OT 2005 Dodge Caravan Service OT

[55 Fargo]

Hey Guys,I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan, nothing fancy, has the dvd player, air, cruise,tilt, like most of them.

I have a 3.3 litre engine, about 124000 miles, always had oil changes etc.

I have replaced all brakes, and fronts twice.

I need front struts, links, ball joints, 1 tie rod end, and an alignment, at a local shop I use, for the tune of $1300 complete.

I also could use, rear shocks, new serpetine belt, trans luid service, and would like to flush cooling system and put in new t/stat and coolant. This part would do myself.

The body is in good shape, as well as the interior, not mint, but decent condition.

I have my snow tires on the van now, with their own rims, but could use new summer tires this summer too.

Is would get nothing on a trade in, and do not want to buy another vehicle if I can avoid it.

Any of you have any thought on this? I am leaning toward all the repairs, but sure hope I don't total it or anything after ward. All my miles are on the highway, not sure what the life of a 3.3 liter engine is, or the transmissions on these vehicles

I figure a 2005 caravan up here in good condtion witha vehicle safety certificate is worht about 3-4k......thanx Fred

[Plymouthy Adams]

3.3 is timing chain engine...so one less headache..but they are prone to stretching a bit like all chains are..

most folks get x years and x miles from a troublefree vehicle, then trade/sell and move up to a newer model and start the cycle over..others drive them till they drop...only you can make that call..on the 3.3 engines...I have done 220 on a few of them before moving up..no maintenance except one of my 4 did get a new water pump once..traniews..use the Chrysler fluid and no probs...there is no such thing as an additive to Dextron and it will work...Chrysler misprinted a ton of owners manuals long ago that give them a bad name saying Dextron would work...they like to have never recovered from that error..

[55 Fargo]

Thanx Tim, with my filthy gravel roads, and not the best timing for me to start trying to buy newer vehicles, want to drive her for another 2 years, and maybe 50K miles.

Most likely will do the repairs, and get on with it..thanx

[cardshaq]

Were all 1948 Dodge 1/2 ton pickups 5 window pilot house trucks. I have 2 1948 b1b trucks and both of mine are 5 window. I see one on ebay located in Maine that is a 3 window truck. Sorry if i'm in the wrong place.