As you may have noticed from the GRM Facebooks---- my sweet Grand Caravan recently got the HellCat treatment! yes....I'm a dork.
It's been an incredibly useful vehicle. The trans isn't the most refined, but otherwise, it's been great.
As you may have noticed from the GRM Facebooks---- my sweet Grand Caravan recently got the HellCat treatment! yes....I'm a dork.
It's been an incredibly useful vehicle. The trans isn't the most refined, but otherwise, it's been great.
In reply to Joe Gearin:
When they made the Ram C/V version, I had a slim hope someone would create a camper conversion out of it, but it never happened. If I could figure out how to do a "Westy" style camper, I'd be tempted to buy another one.
Ian F----- save those pennies, they do exist!
Jaynen wrote: Why do you guys prefer the Chrysler vans?
Because it's one of the few things Chrysler consistently gets right since they started doing it.
Really the only reason they're considered unreliable is because they're sold to people who don't do basic maintenance and can't afford better brands. Minivans have overtaken econoboxes as the most abused commuter vehicles in the country I'd bet.
STM317 wrote: Dark horse? Toyota Venza. Fuel economy in the mid 20s. Max tow rating is 3500lbs. Similar cargo capacity as the Element. Prices range from sub 10k to 15k depending on mileage/condition. They seem a bit more 'car-like' than a RAV4 or Highlander as overall height is lower. Overall, they're probably biased more towards the comfort and luxury side than the utilitarian side but it might be worth a look.
I've always thought that the Venza was a fine looking vehicle. You know what bugs me? With them and seemingly 60 percent of Japanese vehicles with luxurious pretensions, it seems that the interior fabrics were chosen by retirees. Beige/sand and other colors that stain if you look at them crosswise. It's either that or leather, which is cool and all - as long as I keep the dogs away.
tuna55 wrote: Anyway, the 4x8 sheet is key. The Caravan takes basically as many as you dare to fit.
And if you do this often the Caravan has heavy duty springs available (intended for wheelchair conversions and whatnot) or air shocks on the older ones.
But my grandparents had a couple of the early generation caravans when they were pretty much the only game in town besides the astro and the aerostar.
They were farther ahead of the competition then than they are in newer generations. There really hasn't been a time when there was anything else 'better enough' that you couldn't suggest a chrysler van in good faith. If I was buying a pre-Pentastar era van though, i'd definitely consider the 3.8L Kia/Hyundai.
In other un-helpful content, Elements are hard to replace because they are almost really great! I wish they had made it with a J-series V6. As it is, i think a manual with the 6th gear mod is almost in a league of its own with its overall combination of attributes.
I saw an Element towing a small trailer a few hours ago. I'd do it in a heartbeat.
BrokenYugo wrote:tuna55 wrote: Anyway, the 4x8 sheet is key. The Caravan takes basically as many as you dare to fit.And if you do this often the Caravan has heavy duty springs available (intended for wheelchair conversions and whatnot) or air shocks on the older ones.
There are also air spring inserts.. Which look to be a good "swiss army knife" solution for when you don't always carry heavy loads. That said, considering the van is rated to carry 7 people (driver plus at least 1000 lbs), the stock springs seem pretty stout. I've hauled some fairly heavy loads in mine and the suspension has taken it. The van has 190K miles on it and the suspension is still all original, although I've considered replacing the struts and rear shocks.
I also drove an Element and it was frustratingly both close to, and far from, perfect.
I came here to post Volvo 740 - they are tough as nails, supremely comfortable, and deceptively huge inside. Add a rooftop carrier and they're as big as a minivan.
That said, a Chrysler Minivan is by far the better choice. We have rented every minivan available for vacations, and Chrysler just gets it perfect. I can't wait til used Pacifica Hybrids are available.
Cx-5s are starting to come down in price. I have a 13 and i like it better compared to the Mazda 5 I previously had. The 5 had more space hands down but the CX is a better driving vehicle. I commute over 60 miles a day and average low 30s mpg wise. The 6 speed manual is a nice shifting unit as well. It also handles pretty well for what it is. I'd recommend looking at the older CX-9s as well.
Kreb wrote:STM317 wrote: Dark horse? Toyota Venza. Fuel economy in the mid 20s. Max tow rating is 3500lbs. Similar cargo capacity as the Element. Prices range from sub 10k to 15k depending on mileage/condition. They seem a bit more 'car-like' than a RAV4 or Highlander as overall height is lower. Overall, they're probably biased more towards the comfort and luxury side than the utilitarian side but it might be worth a look.I've always thought that the Venza was a fine looking vehicle. You know what bugs me? With them and seemingly 60 percent of Japanese vehicles with luxurious pretensions, it seems that the interior fabrics were chosen by retirees. Beige/sand and other colors that stain if you look at them crosswise. It's either that or leather, which is cool and all - as long as I keep the dogs away.
Scotch Guard? Seat covers? Lay a towel down for the pups?
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