1997 Chevrolet Astro Extended from North America - Comments

Entire front end (suspension) was rebuilt at 119,000 miles to fix a wander problem that was still there after the $600 - NOT at the dealer.

Intake manifold gasket replaced at 119,500 miles and cost $350 at my regular mechanic - NOT the dealer.

Replaced the brakes all the way around at 120,000 - I did it myself for about $100.

Water pump replaced at 121,600 at regular mechanic - another $250.

Replaced the radiator due to leaks caused by the new water pump and increase in pressure (as I was told) at 121,650.

Many electrical issues with the vehicle: fan would not blow on high (was not the switch because I blew $40 on the part to find it didn't fix the problem), gauges would intermittently stop working when lights turned on, rear A/C fan quit, transmission shifting problem, many others too numerous to mention.

The van had an engine miss that was NOT cured by plugs, wires, cap, and rotor replacement. Never did find out what was causing that.

The final straw was the bearing on one of the connection rods blew out at 124,000.

I ended up with a lemon. I had $8000 in the van, drove it for less than a year and sold it as it sat for $2200.

Positives were:

It did have a good towing capability for my small trailer to haul camping gear, etc.

Cabin was very nice and roomy and had 8 passenger seating - we have 6 kids and needed the space.

For what is supposed to be the "best" engine out there (the 4.3L Vortec) it sure didn't impress.

We went back to a V-8 in a full-sized van.

I'm impressed that the author is out of touch with typical costs of general automobile ownership. It is normal for brakes, suspension, and water pump to need replacing after 100,000 miles. I too would have been disappointed to replace the radiator at 121K, but it's not uncommon. He could indeed have had a lemon, or he could have had poor mechanical advice. I suspect his money saving mindset may have led to inadequate maintenance.

My 97 Cargo Version has 451,000 kilometers on the original motor and trannsmission Had to replace normal wear and tear stuff, but I give the old girl lots of credit.

Yep, care for the truck, and it'll care for you. Author bought the truck with 115K+ Miles, and didn't go into the deal eyes-open, and was suckered at the purchase. Sounds like a bad case of sour grapes.

Do a little more research and testing before you make major purchases, and you're less-likely to get burned.

Bought my Astro Cargo with 175K Miles for ~1500, with a few mechanicals to deal with, but nothing huge other than the radiator (~$200).

I'm up to ~260K Miles now... the old girl is still rockin'...

God Bless Mobil 1 Synthetic. :D.

My first Astro van was an 86 and even after over 650,000 miles the thing still wouldn't die. I'm truly amazed with these vehicles and the 4.3 engine in particular. BTW, this van was used in stop and go magazine delivery where the engine would be kept running with the Ac blowing while a delivery was made & then I'd drive another 1000 ft and do the same.

Also many long and very comfortable road trips. What a versatile vehicle! Short turning radius, easy to park. Pull out seats & load up Furniture, Lumber or whatever.

I should add this van was never really taken care of that well either. Fairly regular oil changes but often well over on mileage or time and it was worked extremely hard.

Well I guess I should complain too since my AC did eventually go out and toward the end at 650,000 miles the Odometer & speedometer broke. After that, I figure I probably drove it another 100,000 miles making 750,000 on the same engine, & transmission. By now the poor old thing had lost her beauty and my landlord at a new apartment building I had moved into had it towed away. But, SHE WAS STILL RUNNING GREAT!

Since then I've bought 2 more Astros and the story has been the same.