Originally Posted By: dogememe
Get an Astro van?
Sorry, forgot to reply. Need more of a people mover, plus long out of manufacture. I'd like one but I think the Caravan is a better fit for me.
Originally Posted By: Billy_D
Here is a 2012 Grand Caravan for $8700 with 80k miles 3.6 with 6spd Transmission. Just don't expect the reliability of a Toyota. Good luck!
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventoryl...sting=210323976
Car Gurus, had not heard of them. Great, yet someplace else to look! LOL. CL, Autotrader, now CG. Thanks for the link, I tried looking at the actual dealers site and it doesn't come up, but that is a good solid lead.
But I don't understand your other comment. I thought all vehicles were good now?
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Looks like the 62te replacement cost is about $4k from a dealer.
62te transmission replacement
$4k, thanks. I realize that if I find a nice van with good records etc that I'm 99% unlikely to need to replace. And with my driving habits all the more likely. But still. It's a number to keep on hand.
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I just can't see stepping down to an old Dodge van.
Working on cars can be fun, but when a lot of repairs could be needed, it takes a lot of time away from family and can be expensive etc.
If you can find an 11' or 12' for a good price, it might be cheaper to have the head replaced (if the slim chance it goes bad) than to buy a newer van.
If you'll also pull your camper or utility trailer with it, you'll definitely want the Pentastar for the power. Boy do those vans go!
Here, use my search link on Autotrader. There's a TON of 2011 and newer for cheap. Don't forget about the Chrysler Town & Country too.
Autotrader LINK
No, I think I'm giving up on the towing aspect. Oh I'll always have a utility trailer but I'll never hit the weights that should tax anything. I've realized that we as a family just don't have the time to go out camping. Summer is busy and too hot, fall is too busy. It's really only something that I might have time for, and it's pretty hard to justify anything fancy/large for a single person.
As such, I'll avoid the pricey Nivomats and do air bags if I ever have too much sag in the rear. I mean, if I get them that's great, but like rear a/c I won't mind avoiding.
Edit: Yes, car repairs can be a drag. That's why I am strongly N+1 on vehicles. Like this week. I ordered a pair of tires for the wife's car. We'll probably drop that off, it'll get tires over the day while she drives the truck. Zero impact to us. Same vein, I buy a minivan that needs work, I do that on the weekends. Or drop it off.
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Thanks all.