Man who bought $600 diesel minivan with 250K miles to do full refresh on it shares how it is 5 years on

A high-mileage diesel minivan was stripped down for a full refresh and remains on the road five years later.

The Chrysler Voyager, built in 1994, was bought in 2020 with 250,000 miles on the clock and a non-running engine.

It was rebuilt over the course of a month to clear Germany’s TÜV inspection.

Five years later, it continues to run reliably, showing what can be achieved with a comprehensive rebuild.

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Rebuilding a classic

The Chrysler Voyager was purchased for €500 ($590) in non-driving condition.

It was assembled in Austria, powered by an Italian VM Motori turbodiesel, and designed in the United States.

To return it to service, nearly every major wear part was replaced.

The full refresh included shocks, bearings, bushings, joints, belts, filters, and brakes.

Once completed, the diesel minivan drove with far more confidence than its high mileage suggested.

The gearbox shifted smoothly, the suspension was stable, and the turbodiesel delivered steady performance on the road.

At idle, the engine sounded rough, but in daily use, the Chrysler Voyager was comfortable and dependable.

Additional work also included replacing engine mounts and renewing the fuel system to ensure consistency under load.

The brakes were fitted with new pads and lines, restoring proper stopping power.

Electrical checks were carried out to make sure the vehicle met inspection requirements.

By the time the project was complete, the Chrysler Voyager had been rebuilt to a standard that allowed it to function as a daily driver rather than just a weekend curiosity.

Diesel minivan five years later

Five years on, with another 20,000 miles added, the diesel minivan is still running.

The Chrysler Voyager’s mechanical systems remain in good condition, with the suspension, brakes, and gearbox holding up well.

The only issues have been minor electrical faults, such as a taillight problem and intermittent charging concerns.

The project shows that a high-mileage vehicle can remain useful when rebuilt thoroughly.

Carrying out a full refresh on the Chrysler Voyager proved more effective than repairing parts individually.

With its core structure and engine intact, the diesel minivan has continued to operate well beyond the point many would have expected.

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