08 Caravan SXT comments?

The 08 Caravans have been on the street for a while now. Do any of the experts have any comments on them as far as mechanical factors? TIA

Reply to
QX
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Yes would like to know that too, am trading in my 06 Hyundai Santa Fe on a

08 Caravan SXT... anything I should know or avoid on one???

Pete...

Reply to
Pete & Cindy

The critisc are advising against the 3.3 engine as it is "somewhat anemic" when moving the 2+ ton van around. That's not an issue with the SXT option though. They are also saying the interior has too much hard plastic compared to the Odyssey or Siena.

I think that the NAV package is overpriced ($1300) considering what it does. There are several aftermarket units out there that do more for

1/2 the price, but then they don't have the built-in convenience.
Reply to
QX

I would have to drive the new 2008 Caravan, but I had a 1994 Grand Caravan ES - the fully loaded trim level - with the 3.3L and it was fine for our use. I doubt the 2008 is too much heavier than the

1994. FWIW, we went over 160K miles with the 3.3L without any problems, and the best highway mileage ever recorded was 27MPG w/AC constantly used during a vacation trip during August one year. Given the 3.8L engine's higher torque, it may be a better option however. I don't know if I'd consider the new 4.0L OHC engine - just yet. But, I'm a very conservative person, and like others to be the Guinea pigs.

All OEM factory-installed NAV packages are overpriced. Just buy a nice Garmin portable for $500 or less, and move it from car to car. A business colleague of mine just bought a Magellan unit on sale for less than $200, and it performed extremely well on a recent business trip by car to Memphis, TN - in and out of the city. Very impressive for the price . . .

Reply to
Don

I have an '08 SXT with the 3.8 engine. There is a pinging noise from the catalytic conv after it warms up. You can hear it while stopped at a light and for 10 minutes or so after the engine is stopped. The dealer said it will go away but I now have 2000 miles on it and it is the same. They also said condensation from the AC drips on the cat. converter but there was nothing they could do about it. The other problem is that the right front suspension rattles when hitting large bumps and sounds like empty bottles rattling around. I know this sounds weird but if you put several empty beer bottles in a box and shake it, that is exactly what it sounds like. Haven't been to the dealer yet on this one.

Reply to
jeff.brown

Are we talking about the noise that is due to the expansion and contraction on hot metals? (the converter) which is normal? Water dripping from this area is also normal.

Reply to
maxpower

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