2003 Dodge Caravan Replace transmission or replace car?

2003 DODGE CARAVAN

ELELBEE

MEMBER
1 POST

Transmission problem
2003 Dodge Caravan Automatic 102000 miles

My Dodge Grand Caravan has 102,000 miles on it. I just learned the transmission needs to be rebuilt at a cost of about $3,300. How do I decide if it's worth it to put that kind of money in a van with that many miles on it? And, the engine was replaced at 50,000 (under warranty, thankfully.) It just seems that even if I fix the transmission, other things will keep going bad and I'll find myself with a money pit. I can't afford a new van, though, and with a used one I'll still be in basically the same situation. UGH! Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

Oct 21, 2010 at 8:40 PM

OBXAUTOMEDIC

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Ok, well as with any vehicle as they get older there will be repair to be made. Some minor some major.

If you have had the engine replaced at 50K, and as long as you have been keeping up the regular maintenance on it you should get another 100K out of the engine.

Now, here is a questions to ask yourself....

how is the body and frame on the van?Good/Great

Now there is another possibility on the tranny instead of a rebuild is a remanufactured.

The benifits of a reman verses a rebuild is in most cases you will have a better warrantee, usually so many years or so many miles which ever comes first, with a reman, most rebuilds only carry a 30 - 90 day warrantee.

Also, with a reman you should save about $1k. Since all they have to do is pull old one out and put reman in. Less labor time.

.

Oct 21, 2010 at 9:00 PM

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