Chrysler Town-&-country for Sale - Import from Japan

Launched originally in 1990, the Chrysler Town & Country was the luxury badge atop Chrysler’s minivan lineup—an answer to your run-of-the-mill Caravan but with plush carpets, captain’s chairs, and a velvet rope vibe for the family-hauling set. But it wasn't until the RT-platform generation (2008–2016) that Chrysler really hit its stride. This was the golden age of the American minivan: final modern iterations before regulation-choked realities gave way to the more efficient (and far duller) Pacifica. The Town & Country RT brought bold, squared-off styling, stuffed cabins with dual-screen DVD systems, and the sort of chrome trim that reminded buyers this wasn’t a rental Dodge. Built in Windsor, Ontario, and exported widely—even to Japan—it earned a reputation for luxury on a budget. In an automotive world obsessed with chasing SUVs, the RT is now gaining appreciation. Especially from enthusiasts and collectors who realize—this was the last of the great, unapologetically American minivans.

Don’t let the minivan badge fool you. Chrysler was serious about giving this thing grunt. The crown jewel is the *3.6L Pentastar V6*—introduced in 2011 with a healthy 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smooth-shifting *62TE 6-speed automatic*. Put your foot down, and it doesn’t hesitate. There’s a velvety hum under part-throttle that turns into a surprisingly raspy surge above 4,000 rpm. You won’t out-drag an SRT, but on a two-lane climb with seven passengers and luggage? The Town & Country won’t flinch. Earlier models came with 3.3L and 3.8L V6s. Adequate power, sure—but nowhere near the refinement or thrust of the Pentastar. Just be mindful: slipping 2-3 shifts and torque converter shudder are telltale signs of a failing 62TE. And yes, coolant-oil mixing due to an oil cooler failure has ended more than one dream road trip. Still, for contrast: while most SUVs of the era felt harsh on broken pavement, this van floats. It’s a bit roly-poly in corners, but straight-line comfort more than redeems it.

Steering? Numb as Novocain. Brakes? Adequate. But highway comfort? That’s where the Town & Country shines. Over long distances, few vehicles in its class feel this serene. The ride glides over coarse asphalt. High-speed stability is boat-like, yet blissful. Step into the cabin and you're met with soft leather (on higher trims), solid switchgear, and seats you could survive a continent-crossing trip in. But not all is well: - The power sliding doors are known for frayed cables and funky behavior. - Dashboard plastics often crack like old vinyl by year 10. - Cabin rattles? Absolutely—especially from the *Stow 'n Go* seat wells. Still, there’s charm in the imperfections. The van has character. It feels like it was built for people who actually love driving cross-country—or just have a lot of hockey gear to haul. Owning one means accepting a few quirks in exchange for unfiltered usability.

Here’s where it gets interesting. While most RT-gen Town & Countrys in the U.S. have been used (and sometimes abused) for school runs and pizza deliveries, Japan quietly imported these vans when new—and kept them in astonishing condition. At auction, you’ll regularly see Grade 4 examples, many with under 80,000 km, plush Limited trims, in colors rarely seen stateside. Because Japan never got a domestic minivan that quite matched it—for size, capability, or American drama. Their fastidiously maintained condition, paired with Japan’s rigorous Shaken system, means these vans were dealer-serviced, properly garaged, and often tastefully spec’d. Want to know what to watch out for when browsing Japanese auctions? Learn how to read auction sheets. And if you’re weighing the long-term savings versus a local buy? Check our complete breakdown of the cost of importing a JDM car.

While not yet a collector darling, the RT-gen Town & Country is beginning to earn reverence among practical car enthusiasts. Why? Because it represents an end. No more long-wheelbase minivans built with this level of detail. No more body-on-transaxle flagships from Detroit. Factor in its Stow ’n Go seating, the first-ever integrated child booster seats, and sheer highway comfort—and it’s easy to see why Americans, Australians, and even Polish and German buyers are now looking at these not as beaters, but as sleeper investment cars. As Pacificas become mainstream and SUVs balloon in price, savvy buyers are turning to these RT vans as smart long-spec buys. Just don’t wait too long. Enthusiasts are catching on. And the clean, low-kilometer Japanese units? They aren’t getting more plentiful. You can view all used Chrysler Town & Country models currently available through ZervTek.