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Thread: Remind me about 3rd Gen Minis, problems etc.

  1. #1
    turbo addict
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    Remind me about 3rd Gen Minis, problems etc.

    Hi gang,

    We just picked up the new commuter and runaround, but need 2nd vehicle. '88 Voyager is not DD status any more. I need reliability and quick parts availability, as in, on the shelf locally. So I was trying to be looking at stuff around 2005 or younger, also wanted "winter capable" and "can tow something" so had been tryna find small crossovers that sip gas.

    Anyhoo, just found a "Last of the 3.0s" 2000 model year Caravan with low miles for year. It's 3.0 and 14" wheel so presumably it's 3speed A670/31TH as well. Price is extremely tempting.

    I remember I had these on the avoid like the plague list because of strut tower rot issues in that generation. I'm not sure if Chryco managed to improve things by 2000. So that's definitely one area I will be looking at real close.

    Now that was the biggie, but I've forgot what other things happen if those check out and I slather them in oilspray or something. Dashboards can get bad connections like the Neons I think...

    Apart from that, were these the ones that could have chronic body control module issues that went poltergeist and locked and unlocked the doors etc or was that 4th gens?

    So clue me in on current part availability, anything crucial going unobtanium? Is they as good on snow as a K-car descendant should be?

    Also, what is the SMEC in these, SMEC-II and is it super tweaky for code throwing? I'm wondering how many improvements I can inflict before I'm having issues. Gotta have codes clear for e-testing.


    Thanks much for the hints,


    RW222
    DD1: '02 T&C Ltd, 3.8 AWD. DD2: '15 Versa Note SV, replacing.. DDx: '14 Versa Note SV << freshly killded :( ....... Projects: '88 Voyager 3.0, Auto with shift kit, timing advance, walker sound FX muffler on 15" pumpers wrapped in 215/65/R15 H rated Nexens.... and a '95 phord escort wagon PnP head << Both may need to go :( ..... I like 3.0s ... so??? ... stop looking at me like I've got two heads!

  2. #2
    turbo addict
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    Re: Remind me about 3rd Gen Minis, problems etc.

    besides the strut tower rot that you mentioned I cant think of any problems that plague those vans.

    and i was just thinking what ever happened to that RW guy.
    1988 Lancer Shelby 2.2TII 1989 Shadow ES 2.5TI 1992 Lebaron Sedan 3.0Auto 1993 Acclaim 2.5TI-A520 Hoard parts now!

  3. #3
    The moderately moderate moderator Turbo Mopar Staff
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    Re: Remind me about 3rd Gen Minis, problems etc.

    My neighbor has had 2. One 1998 and her current one is a 2002. She put 160K on her 98 before her daughter killed it. Her 2002 has been going for 3 yrs and has around 115k on it. The key to this is that she never takes care of them. She just gets in and drives. I don't think the 2000's had the strut tower issues as bad. I've seen plenty of 1999 and earlier with rotten towers, but the 2000 and up vans seem to be better. This is just what I have seen here in NE Ohio.
    Bryan
    86 GLHS #161, 2016 Impala
    SDAC National Member, SDAC Buckeye Chapter Member

    A man has got to know his limitations.....

  4. #4
    turbo addict
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    Re: Remind me about 3rd Gen Minis, problems etc.

    Bugger, too much thinkee not enough actionee, it's gone already... Not surprising, since it was only $650 and sounded better than most of the older Caravans from $1k-$3k ish.
    DD1: '02 T&C Ltd, 3.8 AWD. DD2: '15 Versa Note SV, replacing.. DDx: '14 Versa Note SV << freshly killded :( ....... Projects: '88 Voyager 3.0, Auto with shift kit, timing advance, walker sound FX muffler on 15" pumpers wrapped in 215/65/R15 H rated Nexens.... and a '95 phord escort wagon PnP head << Both may need to go :( ..... I like 3.0s ... so??? ... stop looking at me like I've got two heads!

  5. #5
    turbo addict
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    Re: Remind me about 3rd Gen Minis, problems etc.

    Now I kinda got stuck on the idea and have been trying to hunt another one down.

    Something else popped on the radar though, a 5th gen with a propane conversion.... hmmmm.... done a lot of miles, but just had a new transmission, gonna guess that the engine is in good shape if fed propane though.
    DD1: '02 T&C Ltd, 3.8 AWD. DD2: '15 Versa Note SV, replacing.. DDx: '14 Versa Note SV << freshly killded :( ....... Projects: '88 Voyager 3.0, Auto with shift kit, timing advance, walker sound FX muffler on 15" pumpers wrapped in 215/65/R15 H rated Nexens.... and a '95 phord escort wagon PnP head << Both may need to go :( ..... I like 3.0s ... so??? ... stop looking at me like I've got two heads!

  6. #6
    turbo addict Dodge Aries K's Avatar
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    Re: Remind me about 3rd Gen Minis, problems etc.

    Third gen van strut towers never got better. Go with a 2001 or newer van for less issues. My 2003 Caravan has gone 244K without needing really... anything its whole life except a few water pumps.

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