looking to buy a 1997-1999 van awd pro"s/ con"s

[zander5]

I'm looking to buy a van 1997-1999 awd, please help on pro"s and con"s. Dodge gr caravan and chrysler t&c lx, lxi models.

[KManiac]

I have a 1998 Town&Country LX AWD. I purchased it used with 9,300 miles, six years ago. It now has 82,000 miles. I have had no major problems with the vehicle, or any problems related to the AWD. I do know that the AWD option came with 3.8 liter, long wheel-base and four wheel disc brakes. The AWD works like a limited-slip differential, except that power is distributed between four wheels. Tire wear is typical to FWD. Fuel milage for AWD is approximately 1 mpg less than FWD on average. Expect better traction on wet streets and dirt roads. AWD works full-time with no on/off switching. Typical maintenance is to change fulid in PTO and rear differential every 60,000 miles.

[GTP Dad]

One word "Transmission." This appears to be the weak link in these vans. I have heard of some that last only 70K miles. When I had mine it went at around 130K miles. Other than that these are good dependable vehicles.

[waltham41]

I would also be concerned about the AWD That is one of those features that is great for the original owner and can be a money pit for the following owners.

[Vats]

I have a 1999 ES AWD, No major problems and great in the snow. The AWD systems from my experience last well, other than the odd transmission woe, which is typical for the caravan. My uncle has a 1994 with 500,000+kms on it and no problem from the AWD system.