Here's 5 reasons you should NOT buy a Chevrolet Astro Van 

Regardless, these vans were the absolute best cargo vans for maneuverability, mileage, and low maintenance. I wish GM never discontinued them!

I have had my 2000 Astro AWD for 21 years. 340,000 miles. I will be sad whenever it needs to go. Awesome vehicle in every way. Biggest problem is many parts are discontinued and hard to find used (in good condition). If you maintain it - It will last. A lot of the problem mentioned are regional. Living in the Northwest away from the coast mine has zero rust.

I've had my '98 Astro for 25 years now and still love it. It's not too big or too small and the 4.3 L puts out enough HP for me. Sure things break and have to be replaced or repaired (A/C unit, fuel injection spider, idler arms, some rust here and there) but they don't make these anymore so I take good care of it. My mechanic calls it the 'Cream Puff'.

My wife hates mine because of its quirkiness. But it breaks down a whole lot less than her newer Lincoln.

I bought my 99 astro 2 years ago and have been living in it for 1.5 of that. I too had an upper leak above the rear doors, but just replaced the upper seal and that fixed it completely.

Good video and you did explain the cons very well. I personally love my Astro but I have had it since it was brand new with only a half of a mile on it and now it has 236+ on it. But I have change the oil at 2500 miles and i use lucas oil additive (on quart) I also have changed the plugs and plug wires every 50k. she runs great and is now in the midst of being converted into a small camper so we can use it to travel.

I fixed the glove box rattle by adding stick on felt furniture pads to either side of the latch mechanism - Been meaning to mention and show that in a video - Was in AZ in 116° heat and I can see a slight gap between the bezel and dash just above the steering wheel - I keep meaning to pick up one of them dash carpets.... Neither of my Astros (I had an '05 cargo before this one) leaked but one of the fist things I did was inspect and clean all the rubber - That rubber "gutter" piece over the back opening can get filled with debris which leads to it breaking down - I pointed this out in one of my videos - It's a good idea to clean that out from time-to-time

Your videos have inspired me to do more work on my 95 Astro. Still has pretty low miles and I drive it often for work or to haul my kids around. Eventually I’ll make a pull out bed and the wife and I will do some exploring. Keep the videos coming. I’m not looking forward to doing my drum brakes but I’m grateful that you have a video discussing it.

Just picked up a beautiful 2000 Astro with 145k for only $2100, it runs and drives amazing & isn’t a rust bucket yet. I just started my camper build today & im already making great progress, these vans are cake! Thanks for the videos bro, you seem like a cool guy! Love from Florida !!

I’ve owned a very basic ‘86 Astro for 5 years now and it’s great. Very basic. No cruise control, no power windows, not even a radio. Paid 3k. I use a tailgater boombox and Bluetooth, and that works perfectly for my stereo system . Only complaint? Be careful that you don’t turn off the headlights accidentally on using the turning signal. The headlight levers are very sensitive. The van only had 42,000 miles on it when purchased five years ago and now has 84,000 miles on it. No rust, very clean underneath but roof needs painted. Basic maintenance is the key to longevity. 👍

I have owned an Astro for business for 20 years. Most reliable vehicle I could ever want. Never selling it. Easy to maintain and repair. These are good vehicles if you know how to keep up on them. Every vehicle on the road has its known issues and in many cases, there are upgrades to improve upon original design. My Astro will never be for sale, it's just too reliable and gets me where I need to go every single day.

My 1st car was a 2000 astro and it lasted until the year 2019 My grandfather had it and he took good care of it and then when I got it it was already starting to show its age but I never had none of the issues you've stated with the car ever which I guess just goes to show how well it was well kept

Every grab handle ive seen in real life was solid and intact

Hey man great video! I got lucky to find my van for sale with a good interior intact. My van was from Florida and has little bit of rust due to people coming up north with the salt, and not washing them right away, and the underneath. So I will be doing body work soon.

I seen another RU-vidr that has custom made his roof rack and it's spot on . I am doing the same along with door boxes in the back doors . I had the same issue with the back doors leaking and just got a bigger seal and it fixed the issue.

I got a 2002 Astro conversion van for $750 in 2022 that only had 63k on it, already put 30k on it. Very little rust in it for New York but I have yet to fix it, nothing leaks yet but I have it on a list of things of to fix

Thought about an Astro, but I was smart and bought a 99 4d 2wd S10 Blazer. I also lucked out because I had it has an g80 rear end and 3.42 gearing and factory hitch for $1200 over a year ago. I needed to rebuild the whole emission system and it was able to pass a California smog ✓ (6 months later still no SES light). My truck spent its entire 23 year life in San Diego California on the highways zero rust even under the trim/cladding. It is on its second 4l60e which hasn't given me any problems yet 🤞🏻✌🏻 Ps it now has 264k on the clock

Awesome video .👍 You're keeping it real here. I bought a 2000 AWD cargo version w/140k on it for $6500...a Georgia utility fleet vehicle with absolutely no rust but sat in the garage for 10 years ...needed old gas siphoned and ton of fuel injection cleaner to get it going... Cargo doors have no leaks...dashboard cracked and separated just like yours (I have to see how you fixed that video)..cheap plastic rattling is DEFINITELY real..no problems with my drum brakes..they were new ones the fleet put on..as far as rust I am using an oil wax since I had this thing shipped to Connecticut where I live now...they spray pickle brine on the roads here and many of the vans look like Swiss cheese with all the rustholes...as far as prices I've seen Astros going for almost $20,000...mine would be almost double what I paid 2 years ago...

Interesting, I work on these vans a lot, and have 6 of them at the moment. So far I have never had any problems with the dash de laminating, the plastic chipping or the grab handle breaking. I live in canada, in the rockies, so rust is an issue. So far my vans are rust free but it is a lot of work cleaning and re undercoating them from time to time. As for the roof rack, I use that for everything, even carried a couple foot tall stack of 2x4's up there, these roof racks are very strong.

My 2005 AWD Astro with 90k miles was $11.2k , its pristine. No dash cracks, cold AC and the interior only has a couple of dark spots on the carpet. I see plenty of these vans with under 100k miles going for $15k. Only work I have had to do to mine is fix a rotted vacuum line that was making the AC blow out of the defrost. That was $9 part. Have took the van on several camping trips with no issues. Wish it got a little better gas mileage though but other than that we love it. We plan to travel the US once we get an enclosed cargo trailer conversion to pull.

When you mentioned the passanger side "handle," I had to laugh because I literally had mine break off when I made the mistake of grabbing it the other day. It came right off in my hand. Why a manufacturer would put a handle there and design it as being only ornamental is absolutely stupid. And you are right, they love putting cheap plastic on these vans, even on the engine components at times.

I just bought a 1999 Astro Van that has been sitting without being started or used in four years. Anything that you think I might look out for? Your assistance would be appreciated! Thanks!

I have a 2000 astro that I bought in April of this year. Now it needs a new engine. FML. I thought I could fix it by doing head and intake gaskets, but nope. So I'm debating getting the engine replaced/rebuilt or just getting rid of it and buying a new van from a dealer.

Hey bro, my dash is starting to de-laminate. What did you use to fix yours ? thanks

I just got mine today 183k drives really good even at freeway speeds I notice she's a little bouncy on bumps any advice?

About how much can one expect to spend on restoring a neglected van similar to yours?

Idler arms are one of the weak points on these vans. Moog problem solver idler arms are better than OEM, and they will last 150,000 km if they are kept greased. If you own an Astro, invest in a grease gun & lube the 14 nipples regularly. You'll save a ton of money on front end components over the long haul.

Thank you for making this video. Hopefully, more people will see it and decide against buying an Astro van, so I have a better chance of finding one.

I have a 2001 GMC Safari which is basically an Astro van. I was blessed and a lady I'm good friends with gave me this old van for free. I wanted to pay her for it, but she wouldn't let me. It took about a month before I decided to accept it from her for free. It's got some issues, but so far, I've been able to fix it up relatively cheaply. The vehicle has a little over 130,000 miles on it. I just recently replaced the alternator, belt, idler pulley, and tensioner pulley system. I also had to replace the HVAC heater bypass valve. My next project is I'm going to need to replace the oil pressure sensor and while I'm in there, I am going to replace the original plastic housing distributor with a new all metal housing distributor. It should be a pretty easy repair. For now it runs great. I was even surprised with it being over 20 years old when I serviced the A/C system I was able to charge it and the A/C system had no leaks so far and has a really cold air system after charging it up with about a little over 2 pounds of freon. So far I really enjoy driving this van as well as working on it.

How’s fuel economy ? How much does it cost to fill up per tank?

I regret sellimg mine. I was activated for a year at ft bliss. I drove a 95 from Indiana to El Paso and fot 2 years. It had 200k miles and ac was rebuilt and worked great. I am seeing another one now

My 2002 Astro dash started to lift what i did was use liquid nail adhesive and some spring-loaded clamps that look like the letter A from home depot and secure them around the edge over night and its never going to lift

I just bought my astrovan. its a 1997 and it runs and drives with minimal rust and 300000 km. got it for 600$CA but on coldstart it has a small knock that goes away soon after

Would a drum to disk breaks swap possible ?

I've had a Chevy Astro sense 1997 or the best purchase since I've ever made. 350000 miles and still going strong

Liking good dude! I love the ceiling with the LED strip.

I never had none of those issues with 1985, but... the weight displacement of forward engine design definitely causes constant idler arm wear leading to extra steering maintenance.

I have been looking at a 2000 Chevy Astro van cargo van with the barn doors on the back and all that relatively rust-free, temporarily the AC needs to be bypassed cuz the clutch is bad so that creates issues the band does have over 200,000 MI needs a few basic things and a tune-up but the guy wants $3,000 for it, a dashboard in all gauges are actually in pretty good shape for being a cargo van, but I've been reserved about this van because I have never owned a Chevy Astro van

I think you could, could tint the window? FBi fav van means decade of R and D? Plastic cracks are good? Bc you can now gum resin it or organic bondo it? Ja?

Hey boss I live in spring Texas and about to buy one of these id love to link up with u for some advice

The outside door handles break, they like to vapor lock, the rear seal on the transmission likes to leak and they have a stupid bolt pattern that makes it hard to get aftermarket wheels.

In 20 years as a technician i never saw nobody neither a single astro van properly align that thing is a hell to adjust camber and caster .

How did you cover and painted the back Windows ?

I have a 2002 astrovan and it's perfect . The motor is bullet proof . Not fix something that does not need fixing . Once you start messing with stuff things go wrong .my van is spot on. You got a shit on . Go to Texas and buy one . Mine is from Texas and the frame does not have a spot of rust on it

I need this for traveling. It either this or a white sprinter van and I can't afford that rn 😢

great information. ill keep all this in mind when i look for one of these.

Your van has come a long way brother!

One big problem with Astro vans is the rad supports rotting out. GM no longer makes them & there are no aftermarket rad supports. If you go to buy an Astro, make sure to check out the rad supports thoroughly. The van can look & run great, but if the rad supports are rotted, the van is toast.

I still have my 1990 Astro minimal rust and i put it on the highway it hasn’t let me down and it’s under 120k miles

This dude is complaining about the most significant things. All surface stuff. Astrovans are the best. We love ours.

Those grab handles are great entertainment value for passengers to bang their heads off when reaching for something on the floor. The rad cradle rots out and the lower trans cooler line rots out because it sits on top of the frame rail where crap piles up. Ran AWDs for 10 years up in Muskoka. Best work/family van ever.🤟

It seems that the issues you are mentioning are just mostly cosmetic not mechanical which is more important than anything.

I bought an 01 with 100k for two grand. Only issues I've had are the rattle and mechanical issues. Steering box and pump alternator master cylinder. She's at 150k now and I'm finally gunna invest some time and money into it

These were really a good all around vehicle. Only a bit tippy (a girl friends friend tipped hers over going around an intersection a bit quicker than she should have). The transmission is soft in them so do not presume that "its chevy though and sealed forever life". Get it serviced and synthetic fluid. The sub frame in front is a pop can!!! Must have two times a year oil spray up inside up high behind the headlights! They ALL get rusty around the radiator and then the body creaks and game over buddy! The best van just behind Savana and Express but they have proper frames the Astro is folded over sheet "frame" which falls apart if you live in Canada. In Canada the dash pads and grab bar always are in good condition being dragged into the junkyard. All have rotten subframe.... every last one... some even still smell like the showroom in the cab and low mileage but subframe is cracked and you can't drive it.

What microphone are you using?

Put on a roof spoiler over the door lines would block most water better yet park in a garage...

onestly of a owner of this i think these are all right but somekind of wrong like all these problems are fixable its just how old the car is like the back door somtimes they have a different one and this is a good for towing family trips it can tow around 6k easily but if you have an older one with the engine losing its power it could go down 500-1000 leaving you to be able to tow with 5k still and its really small to the only thing i would complain about is the brakes the brakes are really bad stock and you have to replace it after that its good

You had me at leak...thank you!!!😊

looks like you just got a bad van. but yeah, you get what you pay for I guess. Hopefully the build out goes well. what's the most common issue with the engine?

GM would do really well if the brought back a hybrid version. But they'd probably screw it up like alot of there vehicles

Dude your talking out of your rear. Best rated van and motor of all time

Merci pour ta vidéo, je suis de France , je compte acheter un astro, oui, il y en a quelques un en Europe.

If you still have broken handle Please send me I want know where broken Me all Astro and Safari are not broken So I want know where weak points is?

Distributor cap x 1 a year, depending on your model the distributor gear is softer than the cam gear that can cause a misfire. check that if you have a miss you can't track down. Your dash can and prob will split. Arm rest on the seat breaks, arm rest on the door wears badly. fuel pump, rear main seal. Water leaks, But after 22 years and 260k what can you expect lol. Salute.

I cant complain my have 500,000 miles the best van 2004

my astro is in great condition And I got it for free from my grandparents It is a 1993 1st gen astro

He's right these vans are work horses that's why I'm seeing them for up too 8000 dollars with 180,000 on the dash ...I'm looking at one soon I'll offer the guy 5,000 it has 118,000 clean but I'm going to check a few things I seen in this video and in the comments

No, if your Astro/Safari is having problems, it’s manufacturing issue, not a design issue

Love the Astro hate I got rid of mine. Best vehicle I’ve owned.

1993 Cargo Teal...666K miles...Garage Lift's, by the Body, instead of the Frame Bump, and Front Leaf Spring Plate, by ignorant mechanic's, thinking they are Mini Van's, but they are Truck's, caused major Rocker Panel Crushing, Door Jamming and the Cheap Door Handle Snap off's. I am trying to keep it for life, but Replacrment Part's, are rare. Need to find other Owner's, who have Replacement Part's access. The Astro and the Safari, were subject to being called a Mini Van, which led to their being damaged by dumb shop lift's. Haynes Repair Manual's named them Mini Van's, causing the Problem. Specific Lift Point's are detailed in the Manual, but hurry up get it done shop's, paid no attention. I yanked off 3 handles, before I realized the Door was rubbing the Rocker Panel, and the Upper Hinge, was falling down. I took a 3 pound Sledge Hammer, and beat the hell out of the Top of the Rocker Panel. Door Striker Pin is non adjustable too. I got all that Mileage, due to 15W50 Mobil 1 Synthetic, Marvel Mystery Oil, 70/ 30 Mix of Distilled Water and Green Coolant, pulled thermostat, removed AC Condensor, Hayden electric fan, Prolong Additive, and Mobil Synthetic in Transmission and Rear Differential...Water Pumps, Alternators, Starter's, Rear Slave Cylinders, Brake Booster, Shock's, a few rusted brake lines replaced, O2 Sensors, IAC Valve, One time only Model 220 Throttle Body Cleaning, and original 2 Fuel Injector's, Coolant Sensor, Catalytic Convertor, EGR Valves, Fuel Pump's, and the simple Tune Up of Cap, Rotor, PCV, Air Filter, and the rare AC Delco Spark Plug and Wire replacement, and Brake Job's and Tires, Both Leaf Spring Clamp's to Rear Axle Housing rusted snapped off and replaced and, a New Paint Job...whew...still love it. Rust underneath spraying Rustoleum Rust Sealer, rear barn doors seals replaced with home door draft sealing, stick on foam rubber, and she still runs...3.23 Rear Ratio, hard to find, as Pep Boys pulled the 2 Axles, for oil seal teplacement, and did not stick them back in properly, causing sharp jerk, from Park to Drive, and into 2nd and 3rd, back in 1997. Pep Boys also damaged the Rocker Panels. 2 Rear Main Seal replacements, 2 Transmission Rear seal replacrments, Speed Sensor and teplaced the original radiator at 660K miles...yeah...The 1993 4.3 before the Balance Shaft. Just ferls safe and nimble. Many upgrades and improvements to go. Can't tow with a 3.23 Rear ratio and the Fiber Composite Leaf Springs still function, for a Federally Decripted 6000K GVWR Truck. I blame Garage Lift Mechanics, who can be Charged with Property Destruction, for the Door Jam Handle problems, causing their demise. Retired now, and only go to the store with it.

I love my 2005 cargo van wouldn’t sell it for anything.

A smart guy would replace the gasket, lol.

Carlitos tu troca 15 anos de Carina platero lleva está troca y Mirian de vacaciones con mini taffy yakima

These are great vans there the best all of round

you need NEW weather stripping, that can be hard or impossible for old cars. the rub rots over time.

I don’t care what anyone say, I’m still getting this.

Steel Rubber Products makes better than stock gasket replacements! Check em out

Cool mustache dude

klavio adds. what the hell is klavio? add's mean money revenue. thanks for the videos on the chevy astro vans. #1 the drive train. #2 the drive train. #3 the drive train. i just found out a way to turn off DRL (a button right there), lol. it has problems, the fuel pump module. i know these vans, have driven three different models from company paid vehicles. it is a good mid size van for what i need. why buy? sorry.

About the same issues all vehicles have...When they get 20+ years old...

the engine. has plenty of power. handles great.

My 2003 is a tank

I bought one for 500 dollars I flip it for 2000 dollars. 1,500 dollar profit.

I had a 2002 AWD for a little over a year, and it was hands down the worst piece of crap I ever owned. Highway driving was a nightmare, shaking and shimmying down the road no matter what I did to it. Every interior panel would squeak and rattle, cheap plastic. Interior manifold failed, got it replaced, failed again. Ate ball joints for breakfast. I poured thousands of dollar ls into it in a year's time and just about everything I did had to be done again in a matter of months. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Good riddance.

The best van !!! U don’t like it is fine… Driver’s’s one and them talk later about it… but drive one for 20 years and talked about… rust because is from east coast… ❤ ❤😮🎉 be happy is CHEVY FOR EVER 🥨

They NEED to make a body on frame, V6/V8 engine, RWD/4WD van again. Too much FWD unibody pos minivans riddled with garbage electronics nowadays. Can't pull anything with them and lack torque. Astro is the van that can

Restore the headlight bro they are pretty dirty

So you have no idea on what you're talking about 😅

Carlito Vernon la bola de camarón Rony chaparro durango

My mom had one that thing was junk.

All easy fixes. Great mini van

Late on the punch there buddy. What about pet rock??

Unfixable Misfire. That's the reason I wouldn't buy another one.

You

Nobody wants a vehicle with door problems.

Yeah and I got a lot more reasons why you should buy an Astro van

Это пять причин не покупать именно твой автомобиль. У моего нет таких проблем.,😁

Strange accent 🤟

Looks like ur not familiar with this rides lol

An Econoline is far better anyway.