Hi guys

Just for curiosities sake, if you actually own an astro, post your cars mileage here. I have a teal '97 with 150k

Mines an 87 with 137k

1986 Astro CS V6, 223,000*

*motor rebuid at 90K, used trans somewhere around 120K, 2nd reman motor (ATK) at 176K. Now it seems good! :)

1989 4.3 L with 65k when I got it in '99.

I replaced the engine in late 2001 after the water pump blew up the low end, and replaced the Transmission in 2002. I have 35 K on the motor and 15 k on the trans. 101 K total milage.

94 Chevy Astro with 163K on it

:flipa:

Holla

I've got a 93 AWD LT with 330000 k's.

88 cargo - 230,000 miles
92 cargo - 214,000 miles (15,000 on rebuilt engine)

94 Astro, just clocked 164K last week, ive had her for like 4 years now. Gave her a tuneup last month and she still running smooth.

I hear a lot about rebuilding the transmission and the engine, what are good signs that this needs to be done.

94 Safari - 198K on it... original engine, original trans
(fingers crossed)

1996 AWD LT ASTRO Has 136,000 Miles. Tuned up recently and still runs great.

If I only could get ahold of all the little electrical gremlins..

1988 Cargo that has 180,000+ miles. I bought it in 1996 when it had 129,000 on it. Blew the head gaskets that week. New front end in 1997 paid for by the city I live in (thanks to one of their manholes being tipped up on end!!). It's been sitting for the past year and now I'm tuning it up and getting it ready for my 17 year-old son to drive to school. Even after sitting idle for months I can throw the battery back in at any time and it cranks right up. You can't keep a good engine down!

94 Safari, 203k miles. All original except water pump and alt.

my dad has a 99 safari that has about 60,000 miles on it

New around here, but old Astro owner.

85 282,180 miles as of 20 minutes ago, was surfing the net looking for v8 conversion info

'94 with 115k 3 alternators, 3 fuel pumps, new y pipe

at work we have 4 astros all v6 4.3
2001 w/30765
1996 w/127000
1995 w/154000
1995 w/165000

I hace a 2000 with 114000

88 Safari with 188K Just bought it from my brother

97 Astro with 83+k miles, no replacments. Why do they have to discontinue them?

99 Astro LS 2WD 122,009 Nothing replaced runs smooth

I have an '85 Safari w/ 250,000 miles, all original. Ray

Original Engine, original trans.... 240,800

1993 Original Engine, original trans.... 240,800

1990 - 186k
1999 - 76k

93.......230,000 all original

I have a 92 cargo van with 549000 miles on it with original engine and original transmission.......Tranny has had rough shift for 3 years and still does not die......I have a funky paint job on the van and the van runs on propane......Thanx
Mike

Why do they have to discontinue them?

Because the passenger units won't pass newer crash standards. AFAIK they will continue to make the cargo van.
Ex-phone co. '87 Astro Cargo Van, 122,000. Just broken in.

In family previously:

85 - 275k, 1 carb rebuild
89 - 305 k, regular items, and 1 CFI unit

I have a 95 awd with almost 189K. No motor or transmission problems.
Other than the several recalls on it....i am tickled to death with my astro van.

97 Astro approaching 120K. Only real probem related to after-market security system added by dealer ... nearly a dozen service calls for electric lock failures until 100k warranty ran out, now have major failure with dutch door release (won't unlock)

I have a 97 AWD Astro. Just rolled 186,000. Hoping it'll last many more. I hear they go to at least 200k. I'm almost there. Wondering if its possible to smash a 350 under the hood.

i was lucky from what i hear that i had no problems after installing an aftermarket security system. About a month ago i saw a 97' astro for sale with 240k miles. (Knock on wood)

'94 Safari, 258,000. Replaced water pump, alternator, idler pulley, 4 fuel pumps, ball joint, many idler arms,several tie rods, center link, soon to be replacing p.s. pump. I've put some time & money in her over the years but she still runs great. I've never had a vehicle last this long.

If you're interested in an engine swap check out www.astrosafari.com

Well, I have a 93 with 163xxx miles. I bought it with 70xxx and I've owed it for six years..I can't even start to tell you how much money this van has costed me..The only reason my tools don't rust is my Chevy..
This van was my 1st Chevy, and it will be my last..

See my post, 93. Will not shift...12 MAR.....

Help me please....


Andy

1997 LS Original Owner - 195,000 miles Original Everything- Looks and runs like new. Best Vehicle I've ever owned. I like it so much I bough a second one!

2003 LT - 9,000 miles, bought to replace the 97, but the 97 just wont stop running.

97 astro 88k

86 Astro, 4.3L, 160K. 5 speed manual transmission
Replaced engine with factory rebuilt 3 years ago. The valve guides were leaking oil and it was starting to blow smoke after sitting over night.
Rear fiberglass leaf springs 6 years ago. They were flaking apart.
Repainted 8 years ago. Apparently a lot of early Astros have bad primer coat on the roof and hood.

Had the front idler arms replaced about 12 years ago. Now the bracket that bolts the left one to the frame tore right off! I think the rust is beyond hope. I really am disappointed since it ran good and looked good except for the rusty undercarriage. Connecticut salt isn't that bad either. Anyway I'll really miss that 5 speed stick on the floor.

I'm looking for a used Astro around 1999 with AWD. Have heard that the AWD is really first rate on these from a surfcaster who drives it on the beach alot. Any body have opinions on their automatic tranny's? I drove a rented one in Colorado a few years back and it had kind of awkward shift points at highway speeds.

Thanks from a new comer.

Had a 1985 Astro w/ 170k miles. Sold it. Now have a 1997 LT 2wd w/ 84k miles. Despite meticulous maintenance...

Replaced one window motor - other one starting to go.
Fuel pump noisy - starting to go.
Transmission clunks and shifts hard sometimes.
Replaced AC vent vacuum hose.
Blower resistor connector needs cleaning every few months.
Possible intake gasket leak.
Radiator cap replaced with correct type (not factory).
Oil sender replaced for jumpy oil guage.
Typical transmission "CLUNK".
Idler arms going...
Carbon buildup problems - EGR/ throttle body removed and cleaned and gas treatment used now at every fill up.
More...

A few recalls done, but more should be recalled on these things. Problems with these vans are so widespread and typical. Unacceptable on a 20 year model - plenty of time to for GM to fix these bugs. I would not reccommend an Astro to anyone unless they really need towing or cargo space, and then expect lots of nickle and dime problems... and major fixes - fuel pumps, intake gaskets, transmissions...

I don't plan on owning another GM product.

Overall I think my '94 Safari is one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. Last Monday some twit ran a stop sign on my wife & she railled him. An '05 Equinox on a 24 hr. test drive. I didn't see the Equinox but I heard it was bad. No one was hurt. The Safari doesn't have much body damage but the frame is bent. It's been totalled. I'm thinking about a buy back & putting the body on a '79 Blazer chassis with the original engine.
It's a low grade Mk. III conversion. Not very fancy. When we first insured it the VIN came back as a high top conv.. Now that it's time to collect on the insurance, they say we needed a rider to cover the conv. & only want to pay for a cargo van. I'm told we can sue the ins. co. but I'm not sure it would be worth it. The van was worth a lot more to us than anyone else. It still looked good & ran great for a '94.
Beware Astro/Safari owners! Make sure your insurance co. is telling you all you need to know about your insurance.

1996 astro 4.3L nonAWD, 164,000

1987 Astro (CLS??) non-extended, non-AWL. It was special-ordered by first owner with no back windows and work-van seats (ug). I have replaced the seats with nice reclining seats and matching bench from a 1996 model (salesman's van..still had plastic on the two back bucket seats.).
It had 96K on it when I purchased it, and at 118K we put an engine from a wrecked Chevy truck that only had 15K on it. My OD now says 223K. I painted it in '98 (the top and front hood had NO paint). Other than a new radiator, repairs have been minimal. It's a workhorse!

If I won the Lotto tomorrow, I'd definitely buy a brand new Astro with all the goodies...can't imagine how nice the new ones must be...
Susan

2002 LS with 67,000

92 @ 168,365 :grinno:

1992 w/ 165K

1996 Astro 77K - looks good on the outside...anyone want to buy the hunk of junk

2000 here with 55K

2001 (June) 31,000 miles

94 137,000

1994 :loser: 160,000 miles and still going :iceslolan :iceslolan :iceslolan

1995 astro 345000 km. good truck only change water pump and alt. well brakes and other normally wear items to but engine and trans orig.

hit the 170k mark last week.

1992 GMC Safari with 175k. Recently replaced the tranny with a used one. Also replaced the alternator recently with a remanned.

'97 Astro- 492,500 miles on original engine/tranny. Top that one!
We've had a few vans in our fleet do over 800,000 miles, but they had more than one engine/tranny. After about 500,000 miles the body gets pretty tired. Currently we have a 2000 Astro with 317,000 miles. :)

1999 AWD with 179,800

All original. replaced tierods, and has a leaky rear seal, but all is working well.

I've got a 2000 Astro cargo just turned 150,000. owned it for a year this month and only problem I have had is a broken vacuum hose. Runs great!

Just bought a grn 98 w/ 123k. Apparently it had dissability conversion. Rails, swing post and extra leaves in the rear susp. Bought for work. Seems ok. Just replaced air filter(K&N), battery(Optima), and most of the exterior bulbs and head lights. Drives pretty good w/ the exception of the apparently typical transmission problem. The other day (very hot out) it would SLAM into 2nd. Doh. Hasn't done it since. Can't wait to replace the tranny :eek7:

Of course my true passion is my modified Acura RSX Type-S. Was my daily driver, now it's my weekend driver. Cool forum all, see ya around :cheers:

Mine is a 99 with 176,000+ on it.

'97 with 62K...

01- 44k
93-97k
93-247k

1996 with 101K
Changed transmission

previously 1987 with 120k

1994 with 230,000 and no problems.

I own a 93 with 116K

Hi guys

Just for curiosities sake, if you actually own an astro, post your cars mileage here. I have a teal '97 with 150k

Teal 1995 AWD 103K / (getting 15 city & 18 hiway)

99 AWD cargo with 120 k bought it in 01 with 75k, had bad idlers, vibrated @60....shops wanted like 200 to replace idlers did it myself for about 100 including the alignment...trany @ about 100k (reverse went)
new battery & ignition switch @about 110k , Passenger side window, and cargo door window, thanks to bums. custom drivers fender thanks to idiot school bus driver backing across an intersection and using the fender as a stop.

This truck is used for service every day in Chi, LOTS of short, short tips, lots of idling in traffic, lots of potholes....runs great! If I had the $$$ I would buy an 05. Im hoping to get an 04 next year if I can get the same type of deal.

I have a 1994 AWD with 252,000 and still driving 200 miles daily. Original drivetrain far as I know I've had it since 130,000. I replace several electrical componets. And now the 3rd egr valve ouch! But it is awsome in the snow!

97 Astro approaching 120K. Only real probem related to after-market security system added by dealer ... nearly a dozen service calls for electric lock failures until 100k warranty ran out, now have major failure with dutch door release (won't unlock)

My 95 had the same back hatch "electrical" problem. I fixed it my self. It wasn't actually an electrical problem, it was one of the latch rods came loose from the solenoid inside the hatch. the trick was getting the inside trim off while the hatch was closed. with a lot of patience you can loosten the trim at the bottom of the hatch enough to get your fingers or needle nose pliers in far enough to pull the latch rod(s) and release the Hatch. then it's just a matter of getting a new plastic lock bushing to replace the broken one(s) and re attach the latch rods.
I hope this helps! :-)

My 95 had the same back hatch "electrical" problem. I fixed it my self. It wasn't actually an electrical problem, it was one of the latch rods came loose from the solenoid inside the hatch. the trick was getting the inside trim off while the hatch was closed. with a lot of patience you can loosten the trim at the bottom of the hatch enough to get your fingers or needle nose pliers in far enough to pull the latch rod(s) and release the Hatch. then it's just a matter of getting a new plastic lock bushing to replace the broken one(s) and re attach the latch rods.
I hope this helps! :-)
Correction= when I said bottom of hatch - i should have said the plastic trim (sill) at the bottom center of the glass on the inside of the hatch. The solonoid and latch rods are behind this trim.

2000 LS AWD with 47k, only had it a month but no problems to report exept really bad wind noise through the door seals. But that has subsided, figured since it only happens when it is really cold (sub 20 degrees F) that the rubber shrinks a bit and allows the extra clearance for the wind to come through.

1990 SLT 2wd and I am at 208,000 km

1992 astro. 213,000. 2nd transy. 1st engine. still running.

Year 2000, 107k miles.

'98 with 135k miles

94 ext lt with 195k

2001 with 91K

95 astro 201500km. bought it new nov 94

I bought an 89 4.3L w/52000, 6 years ago, the same week failed the OIL PUMP!!!, and the alternator,
year later, the steering pump, and water pump, muffler, and auto Transmission.
EGR, O2 Sensor, MAP, MAP Sensor, and Electronic Module.
But I have not had any failure in the last 15,000 mile,
Now it has 116,000.

My first was a grey, 1989.. I put approx 250K on it

My current is a teal 1993 with 155860 on it.

(I show dogs)

At 252,000 I replaced the EGR valve and now it has 262,000.

88 cargo - 230,000 miles
92 cargo - 214,000 miles (15,000 on rebuilt engine)


Cant believe this post is still going!! :)

I sold both astro's and now own two again. :)
a 94 and a 89.

The 94 is a nice conversion van with 296k on it **not a typo**
The 89 is a window stro with 226k.

The 94 I paid $900 for and is my daily driver.
The 89 I paid $250 for and the engine is shot! The 89 is currently my project stro. Im doing the works to her. :)

1994 Awd 145,000

Mine's a '94 with 130,000 miles on the W engine.

since i started this post ive put another 40k on it
no major problems just minor wear and tear. Should hit 200k soon. I saw a 98 for sale on the street with 322k miles. anyone interested?

bought new nov.1 1998 - mar.2005 --205,000km i use this van for a truck mounted carpet cleaning machine which means the van idles at 1800 rpm 4 hours a day 5 days a week. major components are origional

'93 Astro CS -- purchased by my parents in Dec. '92. 177,700 miles.
Given to me back in 2001 after my mom bought an '01 or '02 Bravada.

94 with 198,000. Has had minor repairs; alt, water pump, sensor here and there but overall has been a good ride

Original engine
Just changed valve stem seals
rebuilt transmission at 130,000
new drums, rotors, brakes and master cylinder at 197,000
problem with wires shorting through firewall once
overheated(ran without water) 5 or 6 times without any problems

overall a good vehicle for us

I update every 10,000 miles. I've went from 262,000 to 272,000 with no problems. I thought I was going to need rear brakes because I still haven't had to change them but they were still 50%. I've put 140,000 on it myself, I guess they aren't ever going to wear out. Also I may put this van up for sale but I'll need around $2300 But it's still a pretty good van despite the miles.

I've got an '89 with 81K. Not much mileage for an '89. It was my mom's. She worked close to home.

I have a '96 Astro with 138,000 miles. Still runs strong

98' AWD Extended, 142,000

I gots a 1995 terra conversion van with 171 carefree miles. Just changed the original plugs.

95 with 79,800 miles

94 Astro Van EXT. 152,000 miles

What kind of freon does it take? r12 or r134?

thank you

Joy

1996 with 140,000 running great after a trip form miami to new york...

1989 Astro Rebuilt auto tranny round 170,000. 226,500 right now, just developed an occasional stall problem when comming to a stop. This has now progressed to a rough start and irratic, very rough idle, can't be driven. I :frown: will miss this van very much

Girard,
Don't know if you got your answer yet but my '94 took R-134.

Billy,
Don't give up on her. The fix may be cheap & she may have a lot of good miles left in her. The last time mine ran like that I found the plugs worn to about .065. I cleaned & regapped them & it ran great.

mine 97 with 134,000

95 with 79,800 miles

R-134

93 AWD with 160,000 now hangs up when put into PARK.

Just purchased a 97 with 90,000

I put 50,000 of the 160,000 on the 93 with zero problems and it still runs great but I cannot put it into PARK.

My '94 Astro has 320K on it- just put in another engine last week that has 117k from a '95 safari- so my clock resets- ..

99 with 179K

1994 4.3 with 202431 miles

1985 Chevy Astro Cargo van 4.3L v6 147,000m (approx) All orginal, just tune ups since 1985, used to race it allot, engine started knocking 500 miles ago, just going to keep driving it until the engine blows up, then going to put a V8 in it.

Ours is at 218,000 but it has cost me 30% of it's orginal purchase price to get there and thats me doing most of the repair.

Most Annoying Problems 1st, 5 (count em) Alternators, 2nd (2 Clogged EGR), 3rd replaced 4 door lock actuators, 4th, 2 air compressors, (last one GM bought because I bought lifetime warranty on the firs replacement), New exhaust from header back, 1 Radio Antenna (that was a lot of fun), 1 Ox Sensor.

My wife says it's kind of like me, there is a need and desire to keep it around but it sure is a pain in the ass.

1989 Astro Rebuilt auto tranny round 170,000. 226,500 right now, just developed an occasional stall problem when comming to a stop. This has now progressed to a rough start and irratic, very rough idle, can't be driven. I :frown: will miss this van very much

Bet you a lunch it's a clogged RGV.

99 astro awd 153000 miles, 93 safari 281,000 miles.

I don't own one, but I maintain a Taxi fleet with 7 of them. We had ten, but three have been totaled. All are 2000 models. Mileages range from about 340,000 to 430,000. The one with 430,000 has about 150k on the motor, all the rest are original motors. For the most part, I have been impressed with these vans, to my surprise. I protested buying them back in '00 to no avail. Motors are great, trannies are good for 200k, and the suspensions hold up fairly well. The rearends are constant trouble though, the motors are extremely hard to work on, and we constantly have to tune them up & replace motor mounts to stop complaints about rough idle, especially in gear. The constantly failing motor mounts & the vibration problems have caused multiple wiring issues as well. That said though, I am still overall impressed with the performance of these vans, and they are the only thing on the market practical & economical to use for transporting fares of more than 4/up to 7 passengers.

'97 Astro, 93,000 miles. Had alternator rebuilt at about 80,000 and water pump replaced.

86 Astro - Jasper Rebuilt Installed @ 120000...presently Have 175000 On Original Trans.
Woot!

1998 safari 146,000.
Had a 94 Astro 165,000 No major problems. just general minor repairs.

'96 Astro - 205438 miles. All original except water pump and alternator. needs motor mounts and shocks. Possibly a new tranny but it still runs beautifully.

1994 Chevy Astro extended van. Bought new in Sept. 1993. 220,000 miles. Original engine. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

Luis

i have a 93' astro, 138k i bought it 2 years ago at 65k the things seen countless west coast tours with the bands i play in, i've never missed a show! never had a serious problem!

Just bought a 98 LS with 180.565. that they let the filter clog on and burn the fuel pump up, but with starting fluid it purred, let ya know once I fix the fuel pump what I think of these vans.

1997 Atro AWD purchased new. 141K and still going. Had engine replaced at 20K....a warranty thing.

All in all it's been a good vehicle.

What kind of gas milage do you get? I get 20 MPG highway.

93 astro vin z 217k

several problems:
passenger door lock switch busted again - where can I get cheap???
rough start for about 5-10 seconds and then smooths out
during high speeds seems like the engine is cutting out/stuttering
needs new control arm bushings
needs new pitman arms
abs light on dashboard is on
normally runs pretty hot
radiator fluid is rusty

but the darn thing keeps going!!!!
its been a great vehicle for us
I'm trying to keep it running for one more year.

hope yours has been good to you also

Chevy Astro 87:
frame have over 860,000.00 KM:tongue:
New engine: over 14,453 km

I had 260,000 on my 91 Astro before i sold it.It is still on the road today with the 3rd owner.I was the 2nd owner and my gramps was the original owner.

95 stro 105k new fuel pump. injection spider, alternator, tires, starter...ac compressor is shot and the heater control valve leaks like a civ.....yet i love this damn van to death. one of the best vehicles ive ever owned...sorry to see they dont make em anymore

91 conversion 145000 so far. Runs great but smokes I believe from the exhaust valves. Only smokes upon startup.:naughty:

96 Astro conversion van 229,678 miles and going

Have 158k on my 99 but had to do rear end work at 120, as it became a real wining truck at 60mph, the carrier bearing on drivers was totally shot, i sould have done the pinion at the same time but i chickened out, bad for me because its still not as quiet as i would like it to be. But i had it apart before, so its not new anymore.

92 Astro 206,000 miles

Indyhoosier

Hi,
if I read this i am not anry to buy an Astro or an Safari with high Miles here in Germany.

If someone have some Tips for me about this Car please tell me.

Greating from Germany


Marcus

1991......... 212,000 + miles and still cookin'

94 Astro Van EXT. 152,000 miles

What kind of freon does it take? r12 or r134?

thank you

Joy
ur stro should use r134 i also have a 94 ext

91 conversion 145000 so far. Runs great but smokes I believe from the exhaust valves. Only smokes upon startup.:naughty:

A moderate puff of blue (oil) smoke on startup after sitting for several hours is not uncommon. Typically it is due to valve stem seal leakage, which doesn't affect performance a bit. Actually, an argument can be made that the extra upper cylinder lubrication on cold starts is beneficial, although the EPA would probably not agree.

1990 gmc safari cargo 189.000 miles .
Had the heads done at 188.500 miles, valve seals, total clean-up etc.
It was a total mess .I really recommend a valve job around 150.000 miles.
What happend on mine was that a valve got stuck and the pushrod jumped out of place then the lifter hit it and broke it.
The cylinders were looking like new , still lots of life left in it.
It doesn't smoke at all now after the seals were replaced.Before was smoking first time start up for few sec's
Other than that an alternator and starter, nothing else.
Runs like a champ now.

1997 - 168,000 miles

'94 Astro EXT 156k All original except alternator. Bought it brand new in June, 1994.

Jusrt turned 170,000 92 astro

97 with 169k on it. Hauls a family of 7 and still starts each day, (God willing and with help from this forum :grinyes: :grinyes: :grinyes:

I have a 95 astro conversion with 125k on it. All original, luckily just regular maintenance so far! I live in MI and this thing has driven to both the east and west coast several times. Very good piece of machinery! :wink:

88 cargo 3ed owner. 1st was at and t.2ed was a plumber who put a jasper motor in at 150000.when the power stering pump went up he got a ford van.i got it from him for500.00 put a new pump on it and hooked up the things he wired wrong when putting the motor in.i took out the idiot light dash and put in gauges in dash.took off the ladder racks replaced the fuel injectors.and for fun a nos spray kit.lol. so i think i have around 300000.and still going like a time x.when it dies i have another v6.after that its going to a 350.

'98 144k
accellerator stickey, located that link; vaccumn leak- whines but I'll find it with an alernate fuel source, had to have the rear end rebuilt - bad axel seal = bad gear bushings.
This is the real puzzeler - why and/or how did my dip stick burn in two just south of the joint in the dip stick tube. the old tube is still in there and I use the top to sal the tube but to check the oil level I have to get the new tube out of the back of the van and work it past the old stick, read it and then stow it again. sorry to address this here but I didnot see a thread to this problem. One day spring my wife and I tried to leave for work and the van would not start. I had it towed to a trusted mechanic. He found the starter burned out and 1 or 2 of the megga fuses blown. Acouple of weeks later I was having the oil changed and that mechanic started waving the dip stick all over the shop. when they showed it to me I thought he had laid it over the battary, but considering the length of the dip stick and location of the battary and where it was burned that did not work out . I went to a local dealer for a new stick and installed it. While I was siting in their parking lot with the engine running the van shook roughly and then smoothed out. I went inside to visit the body shop manager ( a coustomer of mine) aad when I tried to leave it would not start. I had it towed back to my trusted mechanic and all he could find was a blown fuse. I told him what I had done, so we looked at the new dip stick and found a blue heat mark on it at about the same place the old one was burned in two. So now I follow the routine as outlined above when checkng the oil. On a related note, how the crap do you get the front half of the dip stick tube to separate from the bottom? I think I might be able to get to the bottom part of the stick if I could just get the top ob the tube out.
We bought this van new as a conversion and have had few problems aside from the above and the following.
when we bought the van the dealer had a loca monkey install an alarm with remote controll for the locks. That has been a headache since day one. Shortly after taking delivery fuses started popping in the mirror/dome light circuit. The dealer taped up some bare wires but the I/we just deal with it and leave the fuse blown.

The dipstick is probably coming out through the tube where it is separated- the upper tube will work its way out of the lower tube- right behind the engine manifold- I had this happen to my '94- could not check the oil level- the dipstick was sliding out down by the starter-- so your dipstick has probably actually contacted the battery hot terminal at the starter- and created a dead short which has burnt the dipstick in two-- the other end is probably curled up around the starter contact- not inside the lower dipstick tube.. I had a sister-in-law fill her van over full of oil because she could not get a reading on her dipstick- she put in 4 quarts- and still no reading- was all because the dipstick would protrude out the gap between the upper and lower tube assemblies- listen for it as you slide it down- This is a common problem with the dipstick on this vintage van....

Thanks for the reply. The starter has been replaced since the first occourance with no mention or notice of a dip stick stuck to a terminal. My son and I have inspected the tube and tried to get the two halves apart with no luck. I keep the new dip stick in the back of the van and can get it past the old stick to check the oil. I have never had it fail to register oil on the stick.

1990 287k on original engine and trans.

95 with 287,000 still strong as ell

Just bought a '96 with 104k. Runs great!:2cents:

my brother in law just sold his 1994 it had 398000k on it and it still ran good
the only thing he ever had to do out side of matiance was put an alt. on it .
he has driven it to florida many times 1100 miles each way with no problems.

90 safari, 180,000+
95 astro, 118,000

2000 astro le awd; 254,000mi, 2nd transfer case, smokes a bit, and usual front end looseness--beyond that PURRRRS.

My '95 AWD Tradewinds conversion has 169K and no leaks. It's had a few brakes, struts, and fuel pumps but the motor keeps going.

i have a gmc safari 2001 with 109k

02 used 125K runs ok Miss my Aerostar 96 with 394K

90 Safari Work van 140K, rebuild rear end 2X, no other problems. Changed the plugs Serp belt at 111K. I sold it and bought the GMC passenger version new

98 Safari SE 105K Tranny valve body repair at 60K for high pressure slam shifting, Catalyst failure at 100K mi due to internal antifreeze leak @ the intake manifold, Rear differential leaks a little but seems to come and go so i'm not changing it. 18-19 MPG mixed driving. As high as 25 and as low as 15. Sold it to drive a used 04 Honda Accord - 32MPG

I have a 95 Safari 214,000 stuck in NC right now waiting for a fuel pump, sending unit and harness. I think I get to drive her again next week. Can't kick about the Van yet, I am it's third owner.

Mine Is A 95 With 180,000klm.

hi ! to all you astro people i do not have and astro van anymore.
i have an caravan and it,s got 470000 k m on it and runs like, real smooth. it is a 1992 has an 3.3 in it. if you take care of them and do not drive them to hard they last a long time. have a good day alan

204,000 on my '94 Astro Gladiator Conversion.

I have an '86 safari with 250,000km's. runs great, a little rough idle sometimes , might be some worn vacuums hoses. tuneups and oils changes regularly .

BTW what is a Gladiator conversion?

Just bought a 99 with 114k and it runs really good other than a vacuum leak somewhere

2000 with 227,000 on it. Replaced the alternator, fuel pump, front brake pads. Still has the original plugs, etc, and gets over 19 MPG. Might as well keep it now.......

Just bought mine for $199.00. 2000 Astro LT. Never knew what a pain it is to work on these. 377,000km. I am trying to find the power steering leak and then I should be good to go!

330,000 plus on our old 86 Safari .... maintence? ha...who needs it, we never did hardly anything maintence to it. it was REALLY rough we we sold it, but she ran... origional motor and tranny (no overdrive since about ~310K)

2 rear ends went out
water pump
thats about it...

I just turned 150,000 on a 2002 Astro LS. Bought it new one month after 9-11. Engine and transmission are both excellent. No unusual problems. I drive like Grandpa, tho. Just got 85,000 mi. out of a set of Firestone Destination LEs.

over 230000 on my 95

99 awd 223,000k

94 astro w/115K

Great vehicle...only major repair is a rebuild for the transmission. Just put it in...

1995 cmfi safari 155,000miles, just replaced spider fuel injector. I was going to trash it due to clanging exhaust, window switches out, a/c died, & paint fading. But, the motor just wouldn't die, so I decided to do my part on recycling/saving the environment & let her live and pull the boat. I wonder how much of the earths resourses are used to make a new car/van. Yep, I'm a helping save the planet with my clunker.

Hi, I have a 1995 Chevy Astro Van LT with 162,500. I have owned it for 4 years now. I am about to work on the intake to replace the fuel lines and fuel pressure regulator. I just changed the spark plugs. I had autolites in there and was told by my cousin, he's a Certified Mechanic, he said never to use any other plugs in my van, to use the Ac-Delco cause that is what it requires. I put the Ac-Delco Platinums in it which will give me better fuel mileage and more power. It runs like a champ now and is ready for a long trip.

I have a 2002 with 98k and a 1991 with over 215k original engine and trans. New water pump in 96, new ABS module in 2000, new power steering pump last year, still runs strong.

'93 Astro Extended, 222,000 mi. - runs strong, uses very little oil.

Engine original, four speed auto tran original as far as I know and runs good. Replaced alternator, rear brakes, exhaust, all pretty normal stuff!

Love being able to remove all rear seats to haul cargo, great capacity!

Rear door, inside handle broke recently, but was cheap fix with aftermarket part.

Van had wiring issues when I got it (pass window not working) and required repairing wiring harness running from inside body to passenger door. After fix, all wiring was good and window works now!

1998 297000kilometers, all original, and running well. (maintained regularly)

1992 w/origional engine and trans...299,000 miles.Um 1 water pump,1 battery,2 alternators,too many sets of tires and brakes.:popcorn:

1997 Astro AWD - 191,000

New - Alternator, tires, intake gasket, injectors, speed sensor, AC compressor, fuel pump, misc. hoses and clamps, brakes, - over the years.

I like the over-all feel and look of the van, it's great for my job, but man they do have their issues.

Will be 195,000 by the end of this week for sure.

I had a 94 utility van I bought second hand--I lowered it, painted it candy blue--nice rims, headers, and put a full interior in it to show off the stereo systems I was a rep for (Rockford Fosgate) This poor van always had lots of weight in it, and I ran it hard!. Changed oil regularly--at 297000 it went better than the 96 I bought to replace it. Took everything out and got $2500 for it

Im on my 3rd Safari and wish GM would bring them back to Canada

PEZ

As requested:

2000 LS AWD with 133,000 miles.

I bought it in Dec 2007 and I'm just starting to go through it.

harryevan