Don

        I have no experience with the AWD Astro/Safari but have owned & put 

a bunch of HardMiles on a 93 & 96 Astro2WD pulling HorseTrailers & VeryHeavy

LoadsOfHay ~ They are a VeryWellBuilt NiceRiding WorkHorse ~ According to the

FamilyOwned TranyShop that I use for AutoTranyService they have one of the best

Tranys on the road ~ But the V6 does have an issue that can be expensive ~ There

is an Upper & Lower IntakeManifold that of course sit OnTop of the Eng' between the

Heads & SomeWhere in that Stack is a CoolantGasket (I think it's between the Heads

& the LowerIntakeManifold but not sure I'm recalling that correctly) & ThatGasket is

a notorious weak spot & because of where the Eng' resides in the Van it is not easy to

get to to replace ~ So look for Signs of CoolantLeaks & the Possible use of StopLeak ~

                                                                        ORR ~ DeanB

On 7 May , 2014, at 8:21 AM, Don Hanson wrote:

>  may be too late.
> 
>   Can anyone give me tips on what to look for in the GM small AWD vans
> before I go buying one?  Astro and Safari?   I've been over the  brand
> forums and haven't found anything on their weak points or any type of
> pre-purchase information checklist..so I thought I'd ask for a PM from
> anyone here who's got experience with theses vans....I know there are a few
> who have them.  I know these must have issues like our vanagons do, so I'd
> like to know what to look for...
> 
>   I am looking for an inexpensive work van with AWD to get me and my tools
> around, and to tow a work trailer with...I am sick of changing 'modes' in
> my Vanagon ....dragging out all the tools and putting the toys inside
> several times a week, sometimes even twice a day...that is not fun and I've
> found that I forget things that are needed.... I get to my bike ride
> starting point sometimes and find I have no front wheel....get to the job
> site and find I forgot my saw or drill....plus, I am beating up the Vanagon
> inside....I'd like to minimize that...
> 
>  Thanks, sorry for the non-friday off topic post but the van I spotted is
> sitting out next to the highway and looks like a Killer deal...It will
> probably sell before Friday... PS it is a 97 AWD panel with tow package and
> low mileage with a straight body for just $2k
> 
>  Don Hanson