Chevy Astro Van 1997

Our van has a few issues and we decided to replace it. With 177k miles on it, what would you recommend? Sell or junk.

We purchased it from fleet auction. It was a prisoner transporter from a local jail. Used it for construction and band gear for several years. It’s intact and clean except for busted muffler, and timing belt.

So, sell or scrap? Any value to van lifers?

Make, model, year, like is it the 4x4 and cost of parts/repair needed? Usually 200,000 miles in an older van starts to require extensive parts rebuild or replacement. If you have maintained it well maybe as much as 300,000 miles. It will be expensive to replace with something new but it won’t be cheap to restore even if you are able do your own work. If it runs you might consider donating it.

Worth trying to sell it. List it on Facebook marketplace and see what happens. If it is going to be used by a Nomad then it is best that it be very dependable because out on the road breakdowns are logistically a lot more difficult when you have no other place to sleep and do not know the local repair shops.

If you do not think it is dependable why would you want to sell it to someone who really needs it to be dependable for this lifestyle?

Jkp said:

Our van has a few issues and we decided to replace it. With 177k miles on it, what would you recommend? Sell or junk.

We purchased it from fleet auction. It was a prisoner transporter from a local jail. Used it for construction and band gear for several years. It’s intact and clean except for busted muffler, and timing belt.

So, sell or scrap? Any value to van lifers?

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Astro Vans are wanted by van lifers because they are known for being rugged and dependable. There are a couple threads here on Astro Vans. Don't junk it. At least sell it.

Sell it, they are easy to fix and get back running. My 1986 astrovan is still running like a champ. Astrovans that are still in running condition, I see in craiglist for 2 to 3 grand sometimes even higher.

Sell it. Your can get decent money for it that can go towards your next vehicle.

As far as nomads, I would just be up front about what is good and bad as far as you know. That's better than they'll get from a random person selling a van.