our 2005 grand caravan is turning over 200,000 how many more miles can we expect to get on it?

75

Asked by fudge Jan 07, 2012 at 10:25 AM about the 2005 Dodge Caravan SXT FWD

Question type: General

Van is running great. Air bag and engine lights are on, door locks don't work, but no engine problems. We are wondering how many more miles we might be able to get on it.

22 Answers

955

I have had 6 of these vans, the first a '84 had the 2.2, the rest had the 3.3, I have never gotten less than 300k miles on any of them, you just need to do some preventive maintenance. The main problem with the trans, is the Trans. Shift Solenoid, not the trans itself. Make sure you use the ATF+4 or better trans. fluid. You should get another 100k miles at least, as long as you take care of it.

30 people found this helpful.
155

My 2005 just turned 200,000 and is running great, all accessories are working. All I have done is regular oil changes, brake pads and tires. I have had a Caravan, 1 Plymouth voyager and 2 Grand Caravans. All great vehicles. No complaints here!

15 people found this helpful.
495

indeed the transmission is a weak link. it is very important to flush and replace the ATF +4 no less than about 65k miles. that means replacing the atf filter as well. just dropping the trans pan and replacing filter and lost fluid isn't good enough. All 11 qts need to be replaced. otherwise, around 100k or so, transmission, yes even the later model ultradrive 4te's are at risk. if you have a transmission cooler, don't forget that external filter. if you do this yourself, be careful not to strip out the trans pan screws, the tranny case is aluminum. If you know what you're doing, you can use the transmission fluid pump itself to pump out the old fluid while you pump in fresh at the same rate. Valvoline atf+4 is certified good for Chrysler trannys, and I've used it successfully.

14 people found this helpful.
495

ps, the transmission solenoid pack still likely fail(with codes going into limp home mode) it's outboard the tranny on the front and not hard to replace if you keep the area clean. aftermarket is ok for this.

8 people found this helpful.
50

I have a 2011 with 100.000 miles on it, I have replaced the transmission and the upper half of the engine, Rocker Arms, Rods and Cam shaft at 95.000 miles. I also had a replacement of the Flywheel, Alternator, This is the first Dodge Product Ive ever bought. I hope I can get 300.000 out of it,But i have doubts.

5 people found this helpful.
30

This is my current milage on 6/2/17. Just changed today and still running good.

3 people found this helpful.
110

my 2005 dodge grand caravan has 270,000 miles on it. still going strong. just added lucas to the trans fluid and oil

11 people found this helpful.
120

I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3 with 320,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. I plan to take it to 400,000 miles and sell it. I use regular oil for the first 10,000 miles braking the engine in. Then I switch to full synthetic oil. I change the transmission fluid and filter every 70,000 miles. I do a trans flush at 200,000 miles.

9 people found this helpful.
140

Omg I thought my 2005 Caravan was high at 255,000 miles,you guys put me to shame! It's still going strong, I better keep it then. The only thing is the rust on the bottom of the sliding doors.

14 people found this helpful.
190

Engine light will show any time there is a center not detecting what it needs to detect. Put the other sensors into sleep mode it's not necessarily what the computer reads is the problem. Most likely in the column or a fuse under the hood or a relay centers going into sleep mode.

4 people found this helpful.
190

I tell your problem is in the turn signal switch or the column steering wheel. Nothing serious if it shifts fine. You get a lot of miles out of it. Turn your key on three times repeatedly within 30 seconds. Your dash should display a code a four digit code it will tell you exactly what's wrong

11 people found this helpful.
190

Engine light will show any time there is a center not detecting what it needs to detect. Put the other sensors into sleep mode it's not necessarily what the computer reads is the problem. Most likely in the column or a fuse under the hood or a relay centers going into sleep mode. Turn your ignition key on and off three times within heavy 15 seconds. Past the point that it's on but doesn't start the engine. It will display a code it will say done then will display a code. That's your problem

4 people found this helpful.
200

I Have over 550,000 miles on my 2003 Grand Caravan with the 3.3 V6. The engine has never been cracked with the original trans. Everything still works ie air; power windows; windshield washers; radio. I have replaced the computer twice behind the left headlight with after markets. My mechanic tells me I have a freak. Wondering if Dodge would be interested in buying it to see where they went wrong!!

20 people found this helpful.
30

We have an 05 that also has door lock problems. When it happens, we unplug the fuse, then plug the same fuse back in. Miraculously, The door locks work again.

3 people found this helpful.
60

I have a 2004 Grand Caravan 3.8L with 256,000 miles on the original engine, but original transmission seems to be going. Just started to jerk when shifting, so I’ve driven it home and parked it. It’s been a good ride. Have only ever had to replace alternator, valve covers, and water pump. Wonder how many more miles a new transmission will give me...

6 people found this helpful.
70

2004 Grand Caravan,3.8L 310,000K original everything except transmission, wondering about 2 debates:1. How often do you all change your oil, and 2: synthetic vs high mileage, i cant decide whats better and i dont want to change a good thing. 1 more thing its not as smooth as it use to sound , is it old age or do i need new lifters? This is what message boards are for?

6 people found this helpful.
20

Anything after 200,000km and your goiyto have tranny issues. I’m scraping my 2003 today due to that very issue.

2 people found this helpful.
30

Mine has 200000 miles and running strong. I need to replace ac pump. Vapor leak too but can’t find that. Replaced gas cap. Gonna drive it till no more.

3 people found this helpful.
160

I have a 05 Grand Caravan 3.8L with 495,633 miles and still running strong. I transport dogs coast-to-coast every month putting approximately 1,000 miles per day while on a route. I will pass 500,000 miles on my next route beginning in July.

16 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2005 Grand Caravan 3.8 V6 and it has almost 300,000 miles and it still runs great

3 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2006 caravan with 3.3 has 290,456 miles and still runs strong, I took it on a 800 mile trip at Christmas no problem at all.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Caravan

Looking for a Used Caravan in your area?

CarGurus has 8 nationwide Caravan listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Paul
    Reputation
    2,070
  • #2
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    1,610
  • #3
    Dan Ritz
    Reputation
    1,530
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Dodge Grand Caravan
114 Great Deals out of 1,969 listings starting at $2,495
Used Honda Odyssey
30 Great Deals out of 829 listings starting at $2,495
Used Chrysler Town & Country
7 Great Deals out of 119 listings starting at $3,900
Used Dodge RAM 1500
95 listings starting at $9,594
Used Toyota Sienna
48 Great Deals out of 624 listings starting at $2,499
Used Chrysler Pacifica
30 Great Deals out of 759 listings starting at $6,995
Used Dodge Durango
54 Great Deals out of 1,902 listings starting at $6,987
Used Jeep Wrangler
132 Great Deals out of 5,983 listings starting at $8,990

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.