Fully Restored! 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan ES AWD – Sold?

January 4, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Typically, restoration projects focus on landmark vehicles that will bring their owner a significant return on investment as a means of justifying the work performed to bring it back to life. Aston Martins, Ferraris, Mercedes-Benz, and yes, the Dodge Grand Caravan. What’s that, you say? Yes, the seller of this clean 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan with optional all-wheel-drive claims to have restored this people hauler back to like-new condition and originally had it listed on Craigslist in November 2021 in Wrightstown, New Jersey with an asking price of $8,999.  Comparing this price against the NADA Price Guide confirms this private seller overshot his ROI potential, as the “High” retail is just $2,075.

The third-generation Caravan was a dramatic departure in some ways from the previous era, and comfortably familiar in others. The design was evolutionary, and you can certainly see some traces of the prior year’s model in the updated nose. Of course, this was a major shift in interior design as well, as this era of the Grand Caravan made having more than two cupholders and power outlets the norm, going seemingly overboard on comfort and convenience features. Still, it didn’t matter if 23 Big Gulp holders were excessive, as consumers loved it and every minivan since then has placed an emphasis on storage and convenience features. The Caravan also introduced easily modified interiors, with features like stow-and-go seating that is still a Chrysler minivan staple today.

The Betamax King YouTube Channel provides a 1997 Dodge commercial reminding us of just how innovative Chrysler’s trio of second-generation minivans were at the time:

And while minivans are incredibly practical modes of transportation that are increasingly styled to look more like an SUV and less like something your grandmother drove, they are still minivans and not particularly collectible. That didn’t stop the seller of this Grand Caravan, equipped with the optional V6 and all-wheel-drive, from lavishing numerous improvements of the mechanical and cosmetic kind on his minivan, ranging from a total respray to a new headliner and carpets to new brakes, shocks, injectors, torque convertor, and more. There’s also loads of electronic equipment designed to make this older model feel like it has just as much in the way of infotainment as a brand new Pacifica. The mention of replacement front and rear glass makes me wonder if it was rear- and front-ended at some point, which could also be the reason for the respray. Overall, we can’t fault the seller for restoring a vehicle he or she clearly loves, but that doesn’t guarantee the sale price will come anywhere close to recouping their investment. Good luck with the purchase if you bring this pristine van home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Vehicle has been fully restored inside and out. Too many new parts and repairs were made to list here because of space. Interior fully restored with new headlining, carpet, speakers, and touchscreen radio head unit with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, XM, and Navigation. The car is as nice as it looks. Here is a small glimpse of what is new: paint, front & back glass, wheels, tires, brake calipers-lines-rotors-pads, shocks and struts, all injectors, spark plugs, wires, coil, trans converter, and flywheel.“

Do you have a Dodge Caravan story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!