So I’m driving along the other day in Southern California, and I stumbled upon it: the single nicest 1990s Dodge Caravan still in existence. It’s pictured above, and it’s truly a sight to behold: rust-free, clean, in great shape, with few (if any) dents, or dings, or imperfections on the body. It still has the original crappy hubcaps, even though they’ve fallen off every other ’90s Caravan by now.
Of course, I say they’ve "fallen off" every other 1990s Caravan, but the truth is that no other 1990s Caravan even exists. In general, these Caravans were sidelined by rust issues — and in places where there’s no rust, they were eventually taken off the road by transmission problems that plagued Chrysler vehicles from this time period. It’s truly amazing to see one still moving — let alone in such perfect condition.
This sighting happened in traffic in Newport Beach, and a quick look at the license plate suggested to me that this van has spent its entire life in California. Intrigued to find out what the story might be with someone who kept a 1990s Dodge Grand Caravan in such nice shape, I ran the Carfax report from the license plate number and discovered that this van had been a one-owner from the time it was purchased new on April 6, 1993 all the way until July 2017. It was owned in Costa Mesa, California, and it accumulated just 59,000 miles in those 24 years. To the extent that Grand Caravans can be pampered, this one was pampered.
The whole one-owner thing stopped back in August. That’s when the current owner bought it — a 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan with just under 60,000 miles — and the current owner has been driving it since then, though it’s impossible to say exactly how many miles they’re adding. With that said, the Carfax report shows one event under the current owner’s stewardship: new tires on September 1, 2017, suggesting the current owner plans to take care of this thing. I hope to see it driving around someday again — until the inevitable transmission failure. Find a Dodge Caravan for sale
Doug DeMuro is an automotive journalist who has written for many online and magazine publications. He once owned a Nissan Cube and a Ferrari 360 Modena. At the same time.
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About history of vehicle, I always use FAXVIN, because I like it more. I already bought two cars, for me and my mom. To would not worry for her and her safety, I checked everything what I could. It’s very convenient that you can watch the history of the car in few sec.
Hey Doug, great find! It’s nice to see a well preserved 90s car no matter the type! I may have one of the nicest 90s Explorers left with only 78,000 miles and was owned only by a little old lady before me. It never sees rain or snow and stays in the the garage! Wanna review it haha?
I was thinking the same thing, when I saw a perfect condition Caravan SE with AWD in South Dakota of all places.
I see these, and even ’80s models, somewhat regularly in the Southeast, so maybe not so much of a unicorn.
Doug I love minivans, I am so glad to see people who actually pay attention to minivans. They all have a story to tell. This one is a real collector’s item!