2005 Chrysler Pacifica - Opinions???

rjstaaf · 07-09-05, 04:29

Hey all, gone a different track since my last post. Seems our budget is in better shape than what I thought it was so we are looking at fairly new vehicle now.

I have noticed quite a few 2005 Chrysler Pacificas in the sub $20K range with very low miles. Seems kind of odd, is there a problem with them that there would be so many on the market with low miles? If I am not mistaken aren't they just a re-bodied Chrysler minivan?

I would appreciate any and all opinions but, lets please not turn this into a brand war. I am interested in anyone who has experience or knowledge on this particluar vehicle.

The wife and I really like the looks of the Pacifica and the price is right but, I just don't want to make a $20K mistake.

Here is one in particular that the wife really likes.

http://www.carmax.com/dyn/factsheet/...spx?id=3010913

Thanks

White95Max · 07-09-05, 06:28

Well, they're roomy and stable, due to their wide body. I am not a fan of the egg-like styling though. It reminds me somewhat of a Toyota Previa.
I do like the front end styling.

Don't take my opinion though, if you like the vehicle, my thoughts shouldn't hold you back.

SidiousXXX · 07-09-05, 06:57

I work in the industry and odds are it was a demo at that price and mileage There are no major recalls on the DCX Pacifica. DCX is coming out with their own prmotion where you cxan buy thier cars minus the Viper and some of the SRT-8 models. Might want to wait you maybe able to get brand new for close to what you would pay for the used one.

rjstaaf · 07-09-05, 07:14

We are waiting on the closing of a piece of property so we won't be doing anything until the end of August. I am just getting a feel for the market right now and looking around.

I have found several examples of NEW '05 Pacificas at sub $20K prices. We are also considering the '05 Chrysler Town & Country which I am finding in the same price range for NEW examples.

http://www.carmax.com/dyn/factsheet/...spx?id=2970781

http://www.carmax.com/dyn/factsheet/...spx?id=2928432

These are from the CarMax website and they do mention something about a $2000 rebate that ends August 1. I have also heard that Chrysler will likely be doing the Employee discount thing similar to what GM has done.

SidiousXXX · 07-09-05, 08:08

You will have a much better resale of the the Pacifica. T&C's are a dime a dozen especially at auction. I just got the most recent issue of AutoMotive Fleet I will look through and see if I can find some metrics tomorrow.

rjstaaf · 07-09-05, 08:21

I am not really looking too hard at resale as we tend to keep our vehicles for quite some time and I am imagining after we get through with it there won't be much difference

It would be good to know though, just in case.

As a side note I am also hoping to pick up a used work truck. I have always really liked the Dodge RAM 1500 and I really don't want to spend any more than say $5K on it. I have found a few in this price range but, they all have what I would consider very high mileage but, they all look to be in excellant shape otherwise. Any thoughts?

Here is one example.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...0&aff=national

Thanks again guys!

SidiousXXX · 07-09-05, 08:56

Miles that high scare me. I would offer $3100 and see where it goes from there. Even if the price comes down to what you want, tell them you will think about it and hit them at the end of the month, say the Thursday before the end of the month. If they are close to quota they will call by Saturday and offer lower. Huge profits in remarketed cars for the salesman.

The only thing that I caution you with on that year Dodge is that they did have some paint issues with it separating from the metal and some clear failure.

SidiousXXX · 07-09-05, 08:57

Also if you are not looking at resale you will have better negotiating power on the T&C.

SidiousXXX · 07-09-05, 09:01

Where do you live? I might be able to put you in contact with a DCX dealer in your area.

rjstaaf · 07-09-05, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by SidiousXXX

Where do you live? I might be able to put you in contact with a DCX dealer in your area.

We live near Greenville, SC. Thanks for the help

Corey Bit Spank · 07-10-05, 07:12

Please get the 3.5 SOHC and not the 3.8. The 3.5 is a nice engine, actually.

rjstaaf · 07-11-05, 06:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey Bit Spank

Please get the 3.5 SOHC and not the 3.8. The 3.5 is a nice engine, actually.

In our price range (<20K) they all seem to have the 3.8L. I imagine we could probably swing the 3.5L if we find one on the used lot. I will definitely keep that in mind. Since we do plan to keep it for quite sime time though we are leaning strongly in the direction of a NEW model.

I think the wife is leaning more in the direction of a Town & Country now. While she likes the looks of the Pacifica, she likes the flexibility of having 7 passenger seating in the T&C vs 5 in the Pacifica. With kids it is a plus to be able to seperate them by sending one to time out in the back of the van