CL GMC Picks of the Day

[Solitary Spell]

Spoke to both owners, any feedback from our van-mentors would be most appreciated!!

1994 Astro, 59,000 original owner miles, "meticulous" maintenance paperwork, had a wheelchair loader originally installed when new, which has been removed. House painter (current owner) got it from relative of orig owner who was disabled and drove it regularly but not many miles. It sat for over a year after original owner stopped using it. $2,000 and has new battery and alternator. Got a good feeling from phone call.

https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/5881393013.html

2002 AWD Astro, 94,000 original miles, orig owned by municipal fleet (Yonkers NY) and a contractor of theirs bought it -- he is second owner who is selling. He said it isn't big enough for the crew he hauls around for various jobs, he bought an Econoline. He says no bad rust/rot, well maintained. $3,900. Got a good feeling from him on the phone.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/5845373628.html

AND just for fun (damn I wish this was more practical!!)

A SHORTY 1994 Safari -- so cute!

https://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/5881443572.html

Thanks for any thoughts/opinions!!

 

[Milk Hauler]

I like the 02. Sure its double the price but way newer and safer. Did I read right with the all wheel drive? Thats a big plus if you travel in heavy rain or snow. Slightly more expensive to maintain, but those awd astros are fantastic in the snow. I wish I never sold mine. [emoji53]

Since the awd models are used more during the winter months, check and check again for rust.



Sent from my SM-G930VL using Tapatalk

 

[Solitary Spell]

Thanks Milk Hauler! Yes, it is a AWD and hopefully I won't be driving it in snow MUCH but then, sometimes it snows even if you're in the mountains out west in May. So it would be good to be ready. All the other vans out there except modern minivans are RWD which I have heard ALL RWD vans are horrible in snow, so you're right, AWD is a good plus.

 

[Almost There]

I don't know where you  got the impression that ALL rear wheel drives are terrible in snow!

I much prefer them over FWD but that's probably because I learned to drive with rwd and had no experience for almost 40 years with anything fwd. I am so glad to be back to a full sized van with rear wheel drive.

Like any other vehicle feature, it's all in how you handle them.

 

[Solitary Spell]

"It's all in how you handle them" --- As someone who lived most of her life south of the Mason-Dixon Line, driving in snow wasn't part of my road repertoire! No wonder I ended up with: a bunch of front-wheel-drives (I thought they were easier) a AWD Isuzu Rodeo (that was even better) and once I moved to Southern New England, a front wheel drive compact car with the holy grail of wimpy winter drivers: STUDDED SNOW TIRES!! I have to admit, even with those on, I don't enjoy driving in the snow. All those other drivers to consider plus me! You can run to the store for bread and milk, I'll tend the fire and make a batch of chowder!! P.S. Your Savana is awesome.

 

[rvpopeye]

If you drive according to conditions every vehicle is OK in snow. (that means if it gets slippery , slow down ! sometimes really s-l-o-w..........)
If you insist on driving like there is no snow because your vehicle is "whatever wheel drive"
nice knowin' ya !

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Over the course of 40 years driving in upstate NY winter storms - ice storms are worse than snow storms - where I just HAD to go to work, staying home wasn't an option; I've had everything.  Rear wheel drives, rear wheel drives with posi-traction, rear engine cars, 4 wheel drives, and front wheel drives.  There is no question that front wheel drive with four studded snow tires are the best winter vehicles you can own.

 

[Solitary Spell]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]"If you insist on driving like there is no snow because your vehicle is "whatever wheel drive" ..."[/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]EXACTLY! Not me, but the other drivers doing that freak me right out. I am the little old lady driver, the studded snows just make me believe (sort of) that I won't slide off an embankment. Did I say how much I dislike driving in snow????[/font]

 

[frater secessus]

I like the newer one because post-1996 vehicles have the OBDII port, which I find very useful.

 

[Ballenxj]

I like the first two with AWD. I know it's been said that front wheel drive is great, but with all wheel drive you get the bonus of the rear wheel traction as well.
The shorty? If all you're looking for is cute, then that one might work for you. Me, I would rather have the extra length of the full sized ones. Remember, you are planing to live in it?

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I like the first two with AWD. I know it's been said that front wheel drive is great, but with all wheel drive you get the bonus of the rear wheel traction as well.

Actually, the 2WD astrovans are RWD, not FWD.

 

[Ballenxj]

Actually, the 2WD astrovans are RWD, not FWD.

Um, I knew that. Where did I say otherwise? My comment about front wheel drive was in reference to another post in this thread.

 

[Gunny]

I'm with the others, AWD while not a cure-all can be a big help in some situations. Looks clean and worth a look.


Rob

 

[Solitary Spell]

Thanks for all your votes for the 2002 AWD. It helps to have opinions from people who know much more than I do about vehicles. CL is getting more and more aggravating, though. Even the sellers are flaky now (used to be mainly the buyers). They say they will send additional photos: they don't. They don't get back to you and then you see they've updated the same ad you've tried to pursue. When I'm selling something it seems to be a buyer's market, when I'm buying it flips the other way! I'm trying to see this as a treasure hunt but time is short, as I have a camp host offer for late April and I really would rather not live in a tent in bear country. Please don't tell me that will add to the adventure, OK?  :dodgy:

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

. . . I really would rather not live in a tent in bear country. Please don't tell me that will add to the adventure, OK?

An adventure is SOMEONE ELSE in deep chit somewhere that we are reading about.

Our goal in life should be to have an interesting, even challenging, and fulfilling life, not to have "adventures".

 

[rvpopeye]

That WON'T add to the adventure , don't do it!
Hope you get lucky (in the van search)
Next spring is still a way off.

 

[Solitary Spell]

"An adventure is SOMEONE ELSE in deep chit somewhere that we are reading about.

Our goal in life should be to have an interesting, even challenging, and fulfilling life, not to have "adventures". "

That made my day, John. Yep, terror and harrowing near-death experiences are best served vicariously, in my book (s).

 

[Solitary Spell]

Hope you get lucky (in the van search)

LOL, thanks, Popeye! I might be meeting that AWD Astro guy early this week. Chances are good that if he didn't sell it this weekend (and as of an hour ago he hadn't) it will still be available Tues or Wed when I can get there. I work every Sat/Sun which made me miss out on a few already...people post them for the weekend 'cause that's when most shoppers are shopping.