I know this is an old thread but I thought that you might be interested in my story: I have a 95 wheelchair conversion with approx. 1.2 million kilometres on it - all driven in northern Manitoba (750 kms north of Winnipeg). The first engine lasted 750000 kms, the transmission has been replaced three times up to this year when I had it rebuilt - it has since failed twice!! All other components last as long as you look after them and replace with high quality parts. It has lots of rattles and is drafty but I still drive it on gravel roads in -35C weather with confidence. The driving position is very comfortable. The front passenger has limited footroom. I have a friend who runs a taxi to Split Lake twice a day with an Astro. Thats 700kms over all gravel roads all year around. Needless to say, I recommend buying one to anyone.