1997 GMC Safari 4.3 vortec
Summary:
It is a shame they stopped making these
Faults:
Power Steering/Brake Pump - One unit ($250) controls both, as in most vans. This was apparently the 2nd replacement since new - not too bad.
Transmission - It had a recent rebuild ($1500) when I bought it - it lasted 75,000 miles. Then I put a Jasper re-manufactured in it ($2800).
Alternator - This was the 2nd alternator since new ($200). There was a short in some A/C wiring that had something to do with this.
Cooling fan thermostat - Apparently these only last 3-4 summers with heavy use ($45).
Brakes - Anti-lock does not work. Brakes have pulled to the right when slightly worn through 3 services in 2 years by 2 different repairmen. Thus includes replacing a caliper and rotor once, and just a caliper once. Previous owner had same problem. Latest theory is that the brake lines from the anti-lock control unit to the front left are pinched just enough to confuse speed sensor.
A/C - This vehicle has front and rear a/c - I recently replaced the dashboard control unit ($113), the rear fan switch ($35), and the front blower motor ($75). Although the system is properly charged and in excellent condition, it will not keep the vehicle cool when sitting still, even when out of gear.
General Comments:
I use this vehicle for a delivery business, as did the previous owner. The original owner used it as a personal family vehicle, and sold it to the previous owner with 65,000 miles in 2001. The ergonomics of the front driver/passenger area are the worst I have ever encountered. It would seem the interior and exterior of this vehicle were designed for two different vehicles from two different car companies. The engine is original and runs very strong. I get 21 mpg at 70 mph on the highway (no a/c on), 17 or so around town (w/ a/c on). From a practicality point of view (cargo capacity, mpg) it is a better delivery vehicle than the Dodge Dakotas I used before, but sitting in this thing for long periods of time actually hurts.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd April, 2006
11th Jan 2006, 23:30
I've driven the last of 145,000 miles of a total of 203,469 before my dad paid $1200 for a used vortec 4.3 to be installed, I love this van and drive it for work on construction sites every day of the week and am very happy at how little down time it has given me, but now at 207,506 miles the front differential is making a bad noise and even though the A/C lasted 196,000 miles I can't suggest putting any more money into this van. The suspension is just odd now even with brand new shocks. GMC really got it right when they mated their vortec 4.3 with AWD and this utilitarian van. I feel I got more than my money's worth driving this vehicle for work over the last 8 years, but everything is consistently breaking now, including: window controls, rear hatch release, glove box latch, wiper sprayer, rear defrost and the service engine soon light always draws many questions. When your van goes let her go gracefully and sell while she's still worth something...
Phillip.