Need advice on Astro purchase

[Detectorist]

Hi folks! I feel lucky I found this place. I'm considering purchasing an Astro Van i found at the local used car lot. it's a 2000 with only 63000 miles on it. Body is perfect. Dealer wants $4900. for it. Previous owner was local government.

Are there any things in particular I should look out for on this model? Is that a good price?

Thanks for your help!

[ihatemybike]

Nothing out of the ordinary. Check the idler arms. See if they have any repair paperwork on it. I think you should have about another 87K before the fuel pump should be replaced, that is if they have been replacing the fuel filter on a regular basis. Fuel pumps are not too hard to replace though. If you can, take it out for a drive. Run it over to AutoZone or something and have them look for codes. These vans are pretty robust, I've yet to completely kill one from my normal driving. Getting hit by unlicensed, uninsured, no speaka ingless, is a different story. That van still ran great with all the damage, but my insurance company totaled it. Kinda wish I bought it back though.

[Detectorist]

reasonable?

[ihatemybike]

With the limited data I have, Kelly Blue Book's website seems to think it's not a bad price for a good to excellent condition van. Of course I highly suggest talking them down some.

My '99 (Green) was on CraigsList a year ago for $3500 w/ 147k miles in good to excellent condition, I drove it away for $2600. I've replaced the steering gear and fuel pump, runs like a champ. KBB shows it to be worth just under $3500 as it stands now.