1992 GMC Safari review from North America
"Love it, if it were not such a gas guzzler, I would buy another"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Starter went at 220000, fixed myself easily, $200, didn't even have to jack up the van.
Temperature sensor went at 180000, fixed myself not so easily, $30, hoses in the way, took time to flush coolant.
Fan for heater/AC went at 180000, fixed easily myself, $100, front left corner 4 bolts.
Broke starter in ignition. User error. Didn't fix, ran switched power straight to starter, $10, I'm a cheap bugger.
Seats wear badly at 180000, but I think that's due to the moist climate.
Excessive brake wear on the front brakes.
Temperature sensor went again at 230000, didn't fix.
General comments?
Love the van, the engine is indestructible. I would trust it to drive me to the moon and back.
I treated the van poorly, rarely did I change the oil in the last 140000kms. I changed the belt once and didn't flush any of the other fluids, but the van just keeps on going. I drove it up mountains. 40+ degrees BC interior, -60 northern BC. and never had a problem over heating or not starting in the cold.
I wish wish wish they made these with a diesel engine, I would drive no other vehicle.
Lacks the kind of power I expect from a 6 cyl.
Highway gas mileage is OK, but very poor in the city maybe 12city/18hwy.
Coolest minivan on the market (if you can even say minivans are cool).
Not very easy to work on, good for me, I had no engine work needed.
Brakes wear out at a alarming rate.
Fiberglass leaf springs, WTF. Mine never went, but have started to splinter.
Recommended reviews
| A mechanical and ergonomic nightmare |
|
| A low performing piece of junk |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1992 |
| Year of manufacture | 1992 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.3L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 230000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota 4x4 |
| Date of Entry | 7th November, 2009 |