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thinking about buying an awd
#80471 January 15th 2006 9:40 pm
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gypsy Offline OP
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I've been out looking at vans and I found a 2003 Astro AWD. Anything I should be looking for (problem areas,etc)? Any help or comments appreciated.

Re: thinking about buying an awd
#80472 March 08th 2006 3:52 pm
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Problem in later AWDs 95 and newer is electronic motor that triggers awd action is weak link. Cost $150 to replace

Re: thinking about buying an awd
#80473 April 16th 2006 10:47 pm
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pooh-bah
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not bad cost repair...we have a 2000 awd astro & 92 gmc safari awd...really like them both...next to purchase is a 2005 awd astro,not sure when

Re: thinking about buying an awd
VanVida_Israel #331775 October 06th 2009 7:54 pm
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old hand
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We've had our '99 AWD for about 5 years now, wouldn't want to be without it. It did seem sluggish compared to the 2wd versions I assume because of the extra rotating mass, recently the transmission took a powder thanks to pulling our camper up a long mountain grade. I put another in with this kit https://www.700r4l60e.com/store/product.php?productid=366&cat=64&page=1 the difference is almost overwhelming. It does shift hard, probably too hard on 1-2 for most people but since this van sees a good bit of towing, I can live with it. The performance is a HUGE difference and picked up 2-3 mpg in the process. It is getting tons more power to the ground and pulls hard and steady, the shift points are perfect for everyday driving as well. I would highly recommend a tranny cooler after you get the van, the transmissions work hard in the little Astros. I put a 30k gvw cooler in it and it runs 70-80 mph pulling 2500 lbs of camper and gear and the tranny runs around 200 degrees all the time. It's a great family workhorse and still strong after 160k miles.


'85 GMC Shorty
'98 Suburban K2500
'98 Pontiac G8 GT
'77 Pontiac Astre
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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543118 February 27th 2012 7:44 am
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the only issues i have had with my 2000 astro is the heater vent selector diddnt work cause of a couple of bad vacuum lines (one across the engine to the pcv valve connection, and the other to the vacuum resivoir) and the transfer case binding cause of old fluid there is a tsb on the fluid use in your 96-05's where you use GM's AUTO-TRAK II fluid, other then those i have had no trouble

Re: thinking about buying an awd
astro_ruhroh #543123 February 27th 2012 8:51 am
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pooh-bah
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I say go for it if its your everyday ride its best to have a 4X4 in WNY.


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
MrHoney #543170 February 27th 2012 1:04 pm
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AWD astro's make excellent daily drivers ,,, smile


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543513 February 28th 2012 4:54 am
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Festerus Vannimus
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I almost wish my Astro was a AWD, specially when the snow/ice flies around here. . . . . Would make me feel a bit safer, you know?

Just to tease you, check THIS GUY OUT


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Re: thinking about buying an awd
gypsy #543536 February 28th 2012 8:51 am
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Phrog had one and the engine went south on him.....scrapped it as that particular engine was problematic and the hard to find in the wreckers


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