Looking to buy 2002-2003 venture,any worries?

[danchicago]

How many miles can I look forward to for the venture to deliver to me? My dodges always died at 100-120k. I would like to get 160+, do I really have to go jap? Also, are there any problem, ie. engine, tranny, that chevy is dealing with?

thanks

[dschlact]

Mine is a 2001 model and has 66000 miles. I have replaced an AC Condenser, tie rod end and am now having an issue with the Coolant Temp gauge (replaced coolant temp sensor but that hasn't helped). I think the only known issue with the 3.4L V6 these vans come with is the intake manifold gasket that has been re-designed. Some believe this, coupled with the dex-cool antifreeze is a horrible combination and you will see several class action lawsuits against GM and the makers of dex-cool because of this...it is still too early to tell exactly what will happen with that, but it is something to be aware of when researching your purchase. I know the toyota V6 has had some issues with sludge in the engine and don't know about the Honda van...my brother has a Honda they bought new and have had it in the shop several times for the automatic door malfunctioning. Overall I love my Venture but the dex-cool/manifold gasket questions are in the back of my head and could worry me long term.

['97ventureowner]

I own 2 Ventures, both '97 models. Mine was purchased used in '01 and now has 161,000 miles on it. My wife's has 91,000 miles on it. Both Ventures have needed a tie rod, (can't remember if both were same side.) My wife's van had the intake gaskets replaced in '02 at around 63,000 miles. Her van also has a host of minor electrical problems,( bulbs blowing out in rear tail lamps, had to replace both door window switches, and the fuel gauge acts up when the level in the tank drops below 1/2.) A lot of these problems have been addressed in this forum. I would say a great deal of electrical problems occured in my wife's van right after we had a remote car starter installed in 2000. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt and closed their doors ,and we were unable to get any recourse. I guess many people in our area experienced problems with their vehicles after having one installed.
Overall, I like the vehicles. I do most of my own work on them, and the parts aren't that bad in the price department. I also do preventative maintenance, which helps in the long run with reliability. Just like any other vehicle, if you do the research, and keep up on the scheduled maintenance, the van is a good choice. And peruse these forums on a regular basis to keep abreast of potential problems with the vehicles, and potential fixes and advice on how to deal with them, if they should occur with your vehicle. I found this site by accident and am glad I did discover it, because of the wealth of knowledge, and ability to connect with other people who own the same vehicles.

[danchicago]

thanx for the response, I actually am purchasing later today a 2004 w/39k miles for 12k.
thanx again...