Buying a 2004 Venture..What to look for

[mazzov]

All,

I am in the process of buying a 2004 Venture LS Extended with 41k on it. I had just lost my 2001 so my wife and I decided to get another.
I'm not an idiot and I do most ( 80 percent) repairs myself. But being that I have not bought a vehicle in some time I am gonna ask you guys/girls what should I look out for. I am buying it from a dealer and it is due for inspection this month.

So far:
Carfax is clean
Checked radiator fluid
Checked underneth for scrapes and dents
Tires have normal wear
Brakes are decent
exterior has 2 scratches
interior has 1 cig. burn
rugs are good
condensor / radiator is free of bent fins

Please let me know of anything besides metal (metallic sparkle look) filings in the oil that I may be missing.

Thx, Vince

['97ventureowner]

Check all the electrical items that you find, i.e. switches, radio, and all electrical components. These vans have been known to have electrical "issues" in the past. It seems that a lot of the bugs have been worked out towards the end of the model run (2005). Although the problem(leaking intake gaskets) was supposed to be fixed in 2002, (midyear), I'd check the underside of the oil cap and dipstick for a "dirty mayonnaise substance" indicating coolant is getting into the oil. Check the transmission fluid to make sure it isn't black or a real dark color and doesn't smell burnt. Check for water leakage around the windshield, or wet carpets on the drivers and passenger's side.

[Rebel Racing 3]

My wife had one before we got togather and as soon as we could we got rid of it it had more probs elect. like the slideing rear door would open on it own, the lights would flash off and on and also i have heard the engines like to blow the low manifold gaskets. On the gaskets i just heard that may not be true but that is what a friend that works for the chevy dealership here said