I'm thinking of buying a 97 GC ES. Any GC owners have any opinions on whether or not I should buy this van or skip it? Thanks

I'm thinking of buying a 97 GC ES. Any GC owners have any opinions on whether or not I should buy this van or skip it? Thanks


If it has the 4 speed transmission......RUN don't walk away.......

If it has the three speed......it could be a good van

I'm thinking of buying a 97 GC ES. Any GC owners have any opinions on whether or not I should buy this van or skip it? Thanks


If its a g/c then it has the 4 speed auto trans. I own a 98 g/c, let only the dealer service the trans every 35k and have had no trans problems.
Replaced a few fan relays, and a few minor things aside from normal maintanance items. I recently passed the 100k mark and plan to get another 100k.
good luck
:smile:

My only reservation with the used CG is the Transmission fluid.
I recently bought a '00 w/3.8, 85K miles. It ran fine when we test drive it, but after two weeks first gear started slipping. I checked the fluid level and realized that it had the wrong fluid in it. ATF+4 has a unique color and smell. I drained the fluid and filled with Amsoil synthetic (ATF+4 certified substitute). The trans then started working properly except that the shift between first and second isn't as smooth as it should be. Probably damage from having other fluid in it.

My previous '00 was totaled in an accident at 130,000 miles, I bought it new. The trans always worked perfectly. At about 25,000 I changed the filter and put Amsoil ATF in it.

I own a 91,97 and 98 Grand caravans. Transmissions are not the best, but if you service regulary and use the proper fluid it should last a long time. The trans are not that high to have rebuilt if needed. compared to other vehicles that are front wheel drive. The engines run forever. They ride lots better than the honda, gm or ford vans.

Scott

I have a 99 voyager best vehicle I ever owned. These vans tend to leak transmission fluid. mine does when is cold out. I just top to off and this isn`t very often. If you get one of these use only ATF+3 fluid the +4 is a newer spec for the new vans. DO NOT USE DEXTRON EVER!!

As for the van its self I love it. My personal vehicle is a 01 silverado z71. I like the wifes van better. I just don`t trust it for towing.
The only thing I had to do to it in the last three years is replace a belt tensioner and power steering pump. The power steering pump resevior rusted though and leaked. the belt tensioner is common they seize in place.
the van has 89000 miles on it.
I have had more problems with other vehicles I owned. None of the other vehicles I`ve had were as comfortible as this. I love the seating its like sitting in a chair.

We have a 2001 and so far so good. If I were you though I would ask for records of transmission maintenance. Fluid changes etc. It appears as long as fluid changes were on schedule with proper fluid, there is seldom an issue. Only other thing we put into it is regular wear and tear items. Brakes, battery, tires.

I own a 98 Grand Caravan. I bought it used 4 years ago. I had to have the transmission rebuilt after 2 years and it cost 1500 bucks. Other than that the van has very run well. Currently I have some front end issues but after all the van is 7 years old. You have to expect some issues with any used car. But these vansa are known for transmission problems.
My two cents :)

My 97 Gr Voyager (3.0L engine) is on its 3rd transmission (transaxle, technically speaking)....otherwise, pretty reliable with 100K+ miles.
I get 20 MPG on long trips...less in town.