Used 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan Consumer Reviews
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Liked it so much I traded for another.
Dennis Voorhees, 11/22/2015
updated 05/30/2017
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
58 of 61 people found this review helpful
I have had 3 minivans since 1989 A Ford Areostar, a Dodge Caravan, Chevy Venture. The Venture was used and a disaster. Dumped a lot of money into it and just got tired of doing so, so I bit the bullet and bought a 2012 Program GC SXT in December 2012. The 2012 van was red and had 28000 miles on it. I drove it to 91,500 miles in just a month under 3 years. Not one lick of problems. A couple recalls though, but nothing serious. Replaced the front brakes at 90k miles, and 1 set of tires at 55k. Replaced the air filter once and did oil changes and tire rotations every 5k miles. I did replace the battery, twice though, as I had an aftermarket back up camera installed that didn't shut off the monitor, which ran down the battery a couple times. It was awhile before I caught the problem. It was quite comfortable on long trips, I drove many 12+ hour days with no issues. I was so happy with this van that I decided to trade it for another nearly identical Red 2015 SXT. The main reason was the 12 was nearing 100k miles, I had another year of traveling planned, and the 6 year 100k warranty was about to expire. I could trade to a 3 year newer with lots lower miles for nearly the same payment. I hope this one will be as trouble free, as the 12. I'm a retired, but active guy, that appreciates the utility of the MiniVan. I highly recommend them. UPDATE on the 2015. I purchased it was 22000 miles on the Odometer, It now has 62000 trouble free miles. The tires were replaced at 48k. That's it. Still performs like the 2012, and I maintain it like I did the 2012. I still travel quite a bit and this vehicle suits my needs. The other day I had lunch with 3 other old guys from work I had not seen in several years. All 4 of us were driving 5th generation Dodge Caravans. They are the new Lincoln I recon.
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A lot for the money
homerkc, 11/25/2012
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
We have 3,500 mi. on our van and it has exceeded many expectations. We took a 2000 mi trip shortly after buying (only 500 break-in miles) and saw 28mpg on the interstate. We can get 20mpg around town (suburban driving) if we watch what we're doing. Very comfortable seats and ride, plenty of power, and the flexibility of the stow n go always amazes. For a very reasonable mid-20s price, it's a lot of car that can do a lot of things (like haul 2 new exterior doors from Home Depot) without any fuss. Once you have had that capability at your disposal, it would be hard to give it up.
Engine heads are brain dead
Rick, 08/27/2016
updated 08/31/2020
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
Been waiting for my vehicle to be repaired now for 3 weeks. Dealership says parts are not available. 6 cyl engine needed new heads, rockers, lifters and other stuff. Car has 97,000 miles. This is the second time to have head replaced (first time at 46,000) . Obviously a bad engine design or bad install with the previous head or possibly the head is simply brain dead. It does say something about the supply chain if the dealerships can not get the replacement parts. Obviously many more failures than anticipated. No recall on the engine but the dealership said the warranty has been extended out to 10 years/150,000 miles for the heads which, I assume, is their way of telling me that the head will fail again in 50,000 miles. Figure I'll have it repaired again around 145,000 if history is my guide. I believe they have some serious issues with the 6 cylinder engine but simply won't admit it. 08/28/2017 Update. Car now has 119,000 miles on it. So far the new head appears to be working fine. Proof will be when the car has another 25,000 miles since they seem to fail every 50,000 miles. 08/29/2018 Update. Car now has 134,000 miles on it. No problems yet with the new head. Dealership called several times asking if I wanted to trade it in on something new. Told them no, I normally keep cars at least 10 years since I don't like to carry any debt and it takes time to save up the money for a new one. Update: 8/29/2020 Car now has 156,000 miles. Seems I can sense a mis-fire every now and then but I have not yet taken it into a shop for a diagnosis. Still trying to get another 2 years out of it. We'll see if I'm successful.
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Love it
nateo2, 04/03/2014
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
30 of 33 people found this review helpful
I dont know why people complain about this van ours has 54,000 miles and never had a single problem besides the brakes squealing put better quality rotors on it and have not squealed since has plenty of power and we think its very comfortable all around great van
Very Disappointed..........
jcarndt, 02/09/2013
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
29 of 34 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in July of 2012. . I owned a '99 Caravan Sport and it was great. This one is not. When I test drove this one it seemed pretty good. Smooth ride, very quiet, lots of power. 60 days after purchase, the front brakes started squealing. Fixed by dealer. 60 days later, I noticed a clattering/rubbing sound from engine compartment at low speed. Frequency of the noise increased and decreased in time with RPM's. Dealer service manager said it was "normal" for that model year, and they have no idea what it is. So I'm screwed. Clunking/rattling from rear end, one of the heater controls has stopped working. Less than 5000 miles, and it sounds and feels like an old truck...... never again
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