Another Astro Camper

[pmorin35]

Hello everyone. Looking to move into a vehicle by the weekend. I'm taking a look at this Astro today. Any thoughts from people familiar with this vehicle? Thanks in advance.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5033796214.html

 

[minimotos95]

Looks like a good starting point but with 240k I don't like the price. A typical gen 1 astro ext with that mileage would be under $1500. I guess $2000 isn't that bad if it's a solid van, the roof box gets thrown in and you were already going to buy a similar battery and inverter. It's hard to find ext awd gen 1 astro/safaris without mechanical or rust problems

Welcome to CRVL

 

[Almost There]

Definitely overpriced in any area for that mileage...243 is just about where a lot of things start to go on the drive train.

Since seller is looking to leave country soon you might be able to get a better deal on it. Cash talks when you're moving, particularly out of country. BTDT had to sell the Astro...

 

[GotSmart]

Ready to buy this weekend.  ~~~  :dodgy:

 Look for something with less miles on it.  Next week there will be a lot more listed from people who bought this weekend selling their old rides. Do not rush into a mistake.

 

[SoulRaven]

I wasn't very impressed.

 

[highdesertranger]

I agree with what everybody says. 2k is way to much. highdesertranger

 

[Canine]

Creative interior but only if you like what he did. Is the bed the right size? Is the battery and inverter what you'd put in? Was the alternator cabling the right thickness or just some 12 gauge crap wiring job? What has happened to the tranny? Better not be original! A/C work? How's the front end and steering?

If you just have to have it, offer $1500 and be ready to walk away. Having to be in something "this weekend" puts you at a distinct disadvantage. The high miles and questionable engine/tranny/drivetrain life and maintenance are the main issues, obviously.

 

[Matlock]

Agree with everyone else, priced to high.
Leaving the country...... that bothers me.
Do a carfax check from the vin. number.
Ask to see all the receipts from any work done.
Often when new tires are put on a vehicle that old with high mileage it's because the old ones were rotted from sitting for years or badly worn from alignment problems. You never know.....

I'd pass without looking in person, but that's me...

 

[Almost There]

[quote pid='137228' dateline='1432653988']

Leaving the country...... that bothers me.

[/quote]

Personally, I don't see 'leaving the country' as being a negative.

There's lots of reasons why someone is leaving the country and needing to sell their vehicle.

Could be military being shipped overseas with no one to mind the vehicle so better to sell it than let it sit and rot. Could be someone in US on long term business visa being repatriated. Lots more reasons as well.

I actually think of it as a bit of a positive. They have a deadline. I know the guy that bought my Astro when I was moving back to Canada got a really good deal simply because selling it to him meant that I didn't have to take a chance on a consignment lot when I was going to be the other side of the border. Had I been able to sell at my leisure I would have gotten a whole lot more for it.

If it's in your price range then it's worth at least a look see!!

 

[GotSmart]

In looking at the front tire (last picture, inside edge) I see obvious front end problems.     That kind of scrubbing on 10,000 miles?

Not an option.

 

[GotSmart]

In looking at the front tire (last picture, inside edge) I see obvious front end problems.     That kind of scrubbing on 10,000 miles?

Not an option.

 

[idn88]

I am not seeing what your seeing on the tires, maybe you can point it out? The tires looked pretty clean for 10K miles to me, but maybe my eyesight is bad.

If an AWD Astro is what your looking for, have it well checked out at a reliable mechanic and go from there. However that is a lot of miles, and AWD front ends ware out (CV joints, axles, etc) and are expensive to fix, and frequently aren't all that easy to do yourself without the right tool (acetylene torch, very large hammer, etc). However he has 5 weeks to move it, so their price is very likely negotiable.

 

[highdesertranger]

I have posted this before. do not rely on car fax for being the last word. most independent shops do not report to car fax, most used car dealers do not report to car fax, most body shops do not report to car fax. a vehicle could have been run though a ringer and it might not show up on car fax. back to that astro, lets see awd=negative, 21years old=double negative, I wouldn't give anything more than scrap value for that van. highdesertranger

 

[GotSmart]

I am not seeing what your seeing on the tires, maybe you can point it out?  The tires looked pretty clean for 10K miles to me, but maybe my eyesight is bad.

The tire shows wear on the inside edge, and I am seeing ridges on the second row (from the inside) of tread.  Look at the last picture.  The top of the tire.  Also compare the look of it to the other side.  The outside of it looks fine, but I can clearly see wear on the inside.

I spent two years in a tire shop in the 70's.  

 

[pmorin35]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts. It gave me plenty to think about and I opted not to go with this particular van. I shall keep looking!

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

good luck to you!

 

[MK7]

This van is nicely setup and all ready to go. 2nd battery kit, inverter, closet, shelvings, etc...all looks pretty good. All of that costs time and money. The bed is a nice build and pretty much the max size you'll get length wise in any Astro. Miles are pretty high and it's ugly from the fading paint. $1100-1200 but only if it passes inspection.

 

[Canine]

Is it just me or didn't we see this exact same Astro a couple weeks ago? If not, it was the same year, AWD, already camperized, had over 200K miles and was about that price... Any way to look up that thread? (Sorry, I don't know this forum too well).

 

[Canine]

Duh el stupido, the OP posted on 5/25. I somehow read it as a new thread. Sorry guys.

So OP did you find something else?