I am trying to figure out whether to buy an Astro Van or wait quietly until the thought passes. The Japanese vans have a reputation for better quality than the Astro van but lately I have heard Sienna and Odyssey $4000 transmission repair horror stories so that reputation could be changing. A few friends of mine own Astros and point out that the Astros have a partial ladder frame and can carry a heavy load since they are built more like a truck. The 4.3Litre engine is basically the good old Chev 350 with two cylinders chopped off so should be pretty bullet proof. When I ride in an Astro I have no room for my feet in the foot well and the seats seem cheaply built. No insult intended thats just my impression after a quick ride - and it was in an older van - an 89 I think. So here are my questions:
1) Since most of you own Astro vans now, would you buy another one - are you satisfied overall with your van?
2) What drives you nuts about the van: what frequent problems do you run into?
3) Are there years I should avoid looking at due to problems? I can afford up to about a 1999 model.(I am reading and researching using buyers guides but nothing beats asking people who own the vehicle.)
4) I would have a qualified mechanic check out any Astro van I was considering buying but what are say the top three things to watch out for with a used Astro?
Thanks for taking the time to read my long post
Paul
Vancouver