[AT] OT Chevy Astro

[Steve W.]

Mattias Kessén wrote:
> We've been talking about replacing the Aerostar (it needs more work than I
> seem to have time for). Now we've been leaning our eyes at the Chevrolet
> Astro, it's much more common here(though not really common) and absolutely
> more common with 4WD/AWD and that would be nice. So we're looking at the
> extended version from say 1995-2001 (newer are a bit to pricey), but we
> really don't know anything about them. So question is what to look for.
> Upsides, downsides  what are the weak points etc. Any advice is 
> appreciated.
> 
> Mattias
> 
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The Astro is a rugged vehicle, the folks I know who have them run them 
for a LONG time, many are well over 200,000 miles. It is based on the S 
Series truck chassis and came usually with the 4.3 V6. The only issues 
with the 4.3 to look for are the intake gaskets (they start to seep out 
the back and sometimes into the engine). Not a hard repair if you have a 
few tools. If it has the optional oil cooler check the lines for any 
leaks. If they are leaking there are two ways to repair them, one is to 
use the factory parts, the other is to have some heavy duty lines made 
up at a good parts shop and use them. Parts are easy to find.

  The only real problem is GM has stopped making them. Makes NO sense to 
me since it was a GREAT selling vehicle that was loved by repair shops 
and fleets. I always thought that one with a small diesel in it would be 
a real workhorse. The AWD version uses the same drive train as the 
Oldsmobile Bravada.

However from what I have read GM and Ford are both dropping out of the 
minivan market this coming year.

-- 
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York