The very American Chrysler Grand Voyager is relatively expensive for its class but has excellent interior space, a comfortable ride and even clever cargo carrying features.
Many owners swear they will never buy anything else. Having said that, many who used to buy people movers have joined the current trend, getting an SUV instead.
So, Voyager prices have dropped a little in recent years.
The fifth-generation Grand Voyager was introduced in April, 2008 and is the one we are looking at here.
There are sliding doors on both sides, a handy feature when many of its competitors only have a door on one side.
Seating is for seven, in a 2:2:3 arrangement.
The Stow ‘n’ Go seating system means all seats behind the driver’s area can be folded down to provide a flat floor that’s virtually a van interior capable of carrying a surprising amount of bulky gear.
In some variants the centre two seats can be swivelled to face the rear-most seats and a removable table can be placed between the seats.
The sheer size of the Chrysler can be a hassle in tight parking areas but that size is needed to deliver a very spacious interior.
Chrysler’s excellent MyGig infotainment system has an in-built 20 Gb hard disc for storing music and photos.
There are input jacks for iPods and MP3 players. Cordless headphones are much loved by kids.
Voyager is powered by either a 3.8-litre petrol or a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.
Both engines drive the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Some Aussie drivers may find the ergonomics aren’t as good as a typical European or Asian people mover.
Try for yourself on your pre-purchase test drive as American drivers’ tastes are different to ours.
Grand Voyager has multiple airbags, including side-curtain bags that protect all three rows of seats.
A reversing camera is an important safety feature.
Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Australia) has expanded in recent times so there are dealers in many areas.
As usual there’s a concentration in metro locations, but there are more than you might expect in country towns and cities.
Check locally as part of your pre-purchase routine.
A good amateur mechanic can do a fair bit of work themselves. However, Voyager is aimed at carrying precious children so we suggest that pretty well everything is done by a qualified mechanic.
Spare parts price are generally about average for this class, but there are unexpected variations at times.
Insurance charges are pretty reasonable, reflecting the fact that almost all drivers of family transport vehicles take plenty of care on the road.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Chrysler’s Voyager is reasonably well built, but not to the standard of Asian vehicles so look it over thoroughly.
Make sure to have a full professional inspection.
Some Voyagers may have been used commercially as small buses by hotels and the like, so will have had a lot of use.
Damage in the load area is often the best way of checking for this.
Even if the Voyager has only been used as a family car look carefully over the interior in case the little darlings have given it a rough time.
Make sure all features of the infotainment system work correctly as some owners have reported troubles.
Be wary of an engine that’s reluctant to start, particularly after an overnight stop.
Hesitation to accelerate can be another indication of trouble.
The automatic transmission seems almost bullet proof in the American manner, but a unit that’s slow at going into gear from Neutral could be worth a closer inspection.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $6000 to $10,000 for a 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager LX; $8000 to $12,000 for a 2009 Limited; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2011 Limited or a 2014 LX; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2012 Limited; and $12,000 to $18,000 for a 2015 Limited.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages so hunt around for the best deal.
People movers arguably lead a harsher life than any other passenger vehicles so there can be a big difference in their condition a few years down the track.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying. That way you can see the prices being asked and whether they are rising and falling as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
These can mean a lot of traded-in cars are taking up too much space in the yards and will be discounted to get rid of them.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can give you an insight to the quality of vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership of the vehicle and make sure it is covered for you taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to later discover a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them ‘selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/