Chevy & GMC Vans

The other day, I noticed that the cladding was pulling away from the cladding on my'04 Safari. While attempting to re-attach it, I saw the problem- there's nothing to attach it to!! The rockers on both sides are literally not there! Given that I've put over $4000 into this van in the last 2 years and the other fact that it's 11 years old, I've decided to drive it until another big expense appears, then to replace it. But with what? I pull a 3000 lb travel trailer and own 2 big, but aging dogs. As well. I've recently had some medical issues and been forced to retire early and without a pension (thank God for rrsp's) so I have to keep it under $10,000. Any ideas? The Safari was ideal for us but they're aging fast and almost impossible to find here. This forum has always been a great resource for me and I hope you guys won't let me down now. Thanks for all your help in the past and for any and all responses. It's a sad, sad day...

Good strong vehicle could be had for $10k
2000 to 2003
Chevy Tahoe or Suburban. 4WD.
5.3 liter engine.
strong and drive real nice.
Mileage is only about 12 to 14 with 3.73 axle but they are great for towing.
They are strong and safe and available.

AP

Astrophysics wrote:Good strong vehicle could be had for $10k
2000 to 2003
Chevy Tahoe or Suburban. 4WD.
5.3 liter engine.
strong and drive real nice.
Mileage is only about 12 to 14 with 3.73 axle but they are great for towing.
They are strong and safe and available.

AP

X2. Momma LOVED her 99 Tahoe. Towed WAY better than my safari. Heated leather was nice too!

that's a good question that I have been asking myself for years. I need 4x8 sheets of plywood to be covered in transport, seating for 7 ( removable is a plus ). 4wd / AWD for the boat launch. 5000 lbs towing capacity. But still have the ability to fit in underground parking. My Safari has it all covered.

Only the Suburban / Tahoe xl comes close to the capability of my Safari. An older Express awd is the same age as the van so not really relevant.

I really like the Nissan NV2500 but no AWD/ 4x4, they are pricey, and ugly as sin

Good luck ! OPP is always clearing out 3-5 year old Tahoe for sub $10k with appx 200k miles

i could not find a next vehicle so i sent it to have the body repaired, I'll probably keep fixing it until i can't get parts anymore or i die which ever comes first lol

I'll be ordering l&r rockers for mine next week. My claddings been flapping in the breeze too. Like someone once said " in for a penny- in for a pound." I put money into mine constantly. Sometimes cause it broke or sometimes it's before it breaks. It's still cheaper than a truck payment every month and I'm having fun... Mostly... And I have a cool van that does crap a lot of trucks can't do. I love my van

I kinds like these.

http://youtu.be/gjBiVEzr7dg


Oh, you said $10k, sorry.

I just picked up a 2004 AWD mint condition LT for 7999$. There was a few others listed within 100k of my location that looked in great shape for under 10k, mind you they all have over 170k on them.
Check out these guys, cargovancanada.com, they always have inventory of Astro/Safaris.

Thanks, guys, for the responses and all the help over the last 5 years. This Safari has been quite an experience (read- expensive and time -consuming)and this will in all likelyhood, be my final post on our beloved forum. Alas, I have moved on. I just bought a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with 90,000 km on it, in like new condition. 4 liter, 6 cylinder, 4wd towing machine (up to 5600 lbs) with all the bells and whistles of a touring car. I'll miss the camaraderie of this forum and again, thanks to everyone here for their help, guidance and friendship.