Caravan All-Wheel Drive - Good? - Problems?

[HeadlessHorseman]

Just wondering how many folks like and dislike All-Wheel Drive... and why. Is reliablility or frequent repairs an issue? Also, are some model years better or worse than others? My 1996 Grand Caravan just flipped over 223,000 miles and I'm looking at a 2001 GC on EBay with All-Wheel. Does anyone have an opinion?

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by HeadlessHorseman

Just wondering how many folks like and dislike All-Wheel Drive... and why. Is reliablility or frequent repairs an issue? Also, are some model years better or worse than others? My 1996 Grand Caravan just flipped over 223,000 miles and I'm looking at a 2001 GC on EBay with All-Wheel. Does anyone have an opinion?

Unless you live somewhere there is a "lot" of snow this justs adds a lot of complexity that you don't need , FWD will get you thru all but the worst of weather and if the weather is that bad you shouldn't be driving . All reports that I have seen have been that the relaibility has been less than stellar on the AWD version.

[HeadlessHorseman]

Originally Posted by vipergg

Unless you live somewhere there is a "lot" of snow this justs adds a lot of complexity that you don't need , FWD will get you thru all but the worst of weather and if the weather is that bad you shouldn't be driving . All reports that I have seen have been that the relaibility has been less than stellar on the AWD version.

I remember when I bought my '96 GC that AWD was not available and I was fairly disappointed... that is until I heard that the reliability of AWD in later year models was exactly like you say "less than stellar." I use my GC in my business and so I am often 60 or more miles from my home and do not always have the luxury of leaving work early to avoid snow storms. I was hoping that, by 2001, Dodge had gotten a handle on AWD issues.

[Vats]

I have a 1999 awd with 252,000 kms, no issues witht he AWD system.

My uncle has a 1994 AWD with 430,000kms, no issues with the AWD system.

The system itself is wvery simple, there is the odd seal that goes on the rear axle but nothing major. As long as the fluids are checked you should have no problems.

[HeadlessHorseman]

Originally Posted by Vats

I have a 1999 awd with 252,000 kms, no issues witht he AWD system.

My uncle has a 1994 AWD with 430,000kms, no issues with the AWD system.

The system itself is wvery simple, there is the odd seal that goes on the rear axle but nothing major. As long as the fluids are checked you should have no problems.

That is very encouraging. Your point about maintenance is well taken... I wonder how many of the stories I have heard about problems were the direct result of poor (or no) maintenance. Hmmmmm.

[harryliuusa]

Good to hear that AWD is not adding extra problem.
My 1999 Chrysler T&C AWD is so far having some troubles but nothing specifically about AWD.

Is there anything I should be looking at for the AWD van especially at 107K mi now.

[Vats]

Originally Posted by harryliuusa

Good to hear that AWD is not adding extra problem.
My 1999 Chrysler T&C AWD is so far having some troubles but nothing specifically about AWD.

Is there anything I should be looking at for the AWD van especially at 107K mi now.

Make sure the rear differential has the correct fluid level. Easy to check if you lower the spare tire. Th rear diff contains gear oil. The seals on the output shafts are prone to leaks. In addition the overruning clutch unit in front of the diff contains trans fluid. You can find all the info in the hayes manual.

Other than that the system is pretty basic, no electronic gadgetary, runs purely off vacum and obviously traction requirements.

[Phoenix1]

Originally Posted by HeadlessHorseman

I remember when I bought my '96 GC that AWD was not available and I was fairly disappointed... that is until I heard that the reliability of AWD in later year models was exactly like you say "less than stellar." I use my GC in my business and so I am often 60 or more miles from my home and do not always have the luxury of leaving work early to avoid snow storms. I was hoping that, by 2001, Dodge had gotten a handle on AWD issues.

I got a '97 with AWD and no problems and no real difference in gas mileage to FWD. The only concern I would have with your choice is that it is a "newer" Caravan. Personally, I think Dodge went downhill when they introduced the new design and right now many people treat them as disposable cars (at least the newer models, when you spend a lot of time waiting for incompetent mechanics you hear a lot...lol). I am not an expert though, just a feeling...