Mi Vida Loca! aka - My Crazy Life! » Blog Archive » The Cursed - The Minivan Saga
Mi Vida Loca! aka - My Crazy Life!

My Van - dubbed “The Cursed” by myself as of - oh yesterday.

 I dreaded theday I had to buy a minivan but with 4 kids I accepted the fate I was faced with.  I told my hubby - if I HAD to drive a van it was dern well going to be the one I WANTED with all the options I WANTED.

So after lots of research I settled on the Dodge Gr Caravan.  I wanted (And got) Stow n’ Go (TM) , leather with heated front seats, dvd, power side doors and rear tailgate - the SXT model with the big engine…..This ain’t your average minivan I used to say. 

 My downfall - I expected that if I spent a a LOT of money on a van that it would be better made than the run of the mill basic version they sell…but was I wrong.  At one point I chalked it up to being  lemon - you know the 3rd shift friday special?!….but yesterdays ordeal brought it to a whole new level - it is not “The Cursed”

 The Van was bought Jan 2006 - its warranty runs out Jan 2009.  Brand New, off the lot - 3kms,  It was brought in for me specially from across the province - I wanted THIS van with THESE options in THIS color and I will pay THIS much - find it - they did.

The first thing to go…paint - the paint on my bumper started to flake - now I know dodge has had some previous paint isues .  I had to take it in to the shop have THEM decide it was flaking (as opposed to being MY fault?!) and then bring it in for repainting.   That took months cause they could not provide me a vehicle for this…That was the least of the problems.

Between years 1 and now (being almost 3) there have been 5 - thats right 5! more warranty repairs. 

Steering Pump, Wiper Arm, ABS Sensor, Oxygen Sensor…..and the leather ripped!  I had to “prove” the last one of course - They didnt want to repair it - I told them the heck it was cut - its on the grain lines and ripping beside my BEHIND in a place my butt doesn’t even touch.  They reluctantly replaced it….

I just assumed again - my car the lemon….yesterday the vehicle was back in the shop (AGAIN) to replace the drivers power side mirror - I BROKE THIS - I admit it - no problem.  I get the 4pm call - we replaced the mirror - but….theres a problem with your vehicle….

Read on….

I start laughing - hard - at least its broke IN the shop…its already there….no - thats not it exactly….

See here’s where its cursed comes in…

Seems the tech involved with working on my vehicle was wiping down the dashboard etc and in true nature to this vehicles perils - used a cloth with a STEEL WOOL CENTRE.  Scratched the entire dash and brand new MIRROR….

How in the heck does this stuff happen to me with this vehicle…

So I am stuck now vehicle-less again- I have opted to have them re-replace the brand new mirror (Shes a lease) and they had to repair (or replace) the dash - ALL AT THEIR COST of course .   Sigh……..what do you say anymore - anyone want to buy a hardly used, in “new” condition minivan?

 Seriously - THIS was a true story - however I kept it short and left out the gorey parts (lol just kidding).  Thanks for reading (and please feel free to laugh - I did)

2 Responses to “The Cursed - The Minivan Saga”
 

LOL! Sorry, but that steel wool incident had me in stitches!

Dodge/Chryslers are infamous for their problems with paint. Years ago right here in our city a national group was formed called “CLOG- Chrysler Lemon Owners Group” My grandfather was a member…his Dodge was “cursed” too! I hope you don’t have too much longer left on your lease!

Cara wrote on October 1st, 2008 at 5:52 pm

 

So i’d say you wouldn’t “recommend ” a grand caravan ? lol ! we’re looking to get a minivan in a few months ..and well i’ve just crossed that one of the list ……lol Thanks !!

mom22gurls wrote on October 28th, 2008 at 7:23 pm

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

 


Free Issue Offer


Newsletter

Subscribe to the Canadian Parents Newsletter.

Subscribe


Poll

  • When it comes to preparing meals, do you ever use a Slow Cooker/Crockpot?

Vote

Contest & Freebies

Check here frequently for new contests and special offers.

Learn More