One of the best cars GM ever made the 4.3 vortec is one of the most reliable engine in the street i had 2003 safari it had 500k kilometers in it and it still runs strong in saudi Arabia
@@Ghost_Os I say go for it before prices get really out of hand. I put a 100w solar panel on the roof behind the Maxxair fan I installed. It goes to a Jackery 500 portable battery. I have a fridge between the seats up front. I do find that if we have a few cloudy days in a row or temps go over 90 for a few I need to buy ice every 3 or 4 days. The more I drive it the better it runs. I've been adding fuel injection cleaner once in a while because it had some hesitation at first and it's a lot better. I don't think it was driven for a long time before I got it and things may have gotten gunked up.
I have a 97 astro awd. I have had it for it 10 + years. I would not trade it for anything. I love my van. It has 165000 miles. It runs just as good as the day I bought.
Same here my AWD Astro is a '98 and I am the second owner and was friends with the original owners so know the vans history and use since day 1. Mine has 184,000 miles now, everything on it works as it should, does not use any oil and runs and drives like new. Basically just normal maintenance and wear items is all the van has ever needed, figure maybe will need a battery soon not because it is giving problems but because the battery that is in it has been in place for the last 7 years! Being retired now the van is used mainly as a camping and fishing vehicle and only accumulates only a few additional thousand miles a year now on average. I do start and drive it at least every two weeks or so to keep the battery up and fuel running through the system and also keep it parked under a carport cover and not subjected to the sun or around the clock weather conditions. This is one vehicle I will do whatever I can to keep it going as long as possible as it suites my needs so well and honestly I do not know of any new vehicles I would rather have than my Astro van!
My dad had a Safari when I was growing up. When that died he bought an Astro. These vans are legendary, built on a truck frame they kick the shit out of a Dodge Caravan anyday. Sad that the market is all about overpriced SUVs & Trucks these days. Gotta have that 4wd that you never use though
The only van that Dodge 🐏 made that was worth a 💩 was the legendary full size 4x4 👍 DODGE VAN CHARGER 💪 That van was a MEGA BEAST👊 as it was tough as nails! Unfortunately it is now a very rare van and not easy and or cheap if you can even find a solid one available for sale...
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
In my family we own a 2000 GMC Safari. My father bought it second hand back in 2009 and after all those years it runs so smooth. I enjoy driving it so much!!
Overall by your review, these vans are great to own. Unlike the ASTRO & SAFARI vans they drive like a truck and not like a car like today's minivans. I'll buy one any day!
Are you actually in the market for one?? I'm selling my 2000 GMC safari....it's the AWD so convertible to 4x4 easily which was my goal. Anyways if anyone knows anyone.....my van is in good condition with brand new Toyo tires all terrain and excellent maintenance.... I just have to leave the country indefinitely otherwise I'd keep her....
It looks exactly like my 2004 Astro. And yeah, came with cassette player instead of CD 😂 I’ve been living out of it for over four years now. They do have 2 catalytic converters in them and I had to replace both this year but other than that it’s been a beast. Hope to keep it for at least a few more years.
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ... BTW: Casette is great so many want it for plugging up the phone for .mp3's and mw4 files nowadays as in the tape player to AUX, works way better then having a cd player and sounds better also with a good branded converter! ...
The difference between the Astro vs Safari is the engine build. And the reason for only having the slider on the one side is for child safety. So if you park on the side of the road, your kids dont jump out into traffic. also with the slider door being so big, you really dont need 2. I have driven many other vehicles, but nothing feels as comfy and handles as good as the Astro and Safari vans do. Which is why I have owned them for 28 years and growing. Dont need anything else. goes everywhere, hauls everything ( We have actually put a tractor inside our Astro), and still fits in the garage. And you dont need to pack a tent to go camping. Love these vans! Great job on the review! maybe next time review a 1993 Astro. In my opinion, the 1993 is the best years for these vans.
They had the same engine. GM's 4.3L V6. Which was you basic 350 small block,with 2 cylinders cut off! That engine was made from 1985 till recently. There's a new 4.3 in base silverados ,but its an all new design
Stephanie, you've been ill-informed by the ol' GMC crowd. They are exactly the same as Chevy's, built on the exact same assembly line. Some people think GMCs are just chevys with lock washers- Haha! Who started these crazy lies!? I worked for GM, and personally owned many Chevys, GMCs, Buicks, Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, and other GM products. Currently own A GMC Envoy XL, and its basically the first time GMC started differentiating it from its Chevy cousin. In this unusual case the interior is totally different (better) than the Chevy Trailblazer, but it has the optional Chevy 5.3 V8 under the hood. My vehicle is more an exception to the rule, as most GMCs are just glorified Chevys that are often treated better (more affluent, older buyers). That may be something to consider when buying used, though.
haha ... "something so comforting about early 2000's GMs" ... that may explain why I just bought as a back up, hauler vehicle .. cruise out the remainder of the pandemic .. nice review
zack sorry to be that guy again...but idk what country uses km/L , i know most countries that use the international system(metric) use L/100km. but i thank you for the fact that you listen to us and thing about the foreign viewer too
which one and man, you are lucky, what is going rate AS I want one (OR OTHER, ASTRO OR SAFARI) so bad! "Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ..." PS: It will change my LIFE as to get me back into my TRADE as in master electrician after a ten year FAIL! ....
@@ReganMarcelis still interested in a safari?? Mine is 2000 and AWD...210k and lots of life left....I hate to sell but life ya know. I may regret it.... Ok well let me know if anyone is interested.....I'm in mid California (no rust!)
I have to confess that I have always had an "It's Complicated" relationship with the Astro/Safari. I LOVED how roomy & comfortable they were, how smoothly they rode, & how quiet they were.........& that 4.3-liter V6 is a TORQUE MONSTER, but fit & finish left A LOT to be desired. I will NEVER forget that it was an Astro which brought me to see Home Alone for the first time, however. I will NEVER forget cruising to Showcase Cinema in Woburn, MA in a blue 1986 Chevy Astro full of kids, BLASTING C&C Music Factory's "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)".........ON THE CASSETTE PLAYER (Man, I'm old!!!!!)!!!!!!!
I'm daily driving the 1994 old bodystyle Safari my grandpa bought brand new! I was born in 98 so grandpa's van was already cool and old and "never saw other old ones like it" when I was growing up, I use a Bluetooth to FM transmitter but I look across my apartment and see a "THE POWER - SNAP" cassette haha, cheers man 🍻
Brings back memories of my 2005 Chevy Astro! I loved that van. Not the most reliable or fuel efficient, but I like the old school appeal. Not bad for a 20 year production run with minimal changes, more like refinements over the years.
You’re funny, I enjoy the style of your videos. Well thorough review all while keeping it simple and making me feel as if I’m there myself. Keep up the good work
I'm glad you did this review. wouldn't mind leaving my life behind ,throw it on a lift and a full spare tire on the back ,convert it into my living space and I'm out
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
Well Mr Incognito....if you think you'd like that life, I have a safari I'm selling right now!! She is in good shape and already has a bed in the back and all the stuff (solar generator, gas generator,freezer 47qt Iceco, cargo boxes,) She is in great condition, drove me across the states once and did it well!!
Bought a GMC Safari in 1997 brand new. Put 247,000 miles on it. The fella I sold it to couldn't believe the condition of it at purchase from me. Sold it to the first person who cam to look at it. Had very little trouble in 1/4 million miles. Replaced the water pump and the fuel pump and alternator. That's about it. Had tones of room and as it's on a truck frame, it didn't ride quite as well as a car but, could work like a truck! Good ground clearance too.
I owned a 1986 Chevy Astro van it was two-toned red and silver had a roof rack ladder and running boards with the 4.3 V6 4-speed automatic it was the CL eight passenger the red interior. In the 80s it was part of the minivan craze like the SUV craze that we have now. The beauty part of an Astro van and I'm not knocking into the other brands but when you pulled up with an Astro van and the V6 growled people would walk up and say hey nice van! No one ever walked up to most people with a white Plymouth Voyager four cylinder with the fake wood going down the side and said hey nice van LOL unfortunately I lost mine in an accident over 100,000 miles completely trouble-free all original I only did tires brakes fluid changes wipers 2 EGR valves which was popular to go bad in those vehicles and the fuel pump other than that the van was completely original oh I replace the battery once and the windshield wiper motor. Was a good solid great vehicle.
It's a shame they don't make them nor do they build them well like this anymore. I have a 2000 Chevy Blazer with 200,000 miles still going strong. Just like the Astro van, they don't make a rear wheel drive midsized SUV on a truck frame either
I wonder... was GMC considered to be more "upscale" than Chevrolet back in the late 80's and early 90's back before GMC started making the Denali series vehicles and before the Cadillac Escalade came along? Was there really any good reason for someone to buy a GMC instead of a Chevy back then?
The fact that it's a gmc and not a chevy the differences is just like modern vehicles its gonna be the colors available to gmc compared to Chevy astros and safaris came standard with the cruise control and not all of astros came with it and most safaris came with CD changers and Astros didn't have the option I own a 03 safari and as time has gone by I have ran into some of these options that came with them and if you check the safari passenger side in the rear of course you will find a wireing harness for trailer lights
No,both offered the same options as the other. That cubby below the radio was for either the option of a CD,or tape player if the main radio had one or the other,this was common for many GM vehicles at this time.
I love these vans and I am a Ford guy. I just picked up a 2002 GMC Safari Cargo for $1500 with rebuilt suspension, new plugs, etc. and when I drove it home it had no squeaks or rattles on the 3 hour drive back. This van will only be used in the summer for hauling our market fruit and produce to the farmers markets. No winters for this one.
An AWD Astro/Safari is cheaper, more spacious and better economically than most SUVs. You still get on-demand (automatic) AWD for winter weather conditions in northern states.
"Four grand and a pack of Marlboro Lights" - love it! Yeah, that's a pretty sweet ride with low mileage. I'm sure it sold quickly. These vans have gained a cult following among contractors for commercial use, van dwellers and just people who like old school vans with a few modern(ish) upgrades they got in the later years, especially the last three years they were made.
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
@@ReganMarcelis Yeah, once you've had a van, it's hard to go back to anything else! I've had lots of vans, another Astro would be nice, but I'd also go for another Toyota Sienna for something more modern, fuel efficient and reliable.
Either of you interested in a safari?? I'm selling my 2000 AWD safari. It's in great condition....taken me all the way to Virgina and back to California this past year!! She is a good little beast...
I know why they made this and the Astro van... Some parts of the united states did not have Chevy dealerships and instead had GMC dealerships. GM could not get there dealerships to consolidate down to one brand name at the time and where obligated to make trucks for those dealerships. So to satisfy those dealerships that would not just add Chevy to there dealership line up, (because at the time GM dealership licenses where more important then they where after the 2008 bankruptcy....) GM used brand name badge engineering to get around the issue. It really was cheaper this way because back in those days they sold cars and trucks by the 100,000 units and smoked 2 packs of Marlboro unfiltered cigarettes' every day. 2 marketing campaigns on the same product that only had a set of different grills and badges to tell them apart?! WHO cares!? The G body had some 10 different products it served as the underpinning to during the 80s, and then the C platform using for 8 different cars in the 90s. You gotta toughen up and learn to smoke your marbs without the filters..
Passenger side only sliding doors is a leftover thing from larger vans, so minivans would design just that in the 80’s. The Astro and safari were from the 80’s
I wanted my parents to get an Astro van or a GMC safari so bad when we were younger, we had a mercury villager which was really nice in the 90s, but for some reason my parents went and bought a Previa, which in hindsight was pretty bad ass, supercharged,red, mid engine, but it was just hideous, and a death trap, but so was the Astro, lesser than the previa however LMAO
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
Thanks for this. I'm test driving an 05 Safari tomorrow. I've narrowed my retirement van search to this, an AWD Astro (03) or a 2500 cargo van (02). My only concern is I've never owned or worked on a V-6, been driving GM V-8's for 45 years.
You'll be comforted to know this 4.3 V6 is a Vortec 350 (5.7) with 2 cylinders lopped off. Same block (but shorter), same pistons, etc. And like the small-block V8, this 4.3 will easily go a half-million miles if maintained. These vans are commonly swapped with modern LS V8s and make great 'sleepers'. If I remember correctly, the aluminum LS1 weighs less than this iron 4.3, and fits right in there.
@@jeladsnikpoh1289 Any modifications needed? I'm in the market for an AWD Astro or Safari, and am in that information gathering stage in terms of what options I'll have for repairs and swaps.
@@Ghost_Os I haven't actually done it, only researched it. From what I understand, everything fits size-wise, but may be tight in length of engine. I've seen it mostly done on Rwd models (perhaps AWD more likely to be a weak link due to extra torque?). From what I understand, the Astro/Safari is one of the easiest v8 swaps, easier than an S10/Sonoma. I believe it's easier to stick with the same 'generation' engine as the van. Example, 'LS' on newer OBD2 vans, 'LT' on older OBD1s for simple wiring harness/computer transitions. Of course any 'swap' will be more of a project than you anticipated.
@@susannbasta2972 Not yet. Still looking. Sellers on Facebook marketplace are fond of ignoring messages it seems, even when you send them a photo of their full asking price laid out in cash, with a message saying, 'name a day and time that works for you so I can check it out'. Never had a harder time getting people to accept money for something they're selling 😆
Well, way back in the day GMC had certain equipment that was more heavy-duty like towing package or oil cooler. I guess they stopped that? I'm very heart broken that GM stopped making these.
I have both a 2003 Astro LT AWD, and a 2003 GMC Safari Cargo van 2WD, wish it was an AWD as well... XD, but ya the Astro has the CD player, and tape player factory, while the GMC just has FM
Ok,first off great video's! The true difference between the Chevy,and GMC. Nothing! It was about dealer distribution! Chevy,and the GMC stores wanted their own version! Same with other GM platforms. This van routes go back to 1985,it was actually the second mini van to come out after the Chrysler mini vans. Other than some trim updates, wheels that went from 5 lug,to 6 lugs in the 2000's. The extended version around the early 90's that remained the only version till its death! And a bullet proof AWD system that is mechanical, not electronic. This vans were more cargo vans,with a passenger van upgrade. The modern van that closely matches these vans today,the Mercedes Matris van. The GM sister's were great vans,the main reason why they don't make them anymore. The shared alot with the GM S series truck,that platform was killed to make the first gen Colorado. The vans lasted a few years after the S series died,that's how it got the Colorado's 6 lug wheels! Again a great van,especially with AWD!
15 year old scotch guard is what you smell. My 1990 Astro has more than 360,000 miles ( the odometer would not go from 349,999 to350,000. I smacked the dash as it clicked 349,999 and it went to 350,000. Fixed) Rust in the frame and the rear axle noise will probably kill it the year.
GMC Safari and Chevy Astro are basically the same just like a GMC Envoy and Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe and GMC Sierra 1500 and a Chevy Silverado 1500 all great trucks
Ironic this is being sold used at a Toyota dealership, because full-size vans (I include the Astro/Safari along with the Express/Savana in that category) are one of the few types of vehicle categories in which the Japanese have NOT competed with the American automakers. Other than full-size pickup trucks and full-size sedans (such as the ones American and Canadian police use) the Japanese have kicked the butt of the Detroit automakers! I think the only time I've actually seen a Japanese vehicle used as a police car in America was when I saw a Toyota FJ Cruiser being used by Houston (Texas) police once...
Nissan has that full-sized V8 whatchamacall-it (I just call it the 'snoopy-van'). While Ford and fiat Chrysler have gone all Euro-van, the Nissan is more old-school rugged (V8) like the GM full-sized vans. But the Nissan has a longer hood that somehow reminds me of Snoopy. It looks ridiculous, probably to fit in with the rest of the 'modern' Van's. Kind of off topic, though.
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
No. RWD is standard, and my preference because it has fewer problems and gets 2MPG better. That's a big deal when these barely sqeak out 20s mpg on hwy. A little known fact about AWD, all 4 tires must have the same wear (2 can't be newer than other 2) or it tears up the system. How many previous owners knew that before the next sucker purchases the old vehicle!? That's not the case with 4wd. AWD has it's great points too, like on ice, but I'm glad it was optional.
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
@@chocolatewheelchair He said "Back in the day there used to be a guy that owned a bus exactly just this and it was full of kids to the point some kids stand up cause there is no place to sit, and the bus was soo low behind that it scrapes when he hits the speed bump"
One of the best cars GM ever made the 4.3 vortec is one of the most reliable engine in the street i had 2003 safari it had 500k kilometers in it and it still runs strong in saudi Arabia
حمزة انا حصلت واحد موديل ٩٨ ب الف ريال
بس يحتاج صيانة وكذا واستمارة مطوفة تكلف الفين ريال وعليها ، والله متردد اخذه ولا لا شرايك تنصحني فيه
They might be reliable, but mine leaks like a sieve. I think it's coming from the oil pan. Not a fun job to fix when you have 4x4.
Setb(
I watched this video about a year ago and decided to get an Astro. I just finished building out my 2000 AWD cargo into a camper. I'm stoked!
How's she going? I'm looking for a 2000 - 2005 Astro for the same purposes.
@@Ghost_Os I say go for it before prices get really out of hand. I put a 100w solar panel on the roof behind the Maxxair fan I installed. It goes to a Jackery 500 portable battery. I have a fridge between the seats up front. I do find that if we have a few cloudy days in a row or temps go over 90 for a few I need to buy ice every 3 or 4 days. The more I drive it the better it runs. I've been adding fuel injection cleaner once in a while because it had some hesitation at first and it's a lot better. I don't think it was driven for a long time before I got it and things may have gotten gunked up.
I have a 97 astro awd. I have had it for it 10 + years. I would not trade it for anything. I love my van. It has 165000 miles. It runs just as good as the day I bought.
Same here my AWD Astro is a '98 and I am the second owner and was friends with the original owners so know the vans history and use since day 1.
Mine has 184,000 miles now, everything on it works as it should, does not use any oil and runs and drives like new.
Basically just normal maintenance and wear items is all the van has ever needed, figure maybe will need a battery soon not because it is giving problems but because the battery that is in it has been in place for the last 7 years!
Being retired now the van is used mainly as a camping and fishing vehicle and only accumulates only a few additional thousand miles a year now on average.
I do start and drive it at least every two weeks or so to keep the battery up and fuel running through the system and also keep it parked under a carport cover and not subjected to the sun or around the clock weather conditions.
This is one vehicle I will do whatever I can to keep it going as long as possible as it suites my needs so well and honestly I do not know of any new vehicles I would rather have than my Astro van!
My dad had a Safari when I was growing up. When that died he bought an Astro. These vans are legendary, built on a truck frame they kick the shit out of a Dodge Caravan anyday. Sad that the market is all about overpriced SUVs & Trucks these days. Gotta have that 4wd that you never use though
My Astro is AWD and I definitely use it! I’ve gotten high-centered in deep snow a couple of times but never slid off the road or had an accident.
The only van that Dodge 🐏 made that was worth a 💩 was the legendary full size 4x4 👍 DODGE VAN CHARGER 💪 That van was a MEGA BEAST👊 as it was tough as nails! Unfortunately it is now a very rare van and not easy and or cheap if you can even find a solid one available for sale...
What year model was this Safari? And what year model was this Astro that replaced it?
@@nuclearblast119 I seen one in fair shape at an old home on a county road in northern Colorado. Definitely cought my attention.
Chrysler minivans outsold these each and every year by substantial margins... So your blabbering doesn't mean much
Chevy build a van like this again. First in line. Perfect all around van.
They have plans on resurrecting the Chevy ASTRO💪VAN
True, I miss my safari. They were built pretty solid as well.
But add diesel! To get better economy
I miss our Safari. Sooo many good childhood memories with that van man.
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
In my family we own a 2000 GMC Safari. My father bought it second hand back in 2009 and after all those years it runs so smooth. I enjoy driving it so much!!
I remember actually being scared of these vans when I was in elementary school... lol. But now they’re just kind of funky cool to me.
Dude same
Overall by your review, these vans are great to own. Unlike the ASTRO & SAFARI vans they drive like a truck and not like a car like today's minivans. I'll buy one any day!
Are you actually in the market for one?? I'm selling my 2000 GMC safari....it's the AWD so convertible to 4x4 easily which was my goal. Anyways if anyone knows anyone.....my van is in good condition with brand new Toyo tires all terrain and excellent maintenance....
I just have to leave the country indefinitely otherwise I'd keep her....
I hope Chevy would release the original Chevy Astro van like I mean the exact model and sold it again they do be good vans bring it back chevy
It looks exactly like my 2004 Astro. And yeah, came with cassette player instead of CD 😂
I’ve been living out of it for over four years now. They do have 2 catalytic converters in them and I had to replace both this year but other than that it’s been a beast. Hope to keep it for at least a few more years.
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ... BTW: Casette is great so many want it for plugging up the phone for .mp3's and mw4 files nowadays as in the tape player to AUX, works way better then having a cd player and sounds better also with a good branded converter! ...
The difference between the Astro vs Safari is the engine build. And the reason for only having the slider on the one side is for child safety. So if you park on the side of the road, your kids dont jump out into traffic. also with the slider door being so big, you really dont need 2. I have driven many other vehicles, but nothing feels as comfy and handles as good as the Astro and Safari vans do. Which is why I have owned them for 28 years and growing. Dont need anything else. goes everywhere, hauls everything ( We have actually put a tractor inside our Astro), and still fits in the garage. And you dont need to pack a tent to go camping. Love these vans! Great job on the review! maybe next time review a 1993 Astro. In my opinion, the 1993 is the best years for these vans.
They had the same engine. GM's 4.3L V6. Which was you basic 350 small block,with 2 cylinders cut off! That engine was made from 1985 till recently. There's a new 4.3 in base silverados ,but its an all new design
Stephanie, you've been ill-informed by the ol' GMC crowd. They are exactly the same as Chevy's, built on the exact same assembly line. Some people think GMCs are just chevys with lock washers- Haha! Who started these crazy lies!? I worked for GM, and personally owned many Chevys, GMCs, Buicks, Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, and other GM products. Currently own A GMC Envoy XL, and its basically the first time GMC started differentiating it from its Chevy cousin. In this unusual case the interior is totally different (better) than the Chevy Trailblazer, but it has the optional Chevy 5.3 V8 under the hood. My vehicle is more an exception to the rule, as most GMCs are just glorified Chevys that are often treated better (more affluent, older buyers). That may be something to consider when buying used, though.
haha ... "something so comforting about early 2000's GMs" ... that may explain why I just bought as a back up, hauler vehicle .. cruise out the remainder of the pandemic .. nice review
zack sorry to be that guy again...but idk what country uses km/L , i know most countries that use the international system(metric) use L/100km. but i thank you for the fact that you listen to us and thing about the foreign viewer too
So blessed to have came across one about a month ago. $2500 @ 178k miles
which one and man, you are lucky, what is going rate AS I want one (OR OTHER, ASTRO OR SAFARI) so bad! "Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ..." PS: It will change my LIFE as to get me back into my TRADE as in master electrician after a ten year FAIL! ....
@@ReganMarcelis still interested in a safari?? Mine is 2000 and AWD...210k and lots of life left....I hate to sell but life ya know. I may regret it....
Ok well let me know if anyone is interested.....I'm in mid California (no rust!)
astro and safari are the best vans GM ever made....ive had 2 for work and they are reliable...
I have to confess that I have always had an "It's Complicated" relationship with the Astro/Safari. I LOVED how roomy & comfortable they were, how smoothly they rode, & how quiet they were.........& that 4.3-liter V6 is a TORQUE MONSTER, but fit & finish left A LOT to be desired. I will NEVER forget that it was an Astro which brought me to see Home Alone for the first time, however. I will NEVER forget cruising to Showcase Cinema in Woburn, MA in a blue 1986 Chevy Astro full of kids, BLASTING C&C Music Factory's "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)".........ON THE CASSETTE PLAYER (Man, I'm old!!!!!)!!!!!!!
I'm daily driving the 1994 old bodystyle Safari my grandpa bought brand new! I was born in 98 so grandpa's van was already cool and old and "never saw other old ones like it" when I was growing up, I use a Bluetooth to FM transmitter but I look across my apartment and see a "THE POWER - SNAP" cassette haha, cheers man 🍻
I bought this van and it is a trooper. I've put 10k miles on it and plan to use it camping this year.
Brings back memories of my 2005 Chevy Astro! I loved that van. Not the most reliable or fuel efficient, but I like the old school appeal. Not bad for a 20 year production run with minimal changes, more like refinements over the years.
Not reliable! Tradesmen loved them.
@@sscbkr48 What do you think was the best model year for the Astros (or Safaris)?
You’re funny, I enjoy the style of your videos. Well thorough review all while keeping it simple and making me feel as if I’m there myself. Keep up the good work
I'm glad you did this review. wouldn't mind leaving my life behind ,throw it on a lift and a full spare tire on the back ,convert it into my living space and I'm out
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
Well Mr Incognito....if you think you'd like that life, I have a safari I'm selling right now!! She is in good shape and already has a bed in the back and all the stuff (solar generator, gas generator,freezer 47qt Iceco, cargo boxes,)
She is in great condition, drove me across the states once and did it well!!
@@gailhenley4230 still selling?
@@AlY-jv2ew yes, well end of May I am. I am in Ecuador now but return mid April and have a month to get it sold. Interested?
Bought a GMC Safari in 1997 brand new. Put 247,000 miles on it. The fella I sold it to couldn't believe the condition of it at purchase from me. Sold it to the first person who cam to look at it. Had very little trouble in 1/4 million miles. Replaced the water pump and the fuel pump and alternator. That's about it. Had tones of room and as it's on a truck frame, it didn't ride quite as well as a car but, could work like a truck! Good ground clearance too.
Same thing, different branding. Have a 99 safari with 78K miles. Good vans!
I owned a 1986 Chevy Astro van it was two-toned red and silver had a roof rack ladder and running boards with the 4.3 V6 4-speed automatic it was the CL eight passenger the red interior. In the 80s it was part of the minivan craze like the SUV craze that we have now. The beauty part of an Astro van and I'm not knocking into the other brands but when you pulled up with an Astro van and the V6 growled people would walk up and say hey nice van! No one ever walked up to most people with a white Plymouth Voyager four cylinder with the fake wood going down the side and said hey nice van LOL unfortunately I lost mine in an accident over 100,000 miles completely trouble-free all original I only did tires brakes fluid changes wipers 2 EGR valves which was popular to go bad in those vehicles and the fuel pump other than that the van was completely original oh I replace the battery once and the windshield wiper motor. Was a good solid great vehicle.
Bonus for camper use, rear seatbacks fold flat so with a board and inflatable mattress you could sleep 2 comfortably.
Right in the feels; my mom had an Astro
It's a shame they don't make them nor do they build them well like this anymore. I have a 2000 Chevy Blazer with 200,000 miles still going strong. Just like the Astro van, they don't make a rear wheel drive midsized SUV on a truck frame either
I wonder... was GMC considered to be more "upscale" than Chevrolet back in the late 80's and early 90's back before GMC started making the Denali series vehicles and before the Cadillac Escalade came along? Was there really any good reason for someone to buy a GMC instead of a Chevy back then?
The fact that it's a gmc and not a chevy the differences is just like modern vehicles its gonna be the colors available to gmc compared to Chevy astros and safaris came standard with the cruise control and not all of astros came with it and most safaris came with CD changers and Astros didn't have the option I own a 03 safari and as time has gone by I have ran into some of these options that came with them and if you check the safari passenger side in the rear of course you will find a wireing harness for trailer lights
No,both offered the same options as the other. That cubby below the radio was for either the option of a CD,or tape player if the main radio had one or the other,this was common for many GM vehicles at this time.
I love these vans and I am a Ford guy. I just picked up a 2002 GMC Safari Cargo for $1500 with rebuilt suspension, new plugs, etc. and when I drove it home it had no squeaks or rattles on the 3 hour drive back.
This van will only be used in the summer for hauling our market fruit and produce to the farmers markets. No winters for this one.
That's good because my 98 Astro handles like a greased elephant on crack in winter conditions.
“This is like 4 grand and a pack of Marlboro lights”😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Nasty
An AWD Astro/Safari is cheaper, more spacious and better economically than most SUVs. You still get on-demand (automatic) AWD for winter weather conditions in northern states.
That van is mint
I have a 03 astro. It does have rear wiper.and defrost I just totally put in like $2400 in its gunna run a longgggg time baby go astro.
Lol I used to go to a martial arts place when I was little, and they had one of these Astro/Safari Vans! Thanks for an old memory
They're just cool that's what it is about them
200000 miles on mine runs great
"Four grand and a pack of Marlboro Lights" - love it! Yeah, that's a pretty sweet ride with low mileage. I'm sure it sold quickly. These vans have gained a cult following among contractors for commercial use, van dwellers and just people who like old school vans with a few modern(ish) upgrades they got in the later years, especially the last three years they were made.
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
@@ReganMarcelis Yeah, once you've had a van, it's hard to go back to anything else! I've had lots of vans, another Astro would be nice, but I'd also go for another Toyota Sienna for something more modern, fuel efficient and reliable.
Either of you interested in a safari?? I'm selling my 2000 AWD safari. It's in great condition....taken me all the way to Virgina and back to California this past year!! She is a good little beast...
@@gailhenley4230 Are you located in California? I'm looking for an Astro or Safari, but I'm in NY.
I know why they made this and the Astro van... Some parts of the united states did not have Chevy dealerships and instead had GMC dealerships. GM could not get there dealerships to consolidate down to one brand name at the time and where obligated to make trucks for those dealerships. So to satisfy those dealerships that would not just add Chevy to there dealership line up, (because at the time GM dealership licenses where more important then they where after the 2008 bankruptcy....) GM used brand name badge engineering to get around the issue. It really was cheaper this way because back in those days they sold cars and trucks by the 100,000 units and smoked 2 packs of Marlboro unfiltered cigarettes' every day. 2 marketing campaigns on the same product that only had a set of different grills and badges to tell them apart?! WHO cares!? The G body had some 10 different products it served as the underpinning to during the 80s, and then the C platform using for 8 different cars in the 90s. You gotta toughen up and learn to smoke your marbs without the filters..
8k!? No wonder they call it a stealership, it was probably a trade in and they gave that family like 3.5k. Great review though.
I guarantee the didn't even pay that much! Lucky if they paid $2000. I used to work at 2 stealerships, and for moral reasons- I didn't last long!
@@jeladsnikpoh1289 trade ins on anything older than 2010 dont expect more than 1k
Do the rear benches recline into a bed?
Passenger side only sliding doors is a leftover thing from larger vans, so minivans would design just that in the 80’s. The Astro and safari were from the 80’s
I wanted my parents to get an Astro van or a GMC safari so bad when we were younger, we had a mercury villager which was really nice in the 90s, but for some reason my parents went and bought a Previa, which in hindsight was pretty bad ass, supercharged,red, mid engine, but it was just hideous, and a death trap, but so was the Astro, lesser than the previa however LMAO
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
Brand loyalty my boy. Was there a difference between the Sierra and Silverado? Sonoma and S10? Jimmy and Blazer? Brand loyalty.
Thanks for this. I'm test driving an 05 Safari tomorrow. I've narrowed my retirement van search to this, an AWD Astro (03) or a 2500 cargo van (02). My only concern is I've never owned or worked on a V-6, been driving GM V-8's for 45 years.
You'll be comforted to know this 4.3 V6 is a Vortec 350 (5.7) with 2 cylinders lopped off. Same block (but shorter), same pistons, etc. And like the small-block V8, this 4.3 will easily go a half-million miles if maintained. These vans are commonly swapped with modern LS V8s and make great 'sleepers'. If I remember correctly, the aluminum LS1 weighs less than this iron 4.3, and fits right in there.
@@jeladsnikpoh1289 Any modifications needed? I'm in the market for an AWD Astro or Safari, and am in that information gathering stage in terms of what options I'll have for repairs and swaps.
@@Ghost_Os I haven't actually done it, only researched it. From what I understand, everything fits size-wise, but may be tight in length of engine. I've seen it mostly done on Rwd models (perhaps AWD more likely to be a weak link due to extra torque?). From what I understand, the Astro/Safari is one of the easiest v8 swaps, easier than an S10/Sonoma. I believe it's easier to stick with the same 'generation' engine as the van. Example, 'LS' on newer OBD2 vans, 'LT' on older OBD1s for simple wiring harness/computer transitions. Of course any 'swap' will be more of a project than you anticipated.
@@Ghost_Os same, did you find one? Looking in New Mexico.
@@susannbasta2972 Not yet. Still looking. Sellers on Facebook marketplace are fond of ignoring messages it seems, even when you send them a photo of their full asking price laid out in cash, with a message saying, 'name a day and time that works for you so I can check it out'. Never had a harder time getting people to accept money for something they're selling 😆
your pretty good at this ,your a natural , KEEP-ON KEEPIN-ON 808 gone
Cool video. Just what I was looking for. "any reason to get the Sarafi over the Astro?"
My paint van it’s a box on wheels , but gets the job done enough power to remove the rust haha
Phantastic review ! I love it !
Well, way back in the day GMC had certain equipment that was more heavy-duty like towing package or oil cooler. I guess they stopped that? I'm very heart broken that GM stopped making these.
I have both a 2003 Astro LT AWD, and a 2003 GMC Safari Cargo van 2WD, wish it was an AWD as well... XD, but ya the Astro has the CD player, and tape player factory, while the GMC just has FM
Ok,first off great video's! The true difference between the Chevy,and GMC. Nothing! It was about dealer distribution! Chevy,and the GMC stores wanted their own version! Same with other GM platforms. This van routes go back to 1985,it was actually the second mini van to come out after the Chrysler mini vans. Other than some trim updates, wheels that went from 5 lug,to 6 lugs in the 2000's. The extended version around the early 90's that remained the only version till its death! And a bullet proof AWD system that is mechanical, not electronic. This vans were more cargo vans,with a passenger van upgrade. The modern van that closely matches these vans today,the Mercedes Matris van. The GM sister's were great vans,the main reason why they don't make them anymore. The shared alot with the GM S series truck,that platform was killed to make the first gen Colorado. The vans lasted a few years after the S series died,that's how it got the Colorado's 6 lug wheels! Again a great van,especially with AWD!
15 year old scotch guard is what you smell. My 1990 Astro has more than 360,000 miles ( the odometer would not go from 349,999 to350,000. I smacked the dash as it clicked 349,999 and it went to 350,000. Fixed) Rust in the frame and the rear axle noise will probably kill it the year.
They are one and the same, built in the same plants - only diifference is the grill/headlight assembly and the badging.
I love it!
my astro has everything ,your GMC does i did not see if you had rear ac or not though?
I have an 03 Astro 168k and the oil pressure sits at 20 at idle is that bad?
These were used as taxis where I use to live. Seen many with over 300k.
what suspension parts can i steal from a truck for this beast? I can only find weak ass parts for the front I want some coil overs for the front!
For your question about why the gmc over the Chevy. The exclusivity of the gmc is why. That's still when they only built trucks.
Toyota are asking way too much money for that 2005. Even with just 75K on the register!
Where did u get those seat covers?
Imagine if this was your actual daily driver?
It is makes me money painting sheet rocking etc
Good for hauling materials and protecting them from the elements
I drive a 1994 chevy Astro. It is my daily driver. has 400,000 k on it. Best vehicle ever made.
@@stephaniecowan7254 haha it says you joined UA-cam today. Surely you daily drive a Chevy Astro van and you love it!
@@stephaniecowan7254 Does yours have a driver's side airbag?
I still have my baby 2000 astro I love my bucket
Is the van still on sale , ho much ?
GMC Safari and Chevy Astro are basically the same just like a GMC Envoy and Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe and GMC Sierra 1500 and a Chevy Silverado 1500 all great trucks
thanks for this review
No Cruise control?
Ironic this is being sold used at a Toyota dealership, because full-size vans (I include the Astro/Safari along with the Express/Savana in that category) are one of the few types of vehicle categories in which the Japanese have NOT competed with the American automakers. Other than full-size pickup trucks and full-size sedans (such as the ones American and Canadian police use) the Japanese have kicked the butt of the Detroit automakers! I think the only time I've actually seen a Japanese vehicle used as a police car in America was when I saw a Toyota FJ Cruiser being used by Houston (Texas) police once...
Nissan has that full-sized V8 whatchamacall-it (I just call it the 'snoopy-van'). While Ford and fiat Chrysler have gone all Euro-van, the Nissan is more old-school rugged (V8) like the GM full-sized vans. But the Nissan has a longer hood that somehow reminds me of Snoopy. It looks ridiculous, probably to fit in with the rest of the 'modern' Van's. Kind of off topic, though.
I'm interested in the van 2005 astro
I had 1 of those CD players in my 1991 cavilier 2 years before they got released..hmmm
They changed the front agin to match with the current chavy salvrado (2005)
Why would it be any better or worse than an astro, when it's the exact same vehicle? LoL
Not "barn doors", "Dutch doors".
great video
Four grand!? They're three times that around here right now with that mileage four if it's AWD.
Lov astros and safari
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
The GMC grill does it for me
The biggest mistake was GM , not improving it a bit every few years with updated powertrains , would still sell
R U Jack Black's Son??
$4K & a pack a smokes. 🤣🤣 So true.
Also zach the 4.3 Was put in boats as well buy Mercruiser!
I think you're hilarious bro. Would love to collab
wow the kept the single sliding door till the end
My neighbor used to have a green Astro
I like those vans
I prefer just the one door personally.
16 mpg are nearly 15 liter per Kilometer. Not 6 to 9 😅
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Are they all AWD???
No. RWD is standard, and my preference because it has fewer problems and gets 2MPG better. That's a big deal when these barely sqeak out 20s mpg on hwy. A little known fact about AWD, all 4 tires must have the same wear (2 can't be newer than other 2) or it tears up the system. How many previous owners knew that before the next sucker purchases the old vehicle!? That's not the case with 4wd. AWD has it's great points too, like on ice, but I'm glad it was optional.
I could use those rims on mine😂😂😂
gmc safari and chevy astro is the same, made in same factory, just different grill and badges, option may vary, but = same car
The 4l60e was great untill they turned to junk with no warning
For 2005 GM had the ugliest knobs and controls .. they look like lego blocks
I’m trying to buy it
Why buy the GMC over the Chevy? One set of red turbine wheels and one black/red/charcoal paint job will tell you exactly why =0)
Yo brother, which is best always had a FORD ECONOLINE E-250 white van tinted windows for my electrical but I KNOW with how neat I am I can get a SMALLER van BUT STILL WITH THE WINDOWLESS DESIGN OR GATES, WHICHEVER i BUMP INTO FIRST, WHAT DO Y9OU THINK HAS THE BETTER, FASTER AND LONGER LASTING, EASIER TO FIX ENGINE OUT OF THE ASTRO OR THE SAFARI ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT I AM USING IT AS A WORK VAN, I AM SAVING NOW AS USED CARS WENT UP SO REGRET SELLING MY 2006 TOYOTA LIKE AN IDIOT FOR SO DARN CHEAP WITH 113K ON IT, NOTHING WRONG SO YES, HUGE MISTAKE TIME TO START OVER! What would be a good-used price to find one at, like a steal of a deal and astro or safari, do not care the year long as looks decent and good engine and the body can be 'worked with" ..... POSSIBLE ion 2022? ..... where to find? Thanks! BTW: I also have a car sitting outside with 39 thousand on it, a shame as it's fine minus been sitting and needs a GEN Belt for $19 and a jump again as well as new gas maybe and a little air in the new (when I parked it years ago) white wall tires, all original though 1979 or '80 Oldsmobile Omega .... Close to the '79 in training day! .... appreciate your opinion / reply ...
cool
Foreign viewers usually use L/100km
yeah, true, but 17mpg is about 13.8 L/100km, those cars never do better mileage.. not even on highways use
زمان كان فيه واحد يوصل بباص نفس ذا بضبط وكان ملياااان عيال وفيه منهم يوقفون ﻻنهم مالقو مكان يجلسو فيه، وكان الباص نازل من ورا ويحك عند كل مطب
What dat say?
@@chocolatewheelchair He said "Back in the day there used to be a guy that owned a bus exactly just this and it was full of kids to the point some kids stand up cause there is no place to sit, and the bus was soo low behind that it scrapes when he hits the speed bump"
The safari is worse than the older astros because the older astros have the better tranfer case.