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I currently use a 1989 Safari passenger van for my construction business. I also use a 14′ single axle cargo trailer for moving larger tools and materials to and from the worksite. My question is: Has anyone had any experience with the AWD van? And, if so, have you had any major problems with it? I am currently looking to purchase a 96 to 98 van, and thought the AWD would be a good choice for hauling and driving in snow here in NW Ohio. Your responses are appreciated!! |
“Objects in mirror appear closer than they are.”
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio
Replies
What kind of mileage do you get on your van? I would think if you could deal with the size it would help having all wheel drive on the construction sites I'm on.
Tim,
I get around 12-14 in town, and maybe 16-17 on highway. My avg. for YTD is 14.0. I understand that the newer vans get better mileage than what my '89 gets. So, it really wouldn't matter if it was AWD or not. The mileage almost has to be better than what I get now.
Also, I don't drive more than 15,000 a year anyway, so my costs aren't that high. I am more concerned about maintenance costs than fuel costs.
Any comments on repairs/or lack of to an AWD van would be appreciated.
Thanks!"Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio
Bryan, I have a 95 Astro AWD with 120K on it. I use it daily for my other job and I won't say it has been completely trouble free but has run pretty reliable. The first 100k was with out any major problems (recently replaced the rear breaks and seals and the alternater went out at 80k). I am very happy with it overall. For the very slick conditions we sometimes have here in Anchorage it is the most stable vehicle I have ever driven, on glare ice with good studded tires it is excellent. Mileage is about what one of the other poster claims, usually around 12-14 around town and maybe 17 lightly loaded on my occasional run out of town. My only complaint is minor but do get static from the front passenger as the seat does not have much travel and the foot well area is cramped by the engine cover. That may be better on the newer models but have not looked in quite a while. I have a Jaco popup that I use to pull that will make it work fairly hard on long uphill runs and it is marginal stopping since it is without brakes (its weight class didn't require but should of) but otherwise ok. Good luck in your decision. One other thing I have the rear "dutch door" configuration and would not want any other but have replaced the lift struts 3x over the years. Could be the extreme cold kills the seals but that upper window assembly is really heavy without the assist from the struts. 15 minute job to change but costs about $40. if memory serves.
Thanks, Jim. This is the kind of information I am looking for. Glad to hear you like the dutch doors. I like the full double doors, but when I open the doors and it's raining or snowing, my tools get wet. I realize that they can still get wet even with the window above your head, but it has to be considerably less.
It sounds like you've tested it well there in Alaska. Here in NW Ohio I don't think I will have quite the same conditions, although it can get pretty nasty at times. As far as the struts, I think I can fork out $40 once in a while to have the advantage of the cover over my head.
Also, I want the van for a work vehicle. I have a 2001 Honda Odyssey for the family van, and at this time would not want anything else. So, the complaint on the passenger leg room is their problem.
Thanks again.
Anyone else out there have any experiences with Astro/Safari vans??"Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio
Way back in 1985 I bought one of the first Astro cargo vans, (carburated not injected). Not an AWD either. I'm still using it...most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I've replaced idler arms twice. That's about it for repairs. The door and window mechanisms need replacing. The speedometer has stopped working. The seats are ragged. The paint keeps peeling (common for Chevy back then), and I keep touching it up. It refuses to die. My guess is 160,000 miles. Just starting to burn oil. I'll be looking for another soon...also interested in AWD. I'm wondering about those dutch doors...ever bump your head on 'em?
The greatest thing about the Astro van (especially AWD version) is that no one else makes something quite like it. It is in a special class all by itself.
Like the Ford Crown Vic, after GM killed the Caprice.
These niche vehicles are probably not big money makers for their makers, but priceless for those who need something just like that.
I get tired of everything getting samey (as the English put it). Vive la Diferance.
The wood workers that I know who drive Astros swear by them and they seem to run forever (the Astros, not the workers).
My 1989 has 130,000 on it. It puts out a puff of blue smoke when it starts up (valve seals I guess). Paint is peeling on it also. Had the top repainted 2+ years ago because it was rusting. Bought it at 60,000. It had new idler arms on it then, and I just replaced those last year. When I bought it I was told they needed replaced every 30,000 miles, but I got over 60,000 out of them. Other than regular maintenance, brakes, tires, oil change, I have replaced the power steering pump and had the alternator repaired. It loses a little refrigerant too.
As far as the dutch door, I am 5'9" and could easily stand under it. Had about 6" clearance above my head. I want that for the weather protection. The AWD gets about the same in-town mileage (15 mpg) whereas it gets about 18 - 19 on the highway (compared to 20 for the 2wd). At least that is what the ratings say for it."Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio
Norm is right. The Astro/Safari van is the only rear wheel/AWD mini-van left. If you are going to tow, it is your only choice. It's on a frame while all the other mini-vans are front drive unibodies. The front drive transaxles are not well suited to towing or heavy use, especially the Chryslers.
Just to update everyone on my search.
Purchased a 1998 AWD Astro van two days ago. It has 74,000 miles on it. It is in really good shape. Already has a hitch installed, and has a factory installed trailer-towing package. Purchased from a Chevy dealer for $9300. Was able to talk to the previous owners about it before I bought it. Am looking forward to using it."Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio