1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Mitsubishi 3.0L V6
Summary:
Might as well buy a tow truck..
Faults:
The engine leaks and consumes oil. I have had the valve cover gasket replaced twice, and next is the head gasket. I add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles.
The valve train produces a lot of clatter when the engine is cold, a sign of poor oil circulation/low pressure, probably due to clogged oil ports or a blown gasket.
The van shimmies at highway speeds. I have had the tires rebalanced and rotated, and I have installed new shocks/struts to no avail.
Both front speakers have quit working.
The rear windows rattle incessantly.
General Comments:
If had done research before searching for a vehicle I never would have purchased a Dodge Caravan.
I wouldn't recommend this vehicle to my enemies!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd June, 2004
23rd Feb 2004, 22:41
I'm surprised at some of the problems that have been written about this vehicle, since I haven't had many problems at all. I bought my '98 Grand Caravan SE in 2000 with a little under 60K miles. It is now approaching 145K (my communte to work is 90 miles round trip, 10 trips a month), so I put lots of mileage on in a short time. I have not had problems with the serpentine belt, nor am I dissatisfied with with the heat or air conditioning. Here in Colorado it gets quite cold in the winter, and very hot in the summer. I find that I have to turn the heat down in all, but sub zero temps in the winter, and also have to turn the a/c down in all, but 3-digit temps in the summer.
However having said that, I am disappointed at the difficulty in changing the spark plugs (I like to do my own maintenance). It is virtually impossible for a "shade tree" mechanic to change the 3 rear plugs, since it requires a lift and a pretty flexible person. My shop charges a pretty penny for plug changes since they don't like doing it either. Oil changes are a breeze, and so far the vehicle runs like a champ, even with the mileage mine has. This could be due to most of it's mileage (since I've owned it, at least) being highway mileage. It easily cruises the interstate at or above the posted limit (75mph) with little problems. I'm looking to replace it within the next year, and am strongly considering another one.