Personally, I'd pass based on the Carfax reports.

Gotta think that if the ticking noise annoys/concerns you this badly now, it's going to piss you off for a long time. Imagine hearing it every day for the next 5 years, always wondering when it's gonna break down. You have a bad day, getting outta the car at home and listening to the ticking isn't going to help you decompress, it's gonna just give another thing to be pissed about it.

Just say no.

The Carfax reports I mentioned were for the Honda not the T&C.

Unless you just ran a carfax report on the T&C and would like to share. :)

Ooops!

Only on my 4th cup 'o joe, still not reading clearly yet!

I'm hoping they can remedy the "tick" when they look at it this morning. I certainly don't remember it doing that after my first test drive last Friday when I discovered the transmission issue they have since fixed.

Keep in mind, the only reason I am still considering the T&C is because of the lifetime powertrain warranty. If it didn't have that, I would even be looking at it.

I did find a 2005 T&C Limited at a small used lot with only 28k miles and asking $12,990 for it. Just can't get myself to look into it though.

If the ticking noise is heat related, you won't hear it on short drives. If the first time you drove it the engine was cold and only took it for a few miles, it probably never got up to temp. For me, the ticking was also more pronounced on cold weather days.

Next time you test drive, make sure you get the temperature gauge up to operating temp for a bit, then get on the highway and run a couple miles at high RPM. Go back to the shop and listen for the sound.

Personally, I've never had the ticking generate any other problem, but it is annoying and kind of embarrassing (hate squealing breaks too). I've had enough other problems however, that I'll never buy used again though.

That does sound strange. I'd pass on it. Every car lot is filled with vehicles. Even though you don't think you have time to be selective, you do.

I'd pass on a new vehicle anyway. Too overpriced for something that you will only lose money on anyway, 30% the minute you sign. I never buy new or lease and never have problems.

My wife wanted a van a few years ago. So I went out and got her one. 2001 Ford Windstar(I know, I know). In the 2 years we have had it, it hasn't skipped a beat. She's happy and I'm happy with the $120mos. payments. Any new vehicle can't beat that as far as I'm concerned.

Oh, it's not new. It already has a year under its belt so the largest part of the depreciation is already gone. The second year is not nearly as bad.

The only problem I have with the other vans I have seen is that they have a shit ton of miles on them. It's hard to consider going to a 2 year old van with 40-50k miles on it when the van you had spent the last 18 months driving only had 10k miles on it.

IMO, you're talking about a 2008 car that had to have its tranny replaced already. I wouldn't even consider the same brand/model if that's the case. Just don't get in a hurry. And DON't tell the dealer you are driving a rental.

FWIW, you can get awesome deals on the big tanks right now; suburban, explorer. I've heard of brand news ones going for $12K. That buys a lotta gas. Or get a used one for $10K. It'll get you buy until you find a new van.

I was in your situation last year. My car was totaled in my front lawn.
You can compel the insurance company to extend the rental until you have a car. I had mine almost 6 weeks.

Angelo

Guru

You should check the dealer in Kansas City.

I found 4 in your mileage and price range @ cars .com

Angelo

edmunds.com gave horrid reviews of the newer T&C, stay away, far far away. Pretend that the T&C is a hot chick and you are gochiefs.

Wait, did you pay for the premium or is that just 3 things on the report that you don't know what they are until you buy a carfax subscription? Reason I ask is that those could be normal things like transfer of ownership.

This. You typically find better prices in the KC area. I just bought a vehicle one year ago for a Ford dealership in Olathe. Much better price than the same vehicle here, for sure. Trust me, I have looked. 2 of my last 3 newer (never buy brand new) vehicle purchases have been in KC.

The only reason I bought my truck in Topeka (Briggs 3.5 years ago) is because they really, really wanted to sell me a vehicle and knew I wasn't screwing around when the wife and I got up and started walking out because they would not come down enough on the price.

Interesting. Doesn't Chrysler/Dodge have a reputation for having transmission problems? I would think that them replacing that tranny already would be a big time red flag.