Go For It or Stay Away

[catbones]

I know a few things and one would be to stay away from these small issues with any other vehicle, however finding an Astro/Safari isn't really that easy, specially with low mileage in the 50k - 60k or less.

I've found one locally recently around 50k for about $9k which is pretty good for a 2003... however, after looking at the van the seller informed me that the ABS and check engine lights come on about 2 - 3 times a year since he doesn't drive much. I test drove it, runs fine and nothing came on other then ABS light for 30 seconds. He did replace the fuel pump and a few break options. It's little rusty but nothing bad or fixable on the rust part. I also noticed a few things such as the door locks have issues and you sometimes can't use the key to open the doors.

My question in hopes for suggestions from here would be, should I go ahead and buy it?? would these be easy fixes and should I offer him $6K since all others ones with 90k around here go for about $5000 or just run, keep looking?????

Any suggestions form you fine folks here will be appreciated.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

$9k seems really high for a 10 year old rusty van! If the body was perfect and there were no issues...maybe. Is it AWD or RWD? If you are comfortable offering $6k then go for it. The ABS issue is probably one or both of the front hub bearings going. Other issues can also be fixed relatively easily.

[okie1]

That's pretty high for that van, if it was near perfect $6000 would be ok.

[Smiliesafari]

I agree.......too much $$$$$$$$$. Too many issues.

[doyoulikeithere]

The ABS issue is probably one or both of the front hub bearings going.

is this a hard thing to fix on an awd? Expensive?
in a nutshell, whats involved in changing these on an awd?
It Might be my issue too.

[catbones]

Hi guys,

The body isn't perfect by any means, few rust spots, and not very clean under body, very rusty... I thought offering $6k or even $5000, but seller thinks Im out of my mind for low balling him because of NADA Guides. I think he would get peanuts on trade in in such case.

Might make him take it to the mechanic and fix it then offer $6500 or $7k.

To answer the other persons question, its AWD LS model.

[safari kev]

I wouldnt even offer that much! a rusty van is a rusty van. Especially if it has alot of underbody rust.

[T.Low]

I paid $8k in '08 for my 03 awd w/55k. So, it was barely 5 yrs old, perfect condition in and out, no rust including the frame/underneath.