Thinking about getting a Chrysler Town and Country
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Originally Posted by CSFiend
I have a feeling I'm going to get flamed for this comment, but the newer Kia minivan really doesn't look all that bad and has gotten a lot of good reviews. And, being that it'* a Kia, you can prolly pick one up pretty cheap.
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Originally Posted by BonnevillesSince62
Kia has moved up in the world, much like Hyundai has been doing. There are 2 that I'd consider owning: A Sedona, and a Sorento.
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We've got a '97 T&C with the 3.8. They're good vans, i havn't done anything but routine maintenance since we bought it with 60k on it. It'* got 116k now. I will attest to the rattles, but it'* more in very cold weather. Warm is OK. The 3.8 is a great engine, albeit not the most powerful. But i can't really compare because you're looking at an '05-6, and those have 215hp compared to my 170. None the less they are torquy and excellent runners.
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I have driven a few and can't say a lot of bad about them... A lot of the earlier ones had tranny issues... I haven't seen a lot of issues with the newer ones...
I'd want an engine larger than a 3.0, say 3.3 or 3.8...
Have you all eve thought of the older 3800 powered minivans... I know I have seen a few here in good shape..
The 3400 is a good motor, but somewhere along the line if you want to keep it you will need to replace the intake gaskets...
After driving my cousins Montanna, I was wanting more power than the 3400 was providing... A 3800 would have been nice... But it did have the power sliding door, FE2 ride and handling suspension with Load Level... It now has 40k on it and has only had oil changes.. I saw a 97 Montanna recently that needed intake gaskets... It had 170k on it.. All I can say is go drive a few, let the lady drive them too and compare to see what you both like... You find one you like, and well try to explain the issues that they have..
Good Luck
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I'd want an engine larger than a 3.0, say 3.3 or 3.8...
Have you all eve thought of the older 3800 powered minivans... I know I have seen a few here in good shape..
The 3400 is a good motor, but somewhere along the line if you want to keep it you will need to replace the intake gaskets...
After driving my cousins Montanna, I was wanting more power than the 3400 was providing... A 3800 would have been nice... But it did have the power sliding door, FE2 ride and handling suspension with Load Level... It now has 40k on it and has only had oil changes.. I saw a 97 Montanna recently that needed intake gaskets... It had 170k on it.. All I can say is go drive a few, let the lady drive them too and compare to see what you both like... You find one you like, and well try to explain the issues that they have..
Good Luck
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From: Robbinsdale, MN
I haven't read this whole thread, but The Missus and I have a 96 Chevy Astro. It'* never had to have any major work done on it. Not sure which engine is in it, but it has a pretty power V6
Not a great vehicle for do it yourselfers, tho, because you can't see the engine
Not a great vehicle for do it yourselfers, tho, because you can't see the engine
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From: Northern Indiana
Astros have 4.3L V6 quite torquey but not the fastest van, also since its rear wheel drive and sits alot higher than most minivans and drives more like a truck(since its built off a *-10 frame it has a lot of truck traits) it is not the most competitve van for people who don't have to tow. Also most people complain about the small footwells for driver and passenger.
P.*.- Astros and Safaris are excellent vans just they don't fit most peoples lifestyles. I am not hating on them especially since I own a 92 Astro and have owned an 88 Safari.
P.*.- Astros and Safaris are excellent vans just they don't fit most peoples lifestyles. I am not hating on them especially since I own a 92 Astro and have owned an 88 Safari.
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Back a few years ago While I still did taxi, limo, and tour bus gigs part time the owner had quite a few Chysler product mini vans and they seemed well built and many well over 200,000 miles without anything major replaced. Biggest problems I remember were the headligt assemblys burning out, the four wheel drive versions needing tranny repair, and all needing constant attention to sprung rear sliding doors. Remember these were used non stop and crammed with college kids at nite.