1997 Chevrolet Astro

Minivan/Van

6 Cylinder 4.3 Liter

Automatic

1gnel19w0vb149053

All Wheel Drive

Gasoline

Air Conditioning

Due to a recent career change, I no longer have the need for a van, so after much deliberation, I decided to part with this very reliable vehicle and purchase a pick-up. This 1997 Chevrolet Astro van with just over 148K miles is loaded with the LT (Luxury Touring) package and includes the following features and options: 4.3L Vortec V-6 3-speed+overdrive automatic transmission front and rear air conditioning 8-passenger seating or captain-style seating for 6 with a few simple seat adjustments power steering power brakes power windows power door locks, power mirrors power driver’s seat delay wipers rear window wiper/defroster tilt wheel cruise control overhead console with electronic compass and outside temperature indicator privacy glass remote keyless entry premium alloy wheels deluxe factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD sound system tow package driver and passenger side air bags roof rack rear cargo area protector The van is aesthetically in great shape with a few minor dings and scrapes here and there, but no major damage or rust. The interior has a few very minor stains mainly on the carpeting between the front seats where my morning coffee found its way to the floor a few times, but in general is in very good shape for a 14-year old vehicle. It has obviously been used, but definitely not abused. Please see the pictures and make your own judgment about the condition, but I think it can certainly be rated at least very good overall. The tires are a matching set of Firestone Destination LE’s with about ¼ of their tread life remaining. The inspection is current through May of 2011. The brakes are brand new on all four wheels and I don’t know of anything that would prevent it from passing inspection next time around. The van runs great and shifts smoothly. It is extremely reliable and has been well maintained for as long as I have owned it, which is approximately the last 62K miles of its life. As far as defects go, there are a few dings here and there as I mentioned above and there is a small chip in the windshield, which has been there since shortly after I bought it and shows no sign of “growing”. Also, rocker panel molding below the passenger side door is loose at one end and is currently secured with good old duct tape. I believe it needs a new metal bracket underneath the plastic, but I just haven’t found time to pick up the part. There is a slight squeak when you first start up the engine cold, which goes away as soon as it warms up. As is the case with every one of these vans I have ever seen, there is some cracking of the vinyl on the front door arm rests. Nothing serious. Finally, the keyless entry transmitter is very slow and you have to hold the buttons down longer than normal, but it does work. I realize that these are all very minor issues, but I want to be as forthcoming about the van as I can possibly be. I have a current Carfax report that I would be happy to share with you. It shows one minor accident (hit and obstacle in the roadway) by the original owner way back in 1999. I am the third owner of this vehicle. I’ll be happy to answer any other questions you might have, so please feel free to contact me. As you probably know, GM stopped making the Safari and Astro vans several years ago and these vehicles are getting harder and harder to find. As a result, these vehicles continue to maintain excellent resale value. They have an extremely comfortable and smooth ride. You are welcome to come inspect the van at any time before the auction ends and I would be happy to take any additional pictures of anything else you want to see in more detail. If you have any additional questions, please ask. If you would like to talk to me about the van, just email me your number and the best time to reach you and I will be happy to call you at your convenience. Thank you for taking the time to read this listing and good luck bidding if you choose to do so.On Jan-09-11 at 16:51:26 PST, seller added the following information: Unfortunately, I must report that the remote keyless entry fob appears to have quit functioning all together at this point. I will attempt to revive it by the time the auction ends, but I can't guarantee anything at this point. A new battery did not help the situation. Perhaps it has finally bitten the dust.