2002 venture and repairs

I am looking into buying a used 2002 Venture. I would appreciate hearing from all of you who can tell me what is most likely to need repairs or replacing within the first five years of owning this vehicle.
thanks

First and foremost, I would check and see if the intake manifold gasket has been replaced. If not, I would keep an eye out on the coolant level. Other items that may need replacing or repairs within 5 years, are tie rods, battery(in some cases, mine have gone at least 8 or 9 years),basic "wear items" such as brake components, air filters,wipers, coolant change,fuel filter,tires (depending on condition when vehicle purchased and age/amount of driving done). Most of these item are common repair / replace items on all vehicles. The latter year Ventures seem to have less issues than earlier model years, so far. (As time goes on we will be able to see if that holds true.)

I would also check to make sure the A/C blows cold. Mine went out a couple years after purchase (I bought a 2002 that was a couple years old). I called the shop and they asked me to check the lower left bracket of the condensor (when looking from the front - note that the condensor sits in front of the radiator) for an oily spot. Sure enough it was there (the oily spot comes from oil mixed in with the refrigerant to lubricate the compressor). I guess there was a rash of these condensors where the weld of this bracket broke and let the refrigerant escape. Cost me $600. You may want to check and see if the A/C blows cool and ensure that the lower left bracket does not have a wet/oily patch around it. Also might be worth asking if it has already been replaced.

Pete

10-4 on the intake manifold. My mother and at least 5 others that I know of had issues on the older ones. Ma's was an 02.

my 02 ls, bought 1-03 gm certified used with 15k, now has 78k. it's been a good van. the ac went out twice-once at 29k, covered under warranty, and again at 42k. the second time, out of warranty, i got chevrolet to cover the $900 expense. my gasket has not went bad yet-mine was manufactured 5-02 and i believe the updated gasket began to be installed in 6-02. i've been watching for it tho.

so, other than the ac problem and regular maintenance items like brakes, oil changes, various filters, tires, a battery, and a dexcool flush/change at 50k, mine has been great. it needs to last us one more year before we replace it-probably with an 07 terraza.