Just a quick look at the new model 2008 2009 Rollx wheelchair converted Minivan.

I already have a Rollx 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT and that is discussed over on these pages.  This one shown opposite is the newest 2008 Rollx converted side ramp left hand drive model imported from the USA. Mainly because of the great UK pound versus US Dollar exchange rates in our favour...   I took this ones picture recently. It has a new owner waiting. If you are interested in one of these brand new imported left hand drive ones at a very advantageous price let me know! I may be able to bring my vehicle to let you take a look if you live reasonably close! And get you a good price! I have interesting contacts you know!

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Most of what is written on my 2007 version pages also applies to all the Braun, Rollx, VMI and other conversions, equally on this new 2008 model pictured on here. And there's four pages of it..  So go there for the real detailed info!  This page concentrates on the new look mostly! You will notice that the

To see a larger picture of this new 2008 Chrysler Dodge Grand Caravan (the same vehicle apart from minor trim differences as the UK's right hand drive Grand Voyager and the US "Town And Country") click the blue links above. They open a new window. Be warned I don't like small images!

Basically the latest model is just a facelift (actually a pretty intensive one!) but all the conversion details are much the same as before so this will most likely be a short page with a few pictures so we can see how the 2008 model compares to the 2003 to 2007 version.

My firsts thoughts were that it looked boxy and square and old fashioned compared to the 2007 model it replaces. I still think the rear end is pig ugly! But the front and the side view do grow on you. The body like looks high and impressive from the front/side. And the rollx conversion that is shown here with the side skirts actually make this effect more impressive! It looks much better because of the ride height increase and the side skirts than a standard Vehicle. The same is true of the 2007 one as well though. See here for a comparison of mine parked next to a stock Grand Voyager. Makes a standard non wheelchair accessible Chrysler minivan look a little sad really!  If you still prefer the 2007 model shape as many do these are still available at a very advantageous price already converted and brand new.

One of the comments by the woman who runs Bekker mobility was that the new 4.0 litre engine was much better and pulls at low revs. The 3.3 always was gutless and thrashy, the 3.8 in the later Chrysler minivans like mine was a much nicer engine. But the new 4.0 is better still. Bugger I have to get a new van...

They don't do a diesel in any US left hand drive variant which in my book is great I hate deseasels! they are horrid clattery things with very limited power band best suited to ditch pumps and cement mixers or generators. Then we wouldn't need about 12 gears to row the car along! They do save fuel though.

BUT if you would rather have a lovely smooth 3.8 or 4.0 V6 cylinder petrol engine just get an LPG gas conversion. 42p per litre depending where you live - about 1/3rd o the price of petrol (gasoline?) or diesel...  And the government has promised that the price differential will always remain the same for the foreseeable future because its clean and a waste product that the refineries cant get rid of. The best of all worlds then - the flexibility and smoothness and quietness of a big 6 cylinder petrol engine with better economy than a smelly noisy narrow power banded diesel... 

If you are into masochism and actually still want a diesel then you will have to buy a UK or European Chrysler Voyager as they are the only ones available at about twice the cost of a US imported left hand drive one... and half as pleasant to drive.

Don't let left hand drive scare you. It takes all of about half an hour to get used to it. After that you honestly never notice it. Unless someone comments on it. You can see perfectly to overtake both over and through most cars, and you can see to the left of them too! Really a 20,000 UK pounds saving is well worth the left hand drive option! That saving could buy you a complete unmodified spare Minivan!

OK then a few more pictures of the 08 Dodge 4.0 V6 Rollx converted van imported from the USA!

Big  |  Much Bigger! 
This is an in floor ramp rather than a folding ramp. Not sure which I prefer but this allows access without the ramp in the way for non wheelchair passengers when required. But its useful if you have a dog or a horse(!)  It works just like the 2007 model and has a fully carpeted and lowered floor to allow easy access and enough headroom to drive while sat in a wheelchair if you want like I do. Or it can accommodate up to 4 wheelchairs (one driver) with occupants and three in the rear seats!  No change over previous versions here then!

Bigger! (Click)

The rear view just looks ugly to me. Maybe I will get used to it? It looks like it fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down including the ground with its rear end...

Big | Bigger!  You are probably getting the idea now!

Big | Bigger...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say. Maybe my beholder is busted. And seriously it needs a better much wider lower profile set of wheels and tyres. And a new rear end. Or the old one even as below! They (narrow wheels/tyres) look awful. Although better than the stock wheels on the 2007 one!  I swapped mine for a wider prettier set.

My rear (if you see what I mean...) to compare the 2008 minivan to my 2007 Dodge SXT below - its much more rounded and organic (and I prefer it!) and the wheels and tyres that I chose to fit later on (about 1 day later on!) after I collected it, are a better size match.  (245/50/18 on 18x8.5J wheels ET 35) than either the stock 2007 or the 2008 minivan wheels. They both work and look better and fill the wheel arches better. What is it with the manufacturers?  LOTS More here on my 2007 van if you are interested...

That pic shows the rear end.

This better shows the wheels and is stolen from the 2007 minivan page.

The rest of the 2008 van is improved though. I am tempted to swap mine for a new 2008 black Dodge Caravan SXT as shown in puke gold above on this page. Black cars only look good if kept polished and super clean though! Unless you are an OCD'er* like me buy any other colour!

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Original photo for printing purposes - 4208x2794

*OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder