1997 Chevrolet Astro 4.3 Vortec from North America

Summary:

Bargain Hauler for big family

Faults:

Replaced Front & Rear shocks to improved with Gas shocks handling @ 106000

Re-soldered Wiper control board @ 107000

Catalitic converter replaced @ 110000

Replaced tires with BFGoodrich 235/70, improved handling and comfort dramatically @ 120000

Replaced AC Pressure hose due to chafing @ Dipstick tube.

Replaced Water-pump @ 125000

Replaced Radiator @ 130000

Total cost in Parts ~1600 $

Labor done by myself.

Those parts are normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

Strong reliable Engine.

Trasmission sometime shifts harsh,

Lately it slides from 1st to second when cold.

For those who complain about road-handling: Switch to BFGoodrich 235/70.

I would buy it again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2003

3rd Sep 2004, 17:03

On your review of astro van it said that the cost of water pump and radiator parts was 1600. Is this a misprint? did you buy the parts new or used and from where? it is possible for a radiator to need to be flushed, but it should last for 150 or 7 years.

1997 Chevrolet Astro Custom from North America

Summary:

Very expensive maintenance to keep it on the road

Faults:

While the vehicle was still under warranty the fuel gauge went out and had to be replaced.

The rear air broke and had to be fixed.

The paint has been peeling off the bumpers since I first got the vehicle.

Once the warranty ran out, the rear end went out at 38,000 miles, at 60,000 the transmission went out, at 64,000 the air conditioning went out twice (once it was the compression lines and a week later it was an electrical problem).

Recently the wipers stopped working and a computer board had to be replaced.

These are only some of the things that have gone wrong since I have had the vehicle.

General Comments:

I will never buy a Chevy again and would be happy to trade this one in for a Ford, but for what I've been offered for it that isn't financially do-able right now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th October, 2001

19th Dec 2002, 20:48

Transmissions on a vehicle do fail sometimes even on the best car on the market. Don't get upset just because the transmission failed on you. The second one should work for years. Astro are very powerful and are a good van so keep it.

7th Apr 2003, 16:14

If your Astro gave you that much trouble, than you probably got a lemon, sometimes business people will tow heavier than needed stuff on highways causing stress on the engine then sell it as is letting the next owner worry about it, other than that the Astro has a great reputation for longevity.

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1997 Chevrolet Astro LS from North America

Summary:

Terrible

Faults:

There has been an electrical problem since I first purchased this car. I have had two brand new batteries and a new alternator. The dealership wants to start removing fuses. This car has been towed or jumped at 20 times since I have owned it. Where can I go for an answer? I am a single parent and this is most inconvenient. Thanks.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th September, 2000

4th Apr 2003, 14:34

Too bad the author probably won't get this message, but an excellent source of help is www.astrosafari.com. There you can learn the ins-and-outs of Astro/Safari ownership.