New Safari in CT

[Philly758]

Hi all... I've been searching for an Astro/Safari van for the last 3-4 months and finally found one with everything I wanted at the right price. This past Saturday I purchased a 2000 GMC Safari SLE with AWD. An honest old lady driven, well maintained gem with only 60,000 miles on it for $3,000. Besides the loose arm rest, missing seat belt, missing 3rd row seat and minor cleaning this thing is perfect. I am now the proud owner of my first van.

I came across these boards during my search. Now that I have a van of my own I plan on spending more time here learning and getting help from those of you that know way more than I do. I have not done a lot of work on my own cars in the past, but I'm willing to learn!

Anyways, thanks for having me.



EDIT: Does anyone have any recommendations for preventive maintenance at this point? Also, any pointers for increasing gas mileage? Thanks.

[ihatemybike]

Search my posts, I became a mileage geek when the prices went so high.

[ihatemybike]

Oh, just noticed you have an AWD. Watch the axle seals on the front diff, replace as soon as you notice a leak. I lost two front diffs due to lack of fluid, second one stupidly.

[Philly758]

ihatemybike: Thanks for the advice on the front diff, as I begin to get into and under my car I'll be sure to check that. I'll also take a look some of your posts for better MPG pointers.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Welcome to ASV! You will definitely find out anything you want to know about these vans here. Post up pics...we LOVE pics!

[astrozam]

Welcome Philly758, sounds like you found a decent van throw up the pics.

[Rileysowner]

Welcome. If you are like most of us, you will find this gets addictive.

[Philly758]

Thanks guys...

Here are some photos (let me know if they don't show, they were hosted on Facebook).




(driver's side step has already been removed)

[Rebel]

Welcome Ct. from way down south at the 96 mile marker.

[crash]

welcome to the site. great looking van. I think something very similar is my next quest. AWD

[astroturf]

Philly758, What a deal. 60,000 miles, at $3,000.00. You stole that thing. Looks good outside. Jim

[mdmead]

Welcome to the site!

[astrozam]

Hey Phillly, van looks good, was she able to provide the maintenance records to you? if so post up the last things that were done to it and we can help you a little more with what you should probably do.

[Philly758]

Hey Phillly, van looks good, was she able to provide the maintenance records to you? if so post up the last things that were done to it and we can help you a little more with what you should probably do.

She did not have any of the maintenance records for the car nor did I do a carfax. Basically the original owner of the van was an old women whos husband was a mechanic. The old lady died and left the van to a friend, who I bought the van from. She assured me the van was mostly garage kept and well maintained (due to the husband being a mechanic). So I don't think a carfax would do any justice.

With my limited know how it looks that the oil is current, according to the sticker on the window. The transmission fluid is bright red and is at the correct level, looks good to me. Now based on what ihatemybike posted above I think the one thing I really should check is my differential fluid, but i don't know the first thing about that. I've been reading a little on the boards about using synthetic fluid and whatnot, especially if I plan to do some towing, so this seems to be a good place to start.

Thanks again everyone.

[Philly758]

Also, found the oil change and fuel filter change how to's on the Tech Gallery... These should be very helpful as I've only been under the car for a total of 5 minutes now.