Guru,

A buddy of mine works at Briggs. If you call him, he'll treat you right. PM sent.

Just buy the Honda and be happy. Change the oil, and replace the timing belt at 100k just to be safe. The wife has a 2003 Pilot (same powertrain) that we bought new and it has 81k. Nothing but routine maint. so far. Gets 18 mpg around town and about 24-26 on long trips. Quality is outstanding. Still as tight and taunt as when it was new. Leather still looks great. Did have a radio go up in flames, but found a refurb replacement one for $225 (we have the factory dual zone DVD system).

DT

I would be leary of T&C new tranny, the heat shield normal. Look around. Honda makes a solid van, resale good.

Hey Guru - if you decide to go with that T&C, be sure to call Chrysler customer care with the VIN and double check that powertrain warranty and make sure it transfers. Also make sure that the warranty isn't voided if this turns out to be a fleet (rental) car.

On that one, Honda provided me with the report on their website. It is the full report and specifically lists 3 reported accidents. The only thing I don't know is the severity of the accident.

Believe me, it is.

The positive side is that it is new. The negative side is that the first one failed only a year into it.

what WARRRanty will they give on the new trans?

It is a lifetime powertrain warranty. It's a good warranty but at the same time, I don't want to be in the shop every 2 years either. As much as I would like to buy this van the little problems are giving me a bad feeling about it.

Then that should be enough to just say no. Never buy a vehicle that gives you a bad feeling.

I've had two Chrysler vans, still own a 2001 T & C Limited. The transmissions are notorious for going out. Replaced three in my 1990 van (two while under warranty) and had to replace one in the 2001 a month after I bought the vehicle. Only bought the 2001because it was an incredible deal. I had already factored in the cost of a transmission before I bought it and was hoping it would go a few years before I would have to replace it. So much for that! Even though you say you are getting a lifetime powertrain warranty, I would advise you to walk away. With Chryslers (the Company) financial situation right now, and the probable fine print, I would be wary of the deal. Just my two cents.

Jim

Whew! I'm glad I went with Dodge instead!

the chrysler's also have rack and pinion issues, and it seems that if you need to turn the rotors you might as well replace them, you will end up doing it in the long run they usually just warp again. it is very common with the caravan/T&C

found 2005 T&C Limited for 12,800 with only 28k miles but it sold 2 hours before I got there damnit. Guess I shouldn't sleep. heh

Looking at a 2006 T&C Limited now with 27k miles and they are asking $16,800 for it. Based on Edmunds it looks overpriced and should be around $15k to $15.8k. Only 7 months left on the warranty and an extended for 5 years would run me 2k.

don't know if it is worth it or not. Nice vehicle though.

Also, how many of you purchase extended warranties?

I didn't, but if you do, only buy from the manufacturer. Third party EW's aren't worth the paper they are written on.

Go to Edmunds and look through their forum, particularly the Smart Shopper forum. There is quite a bit there about EW's. You can buy an EW from any dealer in the country and there are some really good deals out there.

Get away from that car. Now.