Stow n--the only way to--Go
Written: Oct 11 '04 (Updated Dec 23 '04)
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Pros: Stow n Go seats!
Cons: Past reliability ratings warrant consideration of purchasing an extended warranty.
The Bottom Line: So far, so good, but haven't owned long enough to make a determination regarding reliability. (2005 model, not 2004)
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| jvsgooch's Full Review: 2005 Chrysler Town & Country |
Originally set out to buy a different make and model minivan after reading the reviews in Consumer Reports and seeing some impressive incentives being offered on the close-out models, but the 2005 Town & Country changed my mind.
First, I test drove the rest and wasn't impressed. A few of the more highly recommended models (according to Consumer Reports), well, if I wanted a big, noisy, clumsy vehicle, frankly, I'd have bought a truck. With the T&C, I don't have to drive to the back of the parking lot to find room to park, instead, can slide right into the tightest parking space previously only possible with my small economy car. Aside from the tight turning radius, I found the T&C also had best stopping power with the shortest braking distance. All around, it was the easiest to drive, offering the quietest and most comfortable ride.
Second, price. Although all of the base list prices were roughly comparable, the higher rated import dealerships didn't offer, well, ANY, discounts and incentives. With the combined Chrysler incentives and dealer discounts, I received over $3,000 off dealer INVOICE--almost $6,000 off the list price on my T&C. I found that features that are standard on the T&C to be expensive options available only on the highest trim models of some of import makes more highly recommended by Consumer Reports, and a comparably equipped import vehicle would have run roughly $10,000 more than I paid for my T&C.
Third, those magical "Stow n Go" seats sealed the deal! As a miniature female, I no longer have to wait for a large male to help lug out those heavy seats of the past, only to then deal with storage problems. In seconds, I can flip "Stow n Go" alone, EASILY! I can barely begin to express how this translates into a delightful sense of independence! The 2nd row captain's chairs, and 40/60 split 3rd row seat, provides wide range of highly versatile configurations that combine both adequate seating with cargo space.
Other positive aspects: First, the mpg (miles per gallon) of the T&C rated at roughly 18 city, 27 highway. Since purchasing the T&C, I have been averaging 21-22 mpg with mostly city driving. However, honestly, watching the trip computer, you can visibly see fuel efficiency drop about 2 mpg almost the second my husband gets behind the wheel!
Initially, my husband was somewhat apprehensive about my decision to purchase the T&C--actually, he violently objected--something about the negative effect a minivan can have on a man's testosterone levels. I'm glad to say however that our recent trip out east with the T&C has dramatically changed his mind! With a full load of 6 adult passengers, he kept commenting on how he couldn't believe the performance he got from a 6 cylinder minivan! From agilely weaving in and out of the traffic of Manhatten, to climbing the mountains of Pennsilvania--in the wind and ice of a snowstorm no less! The transmission is smooth and shifts seamlessly. Outward visibility is great, however there is a small "blind spot" behind the driver's left side, but pretty much all vans and SUVs suffer from this. The ride is comfortable and quiet, with plenty of pickup for merging and passing. Even when passing semis in the icest, winding mountain curves, the body securely and safely hugged the road. I can not say enough about the ride, which is so smooth that it's hard to believe you are driving a van instead of a heavy, well-built luxury vehicle! The T&C is nothing like the underpowered minivans of the past!
On the interior, there's lots of room for everyone and everything! There is no comparison with seats that "fold flat" to the "stow n go" seats that fold into the floor! There is so much more room in this van! With the 2nd row seating up, suitcases can be stored in the cargo spaces to provide extra room and comfort for passengers. However, the back row seats are somewhat hard, and not as roomy for adult riders as they do have to fit into the floor. 3 adult riders in the 3rd row would find seating somewhat cramped, and the 2nd row seats have to be pushed all the way forward to access the cargo space below, but the seats move and adjust easily.
The "popular equipment 2" option we purchased includes an 8 way power seat for the driver which my husband absolutely loves because it allows him to adjust the seat while driving and prevents leg cramps during lengthy trips. This option also includes a roof rack, trip computer, and 6 speaker audio system throughout the van for the listening enjoyment of all passengers. I am somewhat spoiled by "after market" audio systems, which are always better, however the factory equipped system of the T&C is fairly decent, with an invisible CD player, digital readout and can be set for 10 radio stations. There are separate climate controls for all 3 seating rows, and separate climate settings for the driver and front seat passenger. The controls for adjusting the climate and operating the audio system are both easy to operate and learn.
Also, in negotiating price, I tried a number of different methods, including requesting quotes through the Internet and directly negotiating with various dealerships, but none of those came close to the deal I received--taken right from the advertised price in the Sunday newspaper. I received no-hassle pricing by bringing the ad into the dealership, along with receiving additional discounts on the various upgrades I desired by bringing the Internet printout from edmunds.com showing the dealer invoice and list price of those options. Armed with these tools, the price paid was substantially lower than published market for this area.
Also worth considering: There was a $1,500 incentive for financing through dealership, but after 3 months, transferred loan balance to e-loans for significant savings on interest.
Negative: The T&C was NOT recommended by Consumer Reports in their last review because of other vehicles had much higher reliability ratings. I took that into consideration, however considered also that a savings of almost $10,000 over a comparably equipped vehicle of those higher rated models would pay for an awful lot of repair bills. To be on the safe side though, recommend purchasing a extended warranty, and you will still come out way ahead!
The only other real drawback that we wish Chrysler had addressed is the lack of lighting on the steering wheel for the cruise control, and on the panel for the mirror adjustments. The controls are easy to operate, but the locations have to be memorized in order to operate them when driving at night.
On the subject of extended warranties. I found my auto insurance company (Geico) offers an extended warranty for a cost of roughly $42 every six months. This warranty offers greater benefits and coverage, however is available only on new vehicles, and must be purchased within the first 15 months the vehicle is put into service. Another consideration of this type of extended warranty is that it is pay-as-you-go, meaning you can drop it at any time, so if you purchase the extended warranty at the 15 month period, and then trade it in 5 months later, you will only have paid $42, instead of the $1,400 fee upfront if you purchase an extended warranty through the dealership. I decided to go the insurance route for the extended warranty instead, however remain a little leery. While they have assured me that my rates will not raise regardless of the number of repair warranty claims filed, I am not 100% positive that the insurance company can't drop you if too many warranty claims are filed. I do know of at least one incidence where Geico refused to renew towing insurance after too many claims were filed in a single year. Being as this is my first time trying out an extended warranty this way, am somewhat apprehensive of recommending this route at this time.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 22,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: LX
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Epinions.com ID:
jvsgooch
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Reviews written: 6
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