My 2003 Sport Caravan has 216,000 Km/134,216 Mi.

The engine leaks about a litre of oil every 3-4 months.

The transmission leaks about a litre fluid every 5-6 months.

I can do very basic maintenance but I'm not a mechanic.

I recently had a leaking rear brake line replaced and the mechanic said it was so rusty underside that he wasn't sure how problematic it would be, but fortunately it turned out to be a straightforward job.

I'm worried about reliability especially the transmission so started looking for a newer vehicle. I'm considering a used 2020 G Caravan, or 2022 G Caravan or Pacifica depending on what's available and price.

I read that 5th gen vans are more reliable, but at 22 years old my van is not as reliable as when it was newer.

Constructive advice is warmly appreciated - Thanks!

Your 3rd gen is more reliable than a 5th gen.

You posted in the 6th gen section.

To repair the oil leak, replace the valve cover gaskets. This is typical for the mileage you are at now.
Keep with 5W30 engine oil, not the 5W20 junk. That would make it leak as it is a thinner grade.

Trans leaks are with the transmission cover or the trans cooler lines.

 

My 2003 Sport Caravan has 216,000 Km/134,216 Mi.

The engine leaks about a litre of oil every 3-4 months.

The transmission leaks about a litre fluid every 5-6 months.

I can do very basic maintenance but I'm not a mechanic.

I recently had a leaking rear brake line replaced and the mechanic said it was so rusty underside that he wasn't sure how problematic it would be, but fortunately it turned out to be a straightforward job.

I'm worried about reliability especially the transmission so started looking for a newer vehicle. I'm considering a used 2020 G Caravan, or 2022 G Caravan or Pacifica depending on what's available and price.

I read that 5th gen vans are more reliable, but at 22 years old my van is not as reliable as when it was newer.

Constructive advice is warmly appreciated - Thanks!

Post in the 3rd gen section and we can work out all the minor leak issues your 3rd gen is having now.

1 thread for the oil leak,
1 thread for the trans leak.

and any other threads you need too.

Did you check for P-codes?

 

Post in the 3rd gen section and we can work out all the minor leak issues your 3rd gen is having now.

1 thread for the oil leak,
1 thread for the trans leak.

and any other threads you need too.

Did you check for P-codes?

Actually I posted in the correct section as my question was about reliability of 6th Gen minivans 2020 versus 2022.

I did however learn my lesson: don't add unnecessary details about an older vehicle 😊 .

I'm looking at 2020 GC (5th Gen body style) versus 2021 GC (Pacifica body style) and 2022 GC and wondering if anyone has any thoughts about reliability. Thanks!

 

Do NOT buy a 6th gen.
Well cared for 5th gens are great vans that will easily outlast your ailing 3rd gen.

 

So... A 2018+ Pacifica is not as reliable as my 2011 T&C ??? I was just shopping around for a newer vehicle, since we like our T&C so much, and considering a used Pacifica... but the more I look into the issues (head gasket specifically), the more hesitant I am becoming.

 

Importing a rust-free Caravan into Canada can be problematic.

 

Sad, considering they were all made there.