Astro Mileages

[wooden123452003]

97 Astro approaching 120K. Only real probem related to after-market security system added by dealer ... nearly a dozen service calls for electric lock failures until 100k warranty ran out, now have major failure with dutch door release (won't unlock)

[3800wattvan]

I have a 97 AWD Astro. Just rolled 186,000. Hoping it'll last many more. I hear they go to at least 200k. I'm almost there. Wondering if its possible to smash a 350 under the hood.

[op012503]

i was lucky from what i hear that i had no problems after installing an aftermarket security system. About a month ago i saw a 97' astro for sale with 240k miles. (Knock on wood)

[bduff509]

'94 Safari, 258,000. Replaced water pump, alternator, idler pulley, 4 fuel pumps, ball joint, many idler arms,several tie rods, center link, soon to be replacing p.s. pump. I've put some time & money in her over the years but she still runs great. I've never had a vehicle last this long.

If you're interested in an engine swap check out www.astrosafari.com

[Andy&Eye]

Well, I have a 93 with 163xxx miles. I bought it with 70xxx and I've owed it for six years..I can't even start to tell you how much money this van has costed me..The only reason my tools don't rust is my Chevy..
This van was my 1st Chevy, and it will be my last..

See my post, 93. Will not shift...12 MAR.....

Help me please....


Andy

[taltmire]

1997 LS Original Owner - 195,000 miles Original Everything- Looks and runs like new. Best Vehicle I've ever owned. I like it so much I bough a second one!

2003 LT - 9,000 miles, bought to replace the 97, but the 97 just wont stop running.

[mace1]

97 astro 88k

[DaveP]

86 Astro, 4.3L, 160K. 5 speed manual transmission
Replaced engine with factory rebuilt 3 years ago. The valve guides were leaking oil and it was starting to blow smoke after sitting over night.
Rear fiberglass leaf springs 6 years ago. They were flaking apart.
Repainted 8 years ago. Apparently a lot of early Astros have bad primer coat on the roof and hood.

Had the front idler arms replaced about 12 years ago. Now the bracket that bolts the left one to the frame tore right off! I think the rust is beyond hope. I really am disappointed since it ran good and looked good except for the rusty undercarriage. Connecticut salt isn't that bad either. Anyway I'll really miss that 5 speed stick on the floor.

I'm looking for a used Astro around 1999 with AWD. Have heard that the AWD is really first rate on these from a surfcaster who drives it on the beach alot. Any body have opinions on their automatic tranny's? I drove a rented one in Colorado a few years back and it had kind of awkward shift points at highway speeds.

Thanks from a new comer.

[JRT]

Had a 1985 Astro w/ 170k miles. Sold it. Now have a 1997 LT 2wd w/ 84k miles. Despite meticulous maintenance...

Replaced one window motor - other one starting to go.
Fuel pump noisy - starting to go.
Transmission clunks and shifts hard sometimes.
Replaced AC vent vacuum hose.
Blower resistor connector needs cleaning every few months.
Possible intake gasket leak.
Radiator cap replaced with correct type (not factory).
Oil sender replaced for jumpy oil guage.
Typical transmission "CLUNK".
Idler arms going...
Carbon buildup problems - EGR/ throttle body removed and cleaned and gas treatment used now at every fill up.
More...

A few recalls done, but more should be recalled on these things. Problems with these vans are so widespread and typical. Unacceptable on a 20 year model - plenty of time to for GM to fix these bugs. I would not reccommend an Astro to anyone unless they really need towing or cargo space, and then expect lots of nickle and dime problems... and major fixes - fuel pumps, intake gaskets, transmissions...

I don't plan on owning another GM product.

[bduff509]

Overall I think my '94 Safari is one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. Last Monday some twit ran a stop sign on my wife & she railled him. An '05 Equinox on a 24 hr. test drive. I didn't see the Equinox but I heard it was bad. No one was hurt. The Safari doesn't have much body damage but the frame is bent. It's been totalled. I'm thinking about a buy back & putting the body on a '79 Blazer chassis with the original engine.
It's a low grade Mk. III conversion. Not very fancy. When we first insured it the VIN came back as a high top conv.. Now that it's time to collect on the insurance, they say we needed a rider to cover the conv. & only want to pay for a cargo van. I'm told we can sue the ins. co. but I'm not sure it would be worth it. The van was worth a lot more to us than anyone else. It still looked good & ran great for a '94.
Beware Astro/Safari owners! Make sure your insurance co. is telling you all you need to know about your insurance.

[mikerector]

1996 astro 4.3L nonAWD, 164,000

[SusanS]

1987 Astro (CLS??) non-extended, non-AWL. It was special-ordered by first owner with no back windows and work-van seats (ug). I have replaced the seats with nice reclining seats and matching bench from a 1996 model (salesman's van..still had plastic on the two back bucket seats.).
It had 96K on it when I purchased it, and at 118K we put an engine from a wrecked Chevy truck that only had 15K on it. My OD now says 223K. I painted it in '98 (the top and front hood had NO paint). Other than a new radiator, repairs have been minimal. It's a workhorse!

If I won the Lotto tomorrow, I'd definitely buy a brand new Astro with all the goodies...can't imagine how nice the new ones must be...
Susan

[JBWicklund]

2002 LS with 67,000

[Gerardjg]

92 @ 168,365

[Jim Link]

1992 w/ 165K