Topic: My problem with 2009 Dodge Caravan

[aeroeasy]

Happy New Year to All!

I have some question regarding my car and the dealer is not giving me enough information. I recently purchased brand new Dodge Caravan SE (2009) and it was supposed to be the 25th Anniversary edition of the dodge but now it seems that its the very basic model of Caravan SE . In my contract it is mentioned Dodge Caravan SE but they have charged me 700 for 25th Anniversary Edition Group plus they have  also charged me 2250 for customer PREFFERED PACKAGE ( which I dont know what it is) There is nothing special in the car not even temp. control. I must mention that recently I  had a transmission break down ( the car has done 3700 Km only) .
I wish some one could tell me what i must do?

[inco]

You need to do some swerious reading to see what both of those packages are. Go online and that should help. I suspect everything that you think is there and what is stated, is there.

[Careener]

There should be a code beside the preferred package (24c, 24f etc)that you can look up.

[tenpenny]

I would say that the transmission going at 3700 km is part of the 25th anniversary package, just a reminder of what Chrysler products are famous for.

[wing]

^ LOL!

Here is info on the 2009 Caravan:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2008/09/21/buyers-guide-2009-dodge-grand-caravan.htm

[Roddy]

As soon as I saw a thread about a caravan I had a feeling that a transmission issue would have something to do with it.

[Rupert]

I thought that the 25th anniversary model was in 2004. Anyway they came in various levels of trim. We had a fairly low level trim 3.3 one...cruise, p/locks/windows...no power rear windows...no stow and go...short version. It was a delightful vehicle and nothing went wrong with it for the 60000 km that we kept it. Automatic worked like new when we sold it. We bought the latest shape caravan in exchange in 2008 an SXT with the 3,8L engine and first class tow package, which we only use for towing a trailer. So far we have trailed Canada from coast to coast two times with it and trailer behind covering 25000 km in all with side trips and the vehicle still feels like new to me. Six speed tranny works fine and performs well for trailering to this point. In view of all of the negative comments here I thought a positive one might be in order. I am sure that there are others out there who have similar positive experiences. No interest in the company at all other than as a customer.

[Car_nut]

I second Rupert's opinion. I owned a 1996 Plymouth Voyager (same as Caravan) base model , short wheel base since new. Yes, I have the usual A/C problem and ghost wiper that turn on on its own. But the engine, transmission and even the cassette held up quite well. No transmission problem at all. It starts everyday even in -20c weather. Never ever once has any mechanical problem. I guess with so many of these cars on the road, there must be some bad apples out there but there are lots of happy customers too. I won't hesitate to buy another one when mine finally die ( in another 10 years?)

[Accord Owner]

Actually, the transmissions in Caravans weren't too bad after the 2000 model year redesign, unless of course they were the AWD version. The tranny could not handle the extra load of the rear wheel drive. This is relative of course considering from 1993-1999 we used to get them delivered to the dealer in 5-ton truck loads!

[No H2O]

I must mention that recently I  had a transmission break down ( the car has done 3700 Km only).

Perfectly normal for them.

I wish some one could tell me what i must do?

Don't buy a North American vehicle. There is a reason why they are in trouble more than most others.

[johngenx]

Don't buy a North American vehicle. There is a reason why they are in trouble more than most others.

Not true.  Ford.

[No H2O]

Don't buy a North American vehicle. There is a reason why they are in trouble more than most others.

Not true.  Ford.

I had one, actually two. Luckily there are others to choose from.