 cu. m) 160.7 cu. ft. (4.55 cu. m) |
| Towing capacity: | |
| With 4-cylinder, 2.4L engine: With 3.3L V6 engine: With 3.8L V6 engine: |
1,000 lbs. (450 kg) 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)—std.; 3,600 lbs. (1724 kg) /with optional Trailer Prep. Group/ 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)—std.; 3,800 lbs.(1724 kg) /with optional Trailer Prep. Group/ |
| Engine: | |
| Std.—Caravan SE: Std.—Caravan SXT, Grand Caravan SE: Std.—Grand Caravan SXT: |
2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, in-line, 16-valve DOHC 150 bhp @ 5,100 rpm, 165 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 3.3-liter, V6 OHV, 12-valve 180 bhp @ 5,000 rpm, 210 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 3.8-liter, V6 OHV, 12-valve 205 bhp @ 5,200 rpm, 240 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy (US mpg, L/100 km): | |
| With 4-cylinder, 2.4L engine: With 3.3L V6 engine: With 3.8L V6 engine: |
city: 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) hwy: 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) city: 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) hwy: 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) city: 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) hwy: 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
Unleaded regular, 87 octane |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
20 gal. (75L) |
| Engine oil capacity: | |
| Engine oil with filter: 2.4L engine 3.3L & 3.8L engines |
5.0 US qt (4.7L) 5.0 US qt (4.7L) |
