Good Used Car Buy if You Need a Hauler

Bought a used 2001 Astro passenger van (rear wheel drive) in 2007. Dealer was thrilled to sell it, at a low price. In 2008, you can probably get an even better deal.

It is a truck for us, for hauling and light towing, not a daily driver. We put on less than 4,000 miles last year. Has a trailer towing mode on shifter that winds out lower gears when selected.

At 55 mph and lightly loaded, I've gotten 22 mpg with the 4.3 liter V-6. For mixed driving around town and on the interstate, typically about 20 mpg. Not bad for a tall van!

Comfortable ride and easier to park than a full-size van.

Back seats are removable for cargo, but are they heavy? Get help moving them if you can.

Currently 93,000 miles. One of the power window motors came loose at about 90,000 miles, and cost about $200 to repair. Apparently they are riveted on and come loose over time. The back axle makes a blub-blub-blub noise when deccelerating; shop says it is likely a bearing, but could go a long time. We're living with it so far.

Electrical and electronic components work fine.

Had a windshield leak but a little silicone took care of it.

Has driver and passenger side airbags. Early Astros had poor crash ratings, but by '01 they were much improved.

I'd recommend for people who need a hauler.