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[ACvmk]

We have a '96 T&C LXi. We bought it used and have had it for years. It now has over 160,000 miles on it and still running fine. It has it's occasional problems now and then. I will say that we had to have the transmission rebuilt at around 100,000 miles. We liked the car that much to put $$ into the rebuild. It rides smooth and the leather seats are so comfortable. We just haven't found a more comfortable ride in other models since. Key for us was babying it with very regular oil changes and the fact that we have mechanics in the family didn't hurt either They have stayed on top of it and kept in in fine working order. I wouldn't hesitate to get another...the problems we've had with it over the years weren't that bad. Beats having a monthly car payment by far!

 

[C.Ann]

..

 

[mickeyfan2]

We have a 1998 and love it. We will replace it (in a few years) with a new one with stow and go seating. We rented a Caravan in December and were impressed by the new seating.

 

[mickeyfan2]

For us, it wasn't so much the need to get rid of seats at the spur of the moment as much as we wanted to have the seats when we arrived at our destination. When we traveled, the dog was in his crate. That meant having to take a seat out of the T&C and leave it behind. Then when we would get to our destination, we'd need to haul people, and we'd be short a seat. One of the teens would sit on the floor, but it always made me nervous since they weren't in a seat with a seatbelt.

For us it was not having to remove them, get what we needed and then put them back. DH can remove the seats himself but I cannot, so this can be a problem.

 

[mickeyfan2]

For those who had to replace or rebuild the transmissions, what was the ball park cost? I'm going to do some research later today on the newer models (the 2004 and 2005's) to see if I can find any info on whether or not this continues to be a Chrysler problem because the info I currently have says those issues have been addressed - but just to be safe I'll check numerous other sites as well..

I really do like that 2005..

We put in a remanufactured transmission and have had no problem since. We now have about 130,000 miles and plan to take it to about 200,000 like we did our last Chrysler mini van.

 

[Bearvet]

To replace the transmission with a rebuilt one (to get any kind of a warranty) was about $2500. We figure at this point everything else should be less expensive to repair/replace - it was worth it for us.

 

[mickeysgal]

To replace the transmission with a rebuilt one (to get any kind of a warranty) was about $2500. We figure at this point everything else should be less expensive to repair/replace - it was worth it for us.

I can't remember what we paid, although it wasn't as much as the above quote. It still came with a warranty. It was definitely worth it as we've been able to stretch the life out of the car. Certainly beats monthly payments.

 

[C.Ann]

Thanks for the replies..

 

[mickeyfan2]

Thanks for the replies.. Just for the sake of arguement, paying $2500 for a transmission (if that problem should occur) would still leave me way ahead of the game if I purchased the 2005 CTC for $15,000 to $18,000 compared to $23,000 for the Honda Odyssey..

Decisions, decisions.. Looks like I need to do some more research..

I agree here. The 5000 - 8000 difference in price is a lot of repairs. So one may have a few more problems, but the actual cost to own it can also be less.

 

[C.Ann]

 

[DMRick]

We're renting (while at Disney) a Dodge Caravan stow away (not sure if that's the same). My friend who is here with us, had the Chrylser(she said they were the same, but I really don't know) and now has the Honda Odessy. She likes it a lot more, and having been in both this week, I would agree. The side doors are much uieter (ours, with 1200 miles sound like a sad, tired overworked motor..a cordless drill turning running out o f power). Sitting way in the back of ours, we hear squeaks and groans (may have been the meal at Cape May last night LOL), where hers makes no sounds. Hers just sounds smoother and is more comfortable, all around. We are thinking of upgrading shortly

edited to add, the maid came and I just hit send and wasn't finished. We are seriously thinking of trading in our new Toyota for the honda odessy. Our friends are much happier with their mileage, and since they travel a lot, very very happy with the comfort. They lost their Chrysler in a car accident and replaced that new one, with the new Honda, and are so very pleased. I love the ride in theirs, and they said they love the handling a lot more.

 

[C.Ann]

 

[superbird]

I have a 2002 T&C lx edition with no problems that everyone is talking about. Only issues is wear and tear like brakes. Don't hear all these squeals etc that other people do. Only reason I will not buy another one is that they don't offer it with a HEMI!!!

 

[jl]

We have the Chrysler T & C w/stow 'n go seats and really like it. We have had great experience with it.......great for hauling the kids college stuff; also we have a 4 hr. old granddaughter who is still in car seat. It is really nice to fold down the seats anytime for the cargo space.

Helped move one son last weekend from rental house to condo...was great help loading up things like his big tv....Have had mini vans for 15+ yrs. and have had good luck...things mostly under warranty...we trade them around 50,000 & have had very little major $$$ out of pocket.

Also is great car if you have any elder people riding...much easier to get in/out of.

 

[C.Ann]

 

[bfeller]

I bought a 96 T&C brand new. As soon as the warranty ran out I got rid of it. I spent way too much time in the repair shop for the same old stuff. I wasn't happy with it and would never buy another Chrysler. The good thing I can say about it was that it was a very comfortable car to sit in and take long trips in but I was always worried that something was going to go wrong with the steering.

 

[arminnie]

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I'd love the Honda Odyssey, but that price absolutely makes my head spin.. No matter how I try to justify it in my mind, I just can't do it..

I don't know how long you are planning to keep the car, but the Odyssey will also be worth a lot more at resale. And it might cost less in repairs and gas.

I have a '97 Odyssey. I haven't spent a penny on repairs except oil, batteries, etc. Also factor in the gas - not insignificant these days. My '97 is only a 4 cylinder and gets good mileage. The new ones have VCM (variable cam management) and drop down to 3 cylinders on the highway (or something like that). I can probably sell it for $7000 - not bad for a 10 year old car.

All of that being said I bought a Pontiac Vibe as my replacement. It is a small wagon made by Toyota that gets great mileage (37 mpg). The two back seats fold down, and I have quite a bit of storage space.

With my Odyssey I take the two middle seats out and fold down the back two. I was able to carry two twin mattresses and two twin box springs (and shut the door). My Odyssey is small compared to the new ones. That was my problem with the new ones with it just being me - too big.

When I get to my destination and unload the car I can put the back seat back up and transport more people - kind of odd having the big gap in the middle, but everyone has a seatbelt and it's okay.

 

[mickeysgal]

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I'd love the Honda Odyssey, but that price absolutely makes my head spin.. No matter how I try to justify it in my mind, I just can't do it..

How much do they run?

 

[C.Ann]

 

[C.Ann]