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Looking to buy 2004 T&C Limited

4K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  2ez24get 
#1 ·
I am looking to buy a 2004 T&C Limited and wanted to ask here if anyone had a few buyers tips before going to see the Van. The Van has 43k miles.

Thanks
 
#3 ·
A carfax is a starting point, but they are very unreliable. Sight down the side of the van, do the lines line up? check underneath, any obvious new sections, new "undercoat" to hide repairs? Check the windows all around, make sure the logo on them are all Chrysler, if not, ask a lot of questions. Check the fluids on a white napkin, how do they look? See if the engine/transmission look as if they are original or have they been disturbed. Watch the tach and see if the shifts are steady. Especially between 30 and 40 on a grade, is it jumpy? Some is apparently normal, but it should not be alarming. You can renew the warranty if you are the second owner, not the third, are you?
Drive over some bumps and see if there are any odd noises.
check the electronics and the way the doors all shut. What is it like? Look for differences in paint. Is the title salvage? Go to a dodge dealer and have them pull up the car, what service records does it show?
 
#4 ·
Thanks, All excellent suggestions. I am looking at this minivan (see link below). I am going to see it this weekend. Take a look and if someone has free carfax can you PM me I would like to see the results. Can any Dodge or Chrysler Dealership pull up the service history by using the VIN?

Thanks.

2004 Chrysler T&C Limited
 
#5 ·
Text in the listing says it's a "Touring" but the title and the pics show it's clearly a Limited. Edmunds.com says a dealer price could be around $11271, with a private sale being $9944.

Tell them you really wish you could get an '05 with the Stow-n-go seats, and they might be willing to come down more!! Either way, looks like a great low-mileage van.
 
#6 ·
also make sure the lighting around the A/C controls are all light up. See if they'll replace the module if they are burned out before you buy it. More than half of mine are burned out, and I didn't notice for over a week since I haven't driven it where it was dark enough.
 
#7 ·
The wheel covers look like 2003. The 2004 has the same chrome capped rims as the 2005 through 2007. Check the vin# and see exactly what year it is. I suppose it's possible that it is an very early 2004. Also, 2004 was kind of a half year as they brought out the 2005's early for the S&G seats.
 
#8 ·
Those are alloy wheels not covers. This van is identical to my 2001 T&C Limited. Make sure all the power doors work, power windows, power liftgate. Listen for any low speed steering noises (a grumbling sound you can feel). I believe there was a recall on the heating elements in the seats. Make sure that was done. Check out all the climate control operations, lights, radio - lots of little electrical things that can go wrong with a Limited.
 
#9 ·
In fact they are alloy wheels (as mine are) with a plastic chrome plated cover. However, they are the 2003 model year version, not the 2004. Hence, that is the reason I suggested that the vin be confirmed as a 2004.
 
#10 ·
I'm so soured on the whole Grand Caravan experience right now.
Between leaking steering racks, rusting brake and coolant lines, power steering resiviours, power doors and liftgates, replacement battery cables that cost over $1,000.
Look for a better van. I'm quite sure it's out there.
 
#12 ·
Thanks to all for the feedback. I just finished my loan paperwork and after calling all the advertised 2004 Limited under 50k miles in my area they either just sold or sold yesterday. 4 in my area and missed them by a day? Good thing I don't gamble. My loan is good for 30 days so I hope to see a good selection in the next month.
 
#13 ·
I found one it is 130 miles away from me but with 35k miles I am going to check it out on Saturday. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope everything is perfect and I can drive it home. It's a certified car so it has been inspected. Florida does not have inspection or emissions so no test there.
 
#15 ·
I did buy the 2004 T&C Limited with 35k $13.5K. The place I purchased it from is a Dodge dealership that lost it's franchise. They had the paper work for the van from 2007. They explained to me that they purchased the van at auction in late 2007 for $16.5K and did not lower the price until a few week ago. I would have liked to have found a garaged kept van as the FL sun is so bad on paint and rubber. I have a copy of the service history done on the van. Not much work needed to be done as it only had 3k miles put on it over the last 2 years. It is a great van with most everything working. I have had it less than a week and have been driving it to work and taking notes of work needed. The DVD 6 disc changer was bad so $350 for a Dealer used replacement. New set of tires as the FL sun dry rotted two of the dealer installed tires $500. Front window tint $60. New aftermarket headlights $80 the OEM ones were full of mini spider cracks and chips. Purchased updated NAV DVD with latest maps $40. I also purchased a few other small items.

Thanks
 
#17 ·
I do almost all of the work. I just finished pulling the air silencer and installing a K&N filter. Replaced the front sway bar bushings with Moog (blue) bushings. I ordered a rear sway bar from a Junk Yard $65 shipped and will install that next week. Installed the new front headlights last night and set the alignment. It was the easiest replacement of headlights I have ever done. Replaced the spark plugs. I have sorted out most of the things I wanted to do. This week I am going to replace the front brake pads with Ceramic to reduce the brake dust levels.

Thanks.
 
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