Calling all Astro/Safari van owners

[Van on 66]

I am considering selling the van I currently own and getting into a different used Van.  I have done a lot of research on the different vans out there and have been very impressed with the track record for the Chevy Astro and GMC Safari vans.  I understand that factory reps for Chevy even say that the Astro is the most dependable vehicle Chevy ever built.

I would be moving down in size from a full size van, but since it is just myself I am thinking that it might be worth it in the long run to have such a dependable van.  A cargo or high top version would probably work best for me.

So, all you Chevy Astro and GMC Safari van owners, this is your chance to brag on what you own.  I would love to know what you think and also see some photos if possible.

 

[Queen]

I know a few members have them and seem to speak highly of them, hopefully one or two will pop in and give you a first hand report.

 

[rvpopeye]

There are several members looking for a van...
Will you be listing it in Trading Post ?

 

[Van on 66]

There are several members looking for a van...
Will you be listing it in Trading Post ?

I haven't decided yet.  I am still in that undecided stage, but considering my options.

 

[highdesertranger]

" I understand that factory reps for Chevy even say that the Astro is the most dependable vehicle Chevy ever built."

the skeptic in me finds this hard to believe. highdesertranger

 

[Van on 66]

I know a few members have them and seem to speak highly of them, hopefully one or two will pop in and give you a first hand report.

Thanks Queen.  I am hoping so too.

 

[Almost There]

I don't own one now but had both an Astro and a Safari. It's true, they are very dependable with the exception of some of the transmissions going out prematurely. Not sure which one so maybe find a forum devoted to them.

I lived out of the Astro for well over a year full-time but I also had a cargo trailer that I towed. That gave me room for all the extra stuff I needed to actually live OUT of the van.

I didn't do W/M's in those days. It was always campgrounds except when I was set up at a show site for the weekend. This meant that I was never actually living IN the van.

When camping I set up my 10x10 show canopy right beside the van and took one of the clear side panels and draped it over the top of the van so I had the van set up for sleeping and then my lawn chair and a couple of 2'x4' tables set up as a kitchen. The other 3 sides also had clear sides put up so no matter the weather I had the 10x10 space as living area.

Personally, as a full-time van dweller, I wouldn't even think about living the lifestyle I do with only a mini-van. But then some consider me to be in the luxury class with a high top and both a fridge and a freezer so take if for what it's worth.

The extra I spend in gas to drive the full-size van is more than compensated for by not needing the trailer and by the comfort level I have in the van.

 

[Van on 66]

I don't own one now but had both an Astro and a Safari. It's true, they are very dependable with the exception of some of the transmissions going out prematurely. Not sure which one so maybe find a forum devoted to them.

I lived out of the Astro for well over a year full-time but I also had a cargo trailer that I towed. That gave me room for all the extra stuff I needed to actually live OUT of the van.

I didn't do W/M's in those days. It was always campgrounds except when I was set up at a show site for the weekend. This meant that I was never actually living IN the van.

When camping I set up my 10x10 show canopy right beside the van and took one of the clear side panels and draped it over the top of the van so I had the van set up for sleeping and then my lawn chair and a couple of 2'x4' tables set up as a kitchen. The other 3 sides also had clear sides put up so no matter the weather I had the 10x10 space as living area.

Personally, as a full-time van dweller, I wouldn't even think about living the lifestyle I do with only a mini-van. But then some consider me to be in the luxury class with a high top and both a fridge and a freezer so take if for what it's worth.

The extra I spend in gas to drive the full-size van is more than compensated for by not needing the trailer and by the comfort level I have in the van.

Thanks for the good feedback Almost There.  Those are good points and one's that others have already pointed out to me.

 

[Van on 66]

" I understand that factory reps for Chevy even say that the Astro is the most dependable vehicle Chevy ever built."

the skeptic in me finds this hard to believe.  highdesertranger

And I appreciate the skepticism.  And why I stated that "I understand" as opposed to directly saying that Chevy reps say...

 

[Campor99]

GO SMALL GO FAR GO NOW!

I have a Astro Van with AWD, have now 30k, travel camping on the way.  The truck is dependable, the GM 4.3 is noted for its dependability.  I spent 2 mos. last winter going to and from the RTR, 3600 mi, had my Engel frig, Coleman stove and all my gear and had a great time and was comfortable.  If you dont care to carry the kitchen sink, I think you will enjoy the
truck.  You can see my van on "My van camper" this forum.  All the best Camper 99

 

[Van on 66]

GO SMALL GO FAR GO NOW!

I have a Astro Van with AWD, have now 30k, travel camping on the way.  The truck is dependable, the GM 4.3 is noted for its dependability.  I spent 2 mos. last winter going to and from the RTR, 3600 mi, had my Engel frig, Coleman stove and all my gear and had a great time and was comfortable.  If you dont care to carry the kitchen sink, I think you will enjoy the
truck.  You can see my van on "My van camper" this forum.  All the best Camper 99

Thanks for the response and the photo.  I will definitely check out your thread on here.  Best to you - Dennis

 

[akrvbob]

In my opinion, the 5.3 V8 in the Chevy Express vans is the best, most reliable engine they ever made and the one I recommend. The 4L80 is also a much better transmission than the one in the Astro and the 14 bolt rear end is legendary.

If reliability is a top priority, get the Express. Loaded the same, it should get better MPG as well with MUCH more power.

 

[Van on 66]

In my opinion, the 5.3 V8 in the Chevy Express vans is the best, most reliable engine they ever made and the one I recommend. The 4L80 is also a much better transmission than the one in the Astro and the 14 bolt rear end is legendary.

If reliability is a top priority, get the Express. Loaded the same, it should get better MPG as well with MUCH more power.

As always, thanks for the input Bob! 

With the downtime I am having waiting on my van to get fixed, I wanted to put it to good use, so I am using it to do research on other vans.  When I was first looking to buy my first van 2 1/2 years ago, I was actually looking for either a Chevy Express or a later model G20 with the 350.  I just couldn't find a decent one with low miles and then...along came the post on craigslist for the van I have now.  It was the right deal at the right time and I don't regret it, but now I am having to look at things very long term. 

I have fully customized my van myself and I don't want to loose that investment, but with 106K on the clock I realize that it is either keep the one I have long term or consider it the prime time to sell.

 

[VanGrrl57]

Hello.

I haven't been online much due to where I work (Yellowstone National Park). The Internet really stinks up here but it is what it is. The views are great, though. 

As to your question, I currently own a 1988 Chevy Astro Van (shorty). I have had LenaBelle for a little over a year now with no problems whatsoever. Of course, the fact that the previous owner maintained LenaBelle meticulously played a big part in my not having any major problems. LOL! I also take good care of LenaBelle so she takes care of me. 

Not everyone can live in a "shorty" but I don't have a problem at all. I'm also a minimalist sort of person so I don't want (or need) a whole bunch of stuff. What helps me is having a particular place for everything so I can simply grab it and not have to move a bunch of stuff to get what I need. In my opinion, organization is key to living in any sort of vehicle. 

VanGrrl57 

 

[Van on 66]

Hello.

I haven't been online much due to where I work (Yellowstone National Park). The Internet really stinks up here but it is what it is. The views are great, though. 

As to your question, I currently own a 1988 Chevy Astro Van (shorty). I have had LenaBelle for a little over a year now with no problems whatsoever. Of course, the fact that the previous owner maintained LenaBelle meticulously played a big part in my not having any major problems. LOL! I also take good care of LenaBelle so she takes care of me. 

Not everyone can live in a "shorty" but I don't have a problem at all. I'm also a minimalist sort of person so I don't want (or need) a whole bunch of stuff. What helps me is having a particular place for everything so I can simply grab it and not have to move a bunch of stuff to get what I need. In my opinion, organization is key to living in any sort of vehicle. 

VanGrrl57 

Dear VanGrrl57;

Thanks for the response. 

I can appreciate your internet situation where you are as I have traveled quite a bit out west, but what a great trade off right!

I do understand that back in 1988 they made the Astro in both a shorty and also an extended and then made them all extended vans beginning some time in the 90's.  My hat is off to you for being able to live in a shorty and getting things organized well enough to do that.  Not many could do that I don't think.  I am pretty obsessive about organization myself with regards to everything anyway, so I know how important it is to make van life successful. 

Your van looks great and I am glad that it is working for you.  I am still deliberating on what I will do, but definitely will keep the Astro as a possible option.

Best to you and your travels,
Dennis

 

[vfourmax]

I own a '98 AWD Astro van and bought mine from the original owners who were good friends and I knew the vans history, use and service records since it was purchased new. I love mine, fuel mileage is tolerable, Engine power is decent and overall reliability of all systems I would rate above average compared to a lot of vehicles.
Also a very comfortable size to operate in traffic and parking lots while maintaining pretty good interior space. Although they are great vans since it has been some years now since they have been produced finding a good one may take some patience, work and diligence.
Another thing is that so many were produced and the engine and transmission were used in so many vehicles that aftermarket support for the driveline is fantastic.
Good vehicles if they offer ample room for your use and you can find a good one. If time is on your size even finding one that could use a little TLC that could be bought at an attractive price point would be well worth refurbishing if you do not mind that type of work or project.

 

[Van on 66]

I own a '98 AWD Astro van and bought mine from the original owners who were good friends and I knew the vans history, use and service records since it was purchased new. I love mine, fuel mileage is tolerable, Engine power is decent and overall reliability of all systems I would rate above average compared to a lot of vehicles.
Also a very comfortable size to operate in traffic and parking lots while maintaining pretty good interior space. Although they are great vans since it has been some years now since they have been produced finding a good one may take some patience, work and diligence.
Another thing is that so many were produced and the engine and transmission were used in so many vehicles that aftermarket support for the driveline is fantastic.
Good vehicles if they offer ample room for your use and you can find a good one. If time is on your size even finding one that could use a little TLC that could be bought at an attractive price point would be well worth refurbishing if you do not mind that type of work or project.

Thanks again for the great input!

 

[Gideon33w]

I built two. One RWD and one AWD. Unless I had offroading needs, if I were to build a minivan again I wouldn't do an Astro.
While they are stout and fairly easy to work on the fuel economy punishment vs modern minivans gives me pause.
My Express gets the same MPG numbers as my AWD Astro and the RWD Astro did maybe 1 or 2 mpg better city/highway.
Compare that to an early 2000s minivan which gets nearly 20 in the city and well into the 20s on the highway.
Not to mention the overall comfort as far as driving. Modern seats and suspension can go a long way depending on time spent travelling.

All that said, there is a reason I went with a full-size van eventually. Some lifestyles work for minivans but most don't on the long term.

Oh, and if you want a true modern minivan suggestion that wont break the bank ... Personally, I'd go with a 2001-2003 Ford Windstar.
A modern minivan will also gain you the UBER STEALTH status which can be very helpful for some (though some don't care).

 

[Van on 66]

I built two. One RWD and one AWD. Unless I had offroading needs, if I were to build a minivan again I wouldn't do an Astro.
While they are stout and fairly easy to work on the fuel economy punishment vs modern minivans gives me pause.
My Express gets the same MPG numbers as my AWD Astro and the RWD Astro did maybe 1 or 2 mpg better city/highway.
Compare that to an early 2000s minivan which gets nearly 20 in the city and well into the 20s on the highway.
Not to mention the overall comfort as far as driving. Modern seats and suspension can go a long way depending on time spent travelling.

All that said, there is a reason I went with a full-size van eventually. Some lifestyles work for minivans but most don't on the long term.

Oh, and if you want a true modern minivan suggestion that wont break the bank ... Personally, I'd go with a 2001-2003 Ford Windstar.
A modern minivan will also gain you the UBER STEALTH status which can be very helpful for some (though some don't care).

I agree.  The more I look into these the less of a desire I am having to want to own one.  My biggest impression at first was that there would be a much bigger gain in mpg, but I am finding out that this isn't true.  The more I think about the size the more I am thinking that it would be hard for me to go smaller than a full size van which I have been using for a couple of years now.  And BTW...I got my van back today and drove it from Dallas to Oklahoma City.  The PCM in it was TOTALLY fried.  The gasket was all but gone, there was a lot of corrosion in it, and many of the solder points on the circuit board were broken including where the pins are to connect the harness.  It seems to be running fine now.  Thanks for all your advice!