thanks for the prompt reply, I will stay with the Caravan, we now have a 03 SXT Caravan which is the standard length, my wife is after a Grand model, looking for a little more room to haul the dogs to some shows. we have the 3.3 engine and I see there is a 3.6 engine available for 2013, not sure if iit's available in the 2012 Grands, if it is, how does the 3.6 compare to the 3.3 power wise and economy.
Chet
Well, it's not like you have much of a choice. Starting in 2008, there was only the Grand models - the short-wheelbase vans were dropped. Starting in 2011, the 3.6L is the ONLY engine available in the Grand Caravan.
Powerwise?
3.3L V6: 175HP[at]5000, 205TQ[at]4000, 17/24MPG
3.8L V6: 197HP[at]5200, 230TQ[at]4000, 16/23MPG
4.0L V6: 251HP[at]6000, 259TQ[at]4100, 17/25MPG
3.6L V6: 283HP[at]6400, 260TQ[at]4400, 17/25MPG
With your dogs, it's a no-brainer to me - Grand Caravan. Drop the seats into the floor and let them roam.
The base 2012 Grand Caravan SE/AVP lists for $20995 - I see them for $18995 all the time.
I'd seriously look at a 2011 or 2012 coming off lease with 20K-30K miles on it and score a deal. Locally there was a loaded 2011 loaded Crew model with 50K on it for $15K - needless to say it didn't last long.