The quest for high-mileage vehicles can lead to unexpected finds in junkyards, where discarded automobiles tell stories of their past journeys. Among the wreckage, I stumbled upon a remarkable sight – vehicles with astonishingly large numbers on their odometers. Over the years, I have encountered 28 cars that have traveled more than 400,000 miles, and only two of them were assembled by American manufacturers.
Surprisingly, both of these long-lasting vehicles were born in Canada’s province of Ontario. One of them was a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, constructed in Southwold. The other was today’s Junkyard Gem, a Dodge built in Windsor, the same city across the river from Detroit that gifted us the legendary Windsor family of Ford small-block V8 engines.
While the highest-mile vehicle I found in a junkyard made in the United States by an American manufacturer was a 1992 Jeep Cherokee with 355,892 miles, I also discovered six American-made cars with over 400,000 miles. These impressive vehicles were crafted by Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, showcasing the skill and dedication of American workers employed by these international brands. The reigning champion in this category is a 1996 Toyota Avalon, which nearly reached the one-million-mile mark after leaving its birthplace in Kentucky.
This junkyard gem reveals itself to be a second-generation Chrysler minivan, following the successful 1984-1990 K-platform-derived generation. Manufactured between 1991 and 1995, these vans retained the chassis related to the original K-Cars, representing the final members of the extended K Family. Alongside the Dodge Spirit, Plymouth Acclaim, and Chrysler LeBaron coupe/convertible, the second-gen vans were a testament to Chrysler’s commitment to innovation and longevity.
While my search in junkyards often revolves around finding second-generation Caravans and their Plymouth Voyager counterparts with manual transmissions, this particular van features a Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 engine. It is worth noting that Chrysler never paired their production V6-powered minivans sold in North America with a manual transmission. Despite this deviation from the norm, the van’s mechanical configuration adds to its uniqueness.
Under the hood lies a single-overhead-cam 3-liter engine, delivering 142 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. However, questioning the van’s original engine, I highly doubt that it remains unaltered. I recall watching a Plymouth Reliant race car wreak havoc on half a dozen 6G72 engines in just one year of road racing, which highlights the engine’s tendency to fail under significant stress.
Inspecting the van’s exterior, the paint has been worn away by the relentless force of the sun, exposing the bare sheet metal. Nevertheless, the body remains remarkably straight, a testament to its durability despite its current resting place in the junkyard.
Inside the van, despite the unwelcome presence of mouse droppings, the interior presents itself in decent condition. It is a reminder of the memories and experiences that were once shared by its previous owners, now overshadowed by neglect and abandonment.
This junkyard find is a source of local pride, hailing from nearby Scotts Valley. Its presence in the junkyard serves as a reminder of the lives touched and the adventures taken by these vehicles, even in their twilight years.
In a surprising twist, this particular van represents a time when safety standards were taken seriously. It stands as the only minivan that met the safety regulations established in 1998, a remarkable feat accomplished four years ahead of its time.
While these minivans may have met their end in the junkyard, their legacy lives on. They serve as a testament to the ingenuity of engineers, the dedication of American workers, and the enduring strength of these vehicles. So, if you’re in the market for a minivan, consider what the junkyard reveals – vehicles that have stood the test of time and are now available at the Dodge National Minivan Sale. It’s a deal you won’t want to miss.