Van OK or too risky?

Question

I'm looking at a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country van being sold by owner in Wilmington NC. It has 96000 mile on it. He wants $7000. for it.

Seems to be a very good price. We will use it for family trips, and daily from our house, on a mountain, 5 miles up a gravel road in Montana. Often snow & ice, tends to be very hard on tires.

I could spend $12000. if needed. Too much mileage? What family van recommended for 5 years usage on Montana gravel, snow, and pavement?

Thank you for any expert advice.

Answer 1

My family has that same van, ,and we live in Massachusetts, and it has just over 80,000 miles on it, and we also live on a gravel driveway, and it often freezes over in the winter, and has an incline at the end, that is hard for other cars, but with the snow tires on the van,  it works perfect! Also, there is plenty of room in the back for daily use. So i suggest that you do get the van, because it will work great for you.

Answer 2

take it

btw my bf name is frank lol (random)

Answer 3

I think you could find something closer to you in Montana, rather than North Carolina.

You need to be able to take the vehicle to your mechanic to check it over prior to purchase.

That close to 100,000 miles, you are often looking at a new engine, new transmission, or both.  So I would certainly get it looked at by a professional that I trusted.

Dodge vans are good and take a lot of wear and tear on the road.  If you can spend up to 12K, look for something nearby.  As far as gravel snow and pavement, that has more to do with the type of tires you buy than the make of vehicle.

Answer 4

Thats a great deal take it

Answer 5

Don't take it, too much money for gas.

Answer 6

I'd go w/ a jeep grand cherokee or something that has 4 wheel drive and is built to take rough road abuse.

Answer 7

thats a rip off get a jeep with 4x4 would work a lot better than a van jeeps are made for ur house in montana with the gravel handles alot better

Answer 8

do it we had one and it was great.

Answer 9

That's actually a really good deal. But, before you buy it take it to a mechanic to have it inspected. And, if anything does go wrong, you could use the leftover money to fix it. Also, check out kbb.com for an acurate value of the car.

Answer 10

look on ebay, that is too high of a price, with all the miles it has