9th Feb 2006, 07:49

I beg to differ with the previous statement regarding the intake gasket not being a major repair. I had to have that done (twice now!) on my 1996 Chevy Lumina (obviously an ongoing problem for GM). When I have to fork out $800+ dollars and be without a vehicle for a week, it IS a major repair! Anything that can kill your engine if untreated IS a major repair. Anything that could cause your vehicle to overheat while driving is a very big safety and reliability issue! Just my two cents.

13th Apr 2006, 21:36

I would not recommend the Venture, neither would I recommend the Astro over the Venture. I know of one case of a mid-90's GMC Safari (Astro twin, owned by relatives) that was traded at age 7 when the front suspension failed, causing the wheel to come loose (this, after a host of other mechanical and electrical problems). I've also heard complaints from Venture owners of electrical, head gasket and rust problems.

27th Jan 2007, 18:43

I also have a 2000 Chevy Venture WB edition. I bought it with 95,000 miles on it for $3,800. Things I have had to repair are the bearings, power windows, and the overdrive on the transmission. Not a big deal considering someone else payed the depreciation on it. I plan on having it for years to come. With minor repairs because it is SEVEN years old.

31st Aug 2007, 14:49

My 2000 Venture has given me little trouble over the past seven years, but, I am having problems with my fuel gauge fluctuating and not reading properly. At 140,000 miles I am neding to replace axile.

11th Nov 2007, 07:41

I have a 2000 Venture with a bad overdrive too. What did you do to fix it? How much did it cost?

Thanks,

Jonathan.

29th Dec 2008, 08:49

I have a 2008 with 90000 miles on it. I bought it brand new, and I have to say that for what it is, it's a decent enough vehicle, and has done everything I've expected of it. It replaced a 1997 Toyota Sienna which experienced fuel injector failure, followed by total engine failure that was caused by an oil sludge problem that Toyota knew about. Unlike most GM bashers here, I will never again be fooled by hyped up Japanese reliability.

In eight years, other than normal maintenance, I have done the following repairs to my Venture:

Faulty Battery (warranty)

Faulty Power lock actuators (warranty)

Master cylinder

Wheel cylinders.

AND:

The infamous intake gasket, at 87,000 miles. While my mechanic was "in there," I told him to replace the water pump and serpentine belt, change the plugs and wires, and clean the fuel injectors. Total cost, ~$1400.

Now I'm hauling Boy Scouts and gear around in, so far no problems. The interior has stood up well to a lot of dirt and rough use. I do my best to take care of it, and plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off.