Used buyer's guide: Chrysler Voyager

What to look for

• Dash can soon look tatty as the paint gets chipped around the sat-nav screen all too easily.• Diesel-powered Voyagers tend to be thirsty; petrol models can be cripplingly costly to run.• All cars have a powered tailgate and side doors as standard; the latter can open for no reason

Whereas Chrysler used to offer standard and long-wheelbase Voyagers, this model comes in LWB Grand Voyager form only. Expect large fuel and road tax bills if you buy a petrol version – but you’re unlikely to find one, so it’s merely a question of working out which diesel model to go for.

Entry-level cars are badged LX, the top-spec edition is the Limited, while the Touring sits in between. The LX gets three-zone climate control, ESP, alloys and electric windows, and the Touring adds rear parking sensors and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. The Limited has satellite navigation, a parking camera, leather trim and xenon lights.

Recalls

This generation of Grand Voyager was recalled three times in 2011, then again in 2012. The first recall came in August 2011, for cars built in April and May that year, which could have steering column issues in an impact. Next, cars made from August 2009 to May 2010 were recalled in September 2011 as the engine could cut out. Cars built in May 2011 were recalled six months later over braking issues, too. Finally, in March 2012, models built in 2008 were called back over faulty airbag deployment.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our view:We didn’t get enough feedback from Grand Voyager owners for the car to feature in the latest Auto Express Driver Power reliability and owner satisfaction survey. But Chrysler came a lacklustre 22nd out of 34 in our Driver Power 2013 manufacturers chart, which shows it has some way to go to keep owners happy.

Your view:Sharon Packman from Aylesbury, Bucks, bought her 2009 Grand Voyager as an ex-demonstrator. She says: “It’s far more comfortable than my previous 2001 car, plus better to drive and better equipped. It’s more reliable, too, but has had some electrical issues.”

Contacts

Official: www.chrysler.co.uk

Forums: www.chryslerforum.com | www.forum.chryslerminivan.net