Topic: 2010 Chrysler Town & Country; Day 1

[Erik]

Chrysler/Dodge minivans only make sense in the low to mid-20's as they can then be used as disposable mini-vans; use them 5-6 years, get rid of them after. I really don't see why someone would buy one of these minivans in the high-20's or 30's instead of going with safer bets such as the Odyssey and Sienna.

That said, I could easily see myself buying a base-ish Grand Caravan for around $20k in a few years...

Don't know that the Odyssey has turned out to be a safer bet. Odyssey transmissions from the early part of the decade are keeping my tranny guy in business. He charges around $4K for a rebuild, vs $5500 at Honda. The mopar 4 speed is about a $1500 rebuild at the same shop.
For him, it is the best business he has had since the mopar transmission catastrophe of the early 90's. Hopefully, Honda has learned a lesson there.

[Shnak]

I've heard of those transmission problems a few times, but if that's really the case, how come the Odyssey is still widely considered the best minivan money can buy? Wouldn't those transmission problems have caused the Odyssey's reputation to be somewhat affected?

Besides, sit in the Odyssey and the Grand Caravan back to back... you'll see where that extra $10-12k went immediately.

If I had to chose between the Odyssey and the Sienna, I'd probably pick the Sienna because of its long history of reliability, plus I know a few people that have had them over the years and they've always loved them. But if I'm on a budget and really only need something for 4-5 years before looking for something else, I'm looking for a great deal at Chrysler, no questions.

[safristi]

"sit in an Odyssey and you'll see where the extra $10-12K went" sez senor Shnak............... Gold plated knobs on the dash!!!.......Bauhaus seats,,,!!!!...... Persian RUGS....Levinson sound around system........

[Rupert]

My late model 3.8 SXT Dodge Caravan with great tow package is an outstanding vehicle as was it's 3.3 short version predecessor. The SXT is a quality ride and out of the box, almost, was hitched up to our trailer and driven twice across the country from shore to shore...through mountains and dust. Superior ride and zero issues.
Am I the only one here that has not had a single problem with any part??? It still seems like new to me after going on 30,000 km of only towing. Not a lot of miles but hard use. Large stearing wheel!!!! Jeesh. The interior is nice and I suppose that the upmarket Town and Country is better with it's heavier carpet. No rattles...great six speed automatic and great 'auto stick' shifter which is valuable when towing through the mountains.

The 4 L. sounds even better.

I am sure that other vehicles mentioned here are OK but I think the Caraven is great both in looks and ride and utility and internal finish.

[safristi]

"internal finish"... how has this any "BEARINGS" on the situation?.......

[elcee]

What is it with this wood or fake wood on the dash? Wood is for high end vehicles.
The money would be better spent on better quality plastic. What's next wood veneer on bicycle handle bars, come on!

I agree with the fellow about a camping version or Westphalia like option. It does not have to be huge and loaded with useless luxury items. Many families and yong folks would love it. Forget about the gadgets, make these things more practical, you would be surprised at the number of practical people that would buy them. The problem is nobody thinks out of the box anymore. We drive similar boxes with different tags, that is so boring.

[Mozeby]

Besides, sit in the Odyssey and the Grand Caravan back to back... you'll see where that extra $10-12k went immediately.

But if you're looking for a minivan, you're looking for utility and value, not a luxury car.  That's why the Chrysler vans have been the sales leader since Reagan was still president.  Sure Honda and Toyota have dressed up their vans interiors, but at the end of the day they still haul the same amount of kids and crap.

[TopGun]

I've heard of those transmission problems a few times, but if that's really the case, how come the Odyssey is still widely considered the best minivan money can buy? Wouldn't those transmission problems have caused the Odyssey's reputation to be somewhat affected?
....

A few times?  I'd say.

This generation of people still consider the Odyssey to be the best minivan that money can buy because of Honda's past reputation.  Most of these people know little about cars...and don't care to know either.

[Erik]

I've heard of those transmission problems a few times, but if that's really the case, how come the Odyssey is still widely considered the best minivan money can buy? Wouldn't those transmission problems have caused the Odyssey's reputation to be somewhat affected?

There is an international investigation going on into problems with Toyota. You would think this would cause the average person to think twice before buying one until the problems are sorted out. I mean, it is not as if there are not a lot of good choices nowadays. But sales were UP last month for Toyota. WTF?

People have been drinking the Toyota/Honda cool aid for so long that they immediately view any problems as an anomaly. The Odyssey transmission problem has been a huge issue for them, but, they get a pass because they are Honda.

[Erik]

BTW, that is real wood on the dash of the Town and Country.

Nice touch.

[Rupert]

From the viewpoint of camper (Westphalia Optons)...buy a small T@B or similar trailer. Much more practical and an easy tow behind an SXT 3.8/4 L with Tow Package and probably cheaper but will give you far more. Great for two people and a dog or two and a small child. When you get there you can leave your little trailer on the site and have a nice riding vehicle to ride around in. Do any of the other vans offer a tow packege with Nivomat load self levelling struts?

[jamie1]

BTW, that is real wood on the dash of the Town and Country.

Nice touch.

Your're kidding right? That is not REAL wood.

[jamie1]

>$40,000? I would rather have an Odyssey or Sienna for that price...what are the current incentives on the Town and Country?

Have you priced out the vans. I did. Fully loaded Toyota Sienna XLE is $50,254. Fully loaded Honda Odyssey is
$54,351.23 and Fully loaded Chrysler Town and Country Limited is $37,345. NOT really the same price now are they?

[wing]

You missed the secret check boxes on the Chrysler.  Chrysler really likes to hide the option boxes but a fully loaded one is about $42,000 not $37,000

[jamie1]

You missed the secret check boxes on the Chrysler.  Chrysler really likes to hide the option boxes but a fully loaded one is about $42,000 not $37,000

You are correct,sir. Still the price is a whole cheaper.

[Mozeby]

You missed the secret check boxes on the Chrysler.  Chrysler really likes to hide the option boxes but a fully loaded one is about $42,000 not $37,000

You are correct,sir. Still the price is a whole cheaper.

If anyone pays the anything close to retail on a Chrysler, they're not trying very hard.  Just look at any Saturday edition of the Toronto Star to see all the dealers with their 5-10K off sticker prices. 

[Erik]

BTW, that is real wood on the dash of the Town and Country.

Nice touch.

Your're kidding right? That is not REAL wood.

Yes, that is real wood.

[jamie1]

BTW, that is real wood on the dash of the Town and Country.

Nice touch.

Your're kidding right? That is not REAL wood.

What makes you think it is real wood? I had the dash apart on a 2010 T&C about 6 weeks ago. It was not REAL wood.

Yes, that is real wood.

[Rupert]

If you have to take the dash apart to find out if it's real wood or not then it's as good as.

[jamie1]

If you have to take the dash apart to find out if it's real wood or not then it's as good as.

I sure as hell was NOT taking the dash apart to check if the Wood grain was real wood or plastic.