looking to buy

I was hoping to get some insight from Astro/Safari owners.

I am looking to pick up a post 96 Astro/Safari and a quick search of the form didn't really produce a difinitive list of what to look for in a used post 96 model. Generally so far it seems front end and transmission. Anything else?

I am planning to use the van for light reno work. Tired of the Tools stolen from my pick-up" thing. I'm looking for a 7 seater that I can remove the back seat, build in storage down low, maybe even a huge drawer, and still be able to put materials in. Maybe dutch doors so everything is hidden down below with access above. Big loads I get delivered so it would be the odd run to the yard. Can I leave the middle seat in, fold the back forward and still get a 4x8 sheet in? I need some additional seating for when I've got to pick up the kids etc. Anyone running this sort of set up?

Your thoughts re the above are apprecieted in advance.

Well i am hoping that you have an Extended van or that it is an extended one that you want to buy. i have a Chevy Astro 87 "non ext" and i work as a courier with that cute toy and the 4X8 sheets will fit if the passenger seat is out of the way. if you have an ext model, no doubt about it that it will fit, but my van is small and still the 4X8 signs fits on an angle and the maximum that i was able to put in was about 12 sheets of plywood.

hope that helped