Greets from Chicagoland

[ihatemybike]

Been reading the forums a bit and joined, looking to try some tricks.

[GasSavers_SD26]

Welcome!

I'm still trying to figure out who I have to know to get a $250 Astro.

[ihatemybike]

Just have to search Craigslist and send emails. I sent an email to everyone listing an Astro under $1000 stating why the max I could offer was $250. Three people accepted, but this was the first I viewed in person. The ad for Grumpy was asking $600.

[kamesama980]

nice find. anything able to propel itself to your house on it's own is a good buy for $250. just watch out for the AWD front wheel bearings. I heard they're like $1100 just for the part (and that's aftermarket, not OEM)

[ihatemybike]

Yeah, I'm completely impressed with my find so far. Less than a week after I finally registered it, Green's fuel pump quit working. Been used for almost 3 weeks of daily driving so far. Needs the HVAC blower repaired, wipers replaced, and the weak fuel pump replaced, but with starting fluid it starts and gets me around. I could have Green's pump replaced already, but I'm taking my time trying to find the best deal. Currently $260 for a Delphi/ACDelco unit.

Did a quick search on the front wheel bearings. Sold as a hub/bearing assembly, cheapest OEM I could find was $700 for the set. I'm on AstroSafariVans.com all the time and don't recall reading about anyone having to replace them, maybe replacement is not too common.

I know with this many miles it maybe a ticking time bomb, but I'm excited to see just how long it can go. It's been my plan that after the rally it gets retired to my parents house for my mom to use for local running about, but I almost want to send Green down and drive Grumpy myself till dead. I really enjoy the thought of having a spare vehicle around.