I'm buying a used Dodge Caravan 2001-2004, any tips?

I rented one a couple of years ago, I found it very good. I think anything that has been serviced regular should be ok.

Okay I am going to tell you this now... These vans are not all that nice to ride in. The seats are a pain in the *** to take out and they like to rattle when you are driving. The van is pretty easy to work on, but Dodge/ Chrysler products from the early 00's had a hard time with the tranny so watch out. Change fluid and filter every 15,000. ALso the dodge vans liked to overheat so make sure that you flush the parts on the cooling system every year. Also if you like heat....Sorry to tell you, you will be waiting atleast 15 minutes or more for them to warm up! also if you get one with a 3.3 in it it will have no power. Get one with a 3.6 or 3.8. they might have more pickup! I personally would not buy another one! I like our 2003 windstar! Oh also the van will not be that good on gas! It drinks its fair share. Common problems? Thy run nicely as long as you keep the oil changed and keep a proper tune up!

In our shop we used to replace 6 transmissions a month and rebuild 12 a month. That was the past, now we replace one transmission every 2-3 months and haven't rebuilt one in 8 months. So when people tell you Chrysler transmissions are bad, they are referring to the ones from 10 years ago. The ones in the 2001 and newer vehicles are great.

Right now, we don't see major problems. Just minor stuff that all car makes have.

I would recommend the 3.3/3.8L as they perform better than the 3.0L.

Buy a spare transmission and keep it in the trunk. I went thru 5 in 6 years with a Caravan.

Transmissions around 120,000 and over begin to slip, and need rebuilt. Also engine has several mechanical flaws ( oil pressure) Pump seems to weak drasticlly even if well maintained. There are several recalls on these vehicles. (NONE MAJOR) The suspension on the 2001 has problems with the suspension usually control arm or bushing. Also the brake design changed on 2001 and they wear excessively on brakes. Good luck

Transmissions have been the weak link in the past, the 3.3 and 3.8 are great 60 dgree v-6's that easily go 200K with regular maint routine.

The trannys are fine as long as you use a full flush of the system and replace the fluid each year. Depending on engine size the drive belt can be a bit of a dog to work on .... but you should be used to that!!!!

transmissions go out quick. engines don't last too long. i bought new 2003, in two years bought extra transmission, replaced head gasket. and i keep maintenance on it at regular intervals. get extra warranty on it if you do buy the van.

dont buy dodge