Considering an Astro van...

[katvagrant]

So I've decided I want to live in a van. I went and test drove a '94 Astro today that a very kind lady on Craigslist has for sale.<br><br>It has 142K miles on it, and though I don't know as much about cars as I'd like, it seems to be in pretty decent shape for how old it is. Carfax report was spotless. I did notice, though, that when I accelerated, the engine seemed somehow... louder than it should, but the sound seemed to be coming more from the back of the vehicle. It wasn't an odd noise, not a clunk or anything... just like the engine was running louder than it should be. Maybe like the muffler needed to be checked out? Is that a common problem? Do I just think it sounds loud because I've been used to driving a car as opposed to a van?<br><br>There was also a sizeable crack in the windshield. The lady said this was common with the Astro since the windshield is more vertical than it is in other vehicles, so when small rocks hit it at high speed, it's more likely to crack. I'd want that replaced, wouldn't I? Does that get expensive?<br><br>I know the internet is a poor substitute for taking the car to a mechanic, but I wanted to mull it over before I decide I might want to buy it (which I won't do without taking it to a mechanic first). And since I don't have anyone IRL right now I can ask, I thought I'd come here, knowing there's at least a few Astro owners out there who will definitely have more experience with this kind of thing than I do.<br><br>Thanks in advance <img src="/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>

 

[Guest]

Hi katvagrant,<br>It sounds like a nice van. 142k is not a lot of miles if the vehicle has been well maintained. If the lady has a history of repairs it would be really helpful. I always ask for that and it would be nice to know how many owners it has had. Also what the miles were like..was it highway mostly or gravel roads, city driving? The usage is important as to the shape of the vehicle. <br>The good mechanic's survey is critical....for instance if the transmission has been serviced regularly it will last a very long time...if not it will not last well....this is an item often never addressed by vehicle owners...<br>The windshield is about $200 to have replaced...legally, in areas I have lived...it only needs to be replaced if the crack is directly in front of the driver and affects your vision.<br>Careful look at the tires is important as if they need to be replaced soon it can cost about $500 depending on the quality tire you buy...<br><br>Your mechanic is the one to listen to...<br>Good luck,<br>Bri<br>1987 Astro/Chinook conversion<br><br>

 

[twokniveskatie]

hi Katvagrant-<div><br></div><div>i have an '02 astro with about 115,000 miles. i love it.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>about the windshields: i have had more chips in this windshield than i have ever had in all my other vehicles combined, so there may be something to that theory. in Pa, we don't have to repair cracks unless they are in a designated area of the driver's side. a crack not on the drivers side should be considered for repair in order to prevent it spreading.</div><div><br></div><div>i found out something really cool this summer. i had several little chips i wanted repaired. i have done this myself with little kits you can buy at an auto parts store or one of the "marts", for about $10. but many car insurance companies will cover the repair of chips and cracks so as to avoid replacing whole windshields eventually. best part is, there is no deductible! i saw a guy in a parking lot who does this and stopped to ask him how much it would cost, and within 5 minutes he had spoken to my insurance company (progressive) and had arranged direct payment from them. cost me nothing....zero-zip 20 minutes later i was on my way. you may want to see if the owner could do something like this, since it happened on her watch....</div><div><br></div><div>as for the noise, can't help ya there. when i hear a weird noise, a tilt my head to the side in a curious manner, then hightail it to the mechanic. although i have found that i can use my cell phone in some cases to record a noise on video (well, the audible, anyhow) as evidence for those mechanics who think my ears need a tune-up&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/crazy.gif"></div><div><br></div><div>good luck, and keep us posted.</div>

 

[4x4tour]

DITTO to what Bri and Kate said.&nbsp; Mechanic's inspection a MUST with small vans, along with any receipts she has for service.&nbsp; Every woman Ive known&nbsp; saved EVERY receipt, hopefully she has some to prove her services.&nbsp; <br><br>I made the mistake of buying a van from an old lady with 67k miles on it. &nbsp; I later found out she&nbsp; rarely serviced it, and it showed in the engine having major bearing wear. <br><br>ALWAYS listen to the vehicle's engine on start-up, in the morning, prior to it being driven that day.&nbsp; This will enable you to hear if bearings are bad.&nbsp; I am always suspicious of sellers that have their car/van running when I get there, or if I feel warm radiator hoses.&nbsp; <br><br>I always use a cheap digital thermometer (Cen-tech)&nbsp; for assuring I'm hearing a <b>cold</b> engine, not one that's been started prior to my arrival, to hide engine issues. &nbsp; I also show up like an hour before Im supposed to, to assure I'm not being screwed with...lol&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>

 

[MK7]

94 astro 142k for how much?<br>

 

[katvagrant]

Oh man, you guys are SO AWESOME. Thanks for the advice!<br><br>Bri: It looks like she's the third owner. She tells me this van was used mostly for city driving, with the occasional trip to see a friend who lived 1-2 hours away. I'll be e-mailing her to ask if she has a history of repairs, thanks!<br><br>Katie: The crack is pretty much all the way across the windshield, but it's pretty low (as in a few inches up from the dashboard, not restricting vision). I will check to see if I can find a repair kit. Also, I must confess to lurking your blog without commenting, and I'd like to thank you for posting pictures of the inside of your van... I'm going to steal most of your ideas (especially that awesome shelf you have <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> ) but I promise I'll give you credit! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>4x4tour: When I turned the key, the van started right up and sounded great. Still going to take it to a mechanic though. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>&nbsp;I think I'm going to have a cup of coffee and then e-mail this lady again. Thanks again for the great advice, everyone. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>

 

[Wild_E]

If it is too loud, it could be a cracked exhaust system or a manifold. If it is a manifold, it is very expensive to fix.<div><br></div><div>Personally after 2 Astros, I will never get one again, so good luck with yours.</div>

 

[Vanimal]

I've been living in an astro van for about a month. There are some pros and cons to them.<div><br></div><div>Pros:</div><div><br></div><div>AWD(well most of them)-good if you live where it snows or like to get off road. Think of it as a poor mans Sportsmobile.</div><div><br></div><div>V6-better gas mileage than a full sized van with a v8</div><div><br></div><div>They made a buhzillion of them-and for a long time without changing them much so it's easy to find new and used parts. Also this helps to blend in and be stealthy.</div><div><br></div><div>Smaller-well I guess this is preference. It's super easy to parallel park, good for me seeing how I'm in one of the biggest cities in the US(currently posted up on a sidestreet of a "Lavandria" where I'm writing this).</div><div><br></div><div>Cons:</div><div><br></div><div>They are crappy vans.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Well that about wraps that up!</div><div><br></div><div>As far as the windshield, every car is a gamble. I own a 60's era van with a windshield that is almost straight up and down, that has been a daily driver on and off since I was 16. 15 years later, not even a chip.</div><div><br></div><div>My astro doesn't make excessive noise. That I would look into, but I agree with MK7, it all boils down to price.</div><div><br></div><div>Good luck!!!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Also, @ Bri-Those astro/chinook's are legit!! I looked at few of them and they were def one of my major candidates.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>