Engine smokes at startup, but the oil consumption has remained low.
Brakes have cheap construction.
Idler arms wore despite diligent greasing.
Van is a little noisy at freeway speeds.
The ride is a bit jiggly.
Needs mid-grade fuel to run well.
The van still looks and runs well at 115000 miles and 9 years old. It has been a very durable and reliable vehicle, despite occasional towing of a heavy trailer (5000 lbs). The vehicle is very stable pulling the heavy trailer.
The vehicle can fit a lot of gear inside with the rear seat removed (5 bikes + vacation gear).
I have a 1995, 1950 Sport-fish Crestliner. The boat weighs about 4500 lbs with gear and gas. Would you recommend an Astro for pulling that much weight about 1-2 times per week, in the summer and some occasional 150 mile trips up north. Did your Astro van struggle with 5,000 lbs. You also forgot that Astro vans have practically no recalls, compared to Dodge, and Jeep?
E-mail me back,
Brian Jansen.
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