The 3.3L/3.8L engines are very reliable - they are basically the same block - just different stroke. I had a 3.8L in a 2000 T&C Ltd that we purchased in 2003 w/78K miles and traded in 2008 with 161K miles. Only one real engine issue. The most annoying one was the serpentine belt slipping off. It's recommended replacing the tensioner whenever the serpentine belt is replaced. What vehicle? The Gen III minivans (1996-2000) are probably the hardest to service (plugs/wires), but they also use double platinum plugs that have a designed service life of 100K miles. Didn't replace mine until it had 148K.
Some 3.8's have had a problem with the flexplate developing cracks. The part is relatively inexpensive (~$70) but the labor will kill you. Mine developed cracks and it ended up being a $550 repair.
As to lubricants, I always used 5w-30 oil (recommended) year round. Check the owner's manual. From about mid-90's on Chrysler began using HOAT coolant that has a recommended service life of 100K miles.
Don't want to get into the synthetic/non-synthetic argument, but I've always used regular oil - no major engine failures. I had 3 EEK's that cumulatively recorded over 800K miles - no engine problems - and I only used regular oil. The key is servicing them on a consistent basis whether you use synthetic or non-synthetic.
Today's oils are far better than they use to be. Chrysler has upped the maximum mileage between oil changes. My 2010 Journey SXT (3.5L V6) can go up to 6,000 miles between oil changes. Some of the 2011-2012 models can go up to 8,000 miles.
Some 3.8's have had a problem with the flexplate developing cracks. The part is relatively inexpensive (~$70) but the labor will kill you. Mine developed cracks and it ended up being a $550 repair.
As to lubricants, I always used 5w-30 oil (recommended) year round. Check the owner's manual. From about mid-90's on Chrysler began using HOAT coolant that has a recommended service life of 100K miles.
Don't want to get into the synthetic/non-synthetic argument, but I've always used regular oil - no major engine failures. I had 3 EEK's that cumulatively recorded over 800K miles - no engine problems - and I only used regular oil. The key is servicing them on a consistent basis whether you use synthetic or non-synthetic.
Today's oils are far better than they use to be. Chrysler has upped the maximum mileage between oil changes. My 2010 Journey SXT (3.5L V6) can go up to 6,000 miles between oil changes. Some of the 2011-2012 models can go up to 8,000 miles.