My Dad is in the 80+ age group. He is gradually losing his strength and balance. He currently drives a midsize SUV. He is struggling with safely opening the rear lift gate. He is interested in finding an older, lower priced vehicle with a power lift gate. He needs a vehicle that is large enough to haul a walker or a wheel chair. It is also important that the vehicle is easy to enter and exit. If possible, he would like to keep the purchase price under $10,000.

I'm thinking a minivan would probably be his best option. He really likes being able to push a button to open a door. Does anyone know when Mopar first introduced the power lift gate feature? Are there any other vehicles that may be suited for his needs?

Is it possible to add a power lift gate to a vehicle that did NOT have that option available originally?

Thanks for any advice and suggestions.

I know my 2003 minivan had the power lift gate. I have been in Acura's' for some time now. MDX'S all have the power lift gate. Usually all of the Japanese higher end stuff has the power lift gates. 2007-09 MDX can be had for under 10K. 10,11,and 12's had an oil burning issue. look at the recalls if you're interested.

My 2013 Caddy srx premium has all the power options and cost $8000 with 90000 miles. Everything works perfectly and has no issues. I have no problem getting my three piece electric cart in it.

A kind of independent video review of the Chrysler Pacifica but no mention of the power tail lift gate and right and left side power sliding doors but it has them. My wife's 2001 Chrysler Town & Country has all three power sliding doors and rear power tail gate all by remote key fob and internal buttons.




And this on the 2025

Wife's 2001 she still has with all remote power sliding doors and rear power lift gate. All of the rear seats are removeable but the latest version Pacifica has easier "Stow and Go" fold into the floor except on the hybrid because of the battery placement. 3.8 L V6 been a great family vehicle.

Lots of deals right now. Scroll down on the link and it show the power tail gate.

https://www.chrysler.com/pacifica/design.html

None of them need to......

Really?? Have you ever had a vehicle with a power lift gate or power sliding doors and had an older person or children or someone with a disability? Ya know you really don't need power steering, A/C, power windows or power brakes but I'd bet you have a non-vintage vehicle or two with most or all of those "features"

Here's one my reasons for liking power lift gate and power sliding doors, yeah I'm a wuss

Grand Cherokee. My wife's 2018 has been a flawless vehicle so far - it now has 92,000.

He noted that his father is 80 or in his '80's and needs to load a walker and a minivan is probably one of the easiest in and out and easiest loading vehicles. Add in the "Stow N Go" seats and he could even load the walker via the side sliding power doors. A few year old Chrysler Pacifica at a good price should be hard to find they were introduced as a model year 2016.

Minivans are still considered a "truck" and when they first came out they were not subject to the same NHTSA/DOT regulations, and that is still the case today. In the videos they mention with the seats stowed you can fit a full 4X8 sheet of plywood in the vehicles and that was a sort of requirement to qualify as a truck. Funny but gone on most pickups is that ability to fit a full size 4X8 sheet of plywood and be able to close the bed door. Our '91 Dodge Grand Caravan can do that and that's why I still have it and I carried my '68 Road Runner's 383 engine back from my friends shop after we rebuild it. Got some funny and good looks with the 383 sitting in the back like it was the power for the van

The mother in law has a 2008 Grand Caravan with the powered rear hatch and powered rear side doors.
About 180K on the odometer now, I think it's been a decent vehicle overall.