Pour one out for the Grand Caravan

Was pleased with my 2014 that I bought new for $17900 plus tax in 2013. Ran it 4 years with no issues. Traded with original brakes and tires for $12500 plus tax. Cant beat the value imo.

Prices have gone up significantly over the last few years however. I see our local dealer advertising for $33k with a few toys which is crazy.

Wow end of an era. I hope all the CUV loving owners are happy that one of the most practical vehicles is no more!!!

EP32k2 wrote: ↑ Wow end of an era. I hope all the CUV loving owners are happy that one of the most practical vehicles is no more!!!

Was hoping that it will become panel van to keep people working but sounds like FCA is importing the more versatile Promasters from FIAT for that role.

Keeping mine since it's worth noting and runs.

No more Grand Caravan eh? The Pacifica is the way forward for FCA. The Pacifica is a phenomal vehicle and if they can build on that, that's the way to build and have a mini van. Hybrid for sure too would be an option but it's nicely designed and equiped.

The Grand Caravan should stick around though for a commercial vehicle. It's a great work truck if you pull the seats, add racks and put in shelving. The suspension needs beefing up but it can be a great work fleet vehicle.

Dodge caravan and Journey are decent vehicles for the price - my only complaint is that the brakes and rotors on the vehicles are so puny for such a heavy vehicle......leading to frequent changing of rotors and brakes even if you don't drive it that often.

ji2o0k wrote: ↑ Dodge caravan and Journey are decent vehicles for the price - my only complaint is that the brakes and rotors on the vehicles are so puny for such a heavy vehicle......leading to frequent changing of rotors and brakes even if you don't drive it that often.

2013 onwards had huge brakes fitted to address the issue - braking is excellent on the newer vans. Went from 16in to 17in standard wheels to fit the larger rotors in at the same time.

Martin (deal addict) wrote: ↑ 2013 onwards had huge brakes fitted to address the issue - braking is excellent on the newer vans. Went from 16in to 17in standard wheels to fit the larger rotors in at the same time.

ahhh good to know! I think my last Dodge was a 2012 Dodge Journey.....got rid of it given the quick brake and rotor wear.....

ji2o0k wrote: ↑ ahhh good to know! I think my last Dodge was a 2012 Dodge Journey.....got rid of it given the quick brake and rotor wear.....

The brakes are much stonger - bigger rotors front and back and twin piston calipers in the front instead of single piston. Referred to as HD brakes by fans (yes they exist).

Martin (deal addict) wrote: ↑ 2013 onwards had huge brakes fitted to address the issue - braking is excellent on the newer vans. Went from 16in to 17in standard wheels to fit the larger rotors in at the same time.

Good brakes for when you're carrying bbws.

cheapmeister wrote: ↑ Good brakes for when you're carrying bbws.

This is one vehicle where phat chicks are allowed in...

You can really load them up and people did which is one reason why the old brakes wore out quickly.

Another reason is the 3.6 pentastar engine had around 100hp more than the old engine which meant heavy footed people burnt through brakes fast in the 2011 (when Pentastar was introduced) and 2012 (before larger brakes were fitted).

EP32k2 wrote: ↑ This is one vehicle where phat chicks are allowed in...

Like my steaks - I like 'em thiiccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Martin (deal addict) wrote: ↑ You can really load them up and people did which is one reason why the old brakes wore out quickly.

Another reason is the 3.6 pentastar engine had around 100hp more than the old engine which meant heavy footed people burnt through brakes fast in the 2011 (when Pentastar was introduced) and 2012 (before larger brakes were fitted).

Having experienced 2008 version before Pentastar, front brakes still blows through pads under 2 years. It's just undersize for the weight, regardless of engine power.

Xtrema wrote: ↑ Having experienced 2008 version before Pentastar, front brakes still blows through pads under 2 years. It's just undersize for the weight, regardless of engine power.

Agreed but adding power means you should also upgrade brakes. The bigger engine made the situation even worse.

ji2o0k wrote: ↑ Like my steaks - I like 'em thiiccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Thick and phatttttttttttttt