The Astro is pretty unique really. Proper rear drive and a simple pushrod V6. The 03-05 models got 6 lug wheels and better brakes. Maybe some other upgrades too. They are the best of the lot. Another trip down south or out west may be your cheapest bet.
Express van with a 4.8 LS motor would be my plan "B" No worse mileage than the Astro and waaaaay more foot room.
Yep minivans are not mini anymore. But if that doesn't float your boat, get one of the "euro shape" commercial type van offerings with back seating. I'm biased to T1N's, but I'm sure other models also do everything an Astro can and better. You can pull down mpg in the mid 20's with a 2.7 sprinter.
https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30320
Gearheadotaku said:The Astro is pretty unique really. Proper rear drive and a simple pushrod V6. The 03-05 models got 6 lug wheels and better brakes. Maybe some other upgrades too. They are the best of the lot. Another trip down south or out west may be your cheapest bet.
Express van with a 4.8 LS motor would be my plan "B" No worse mileage than the Astro and waaaaay more foot room.
Aerostar came in rwd and had the very oldschool pushrod 4.0 too.
In reply to Antihero :
And could be had with a 5 speed manual but only in RWD guise (AWD was an option from 1990-1997).
3 pedal astro was an option too but only with the iron duke in the 80’s
stanger_missle said:In reply to Antihero :
And could be had with a 5 speed manual but only in RWD guise (AWD was an option from 1990-1997).
My dad has an AWD aerostar that hes had for awhile and loves
The first gen MPV was based on the 929 which was also rear wheel drive.
But my thought for a modern equivalent would be the Transit. Or an Expedition/Tahoe
In reply to Patrick :
My folks had a 4.3/5 speed Astro ('87 model) way back in the day. Special ordered, for sure, but it could be done.
Not that this helps the conversation at all...
Dave M said:" tow my race trailer, haul the family on vacations, haul kids to university dorms"
They don't serve that with a minivan anymore because they realized that they make so much more money if you buy a Suburban or Silverado.
Practicality is dead; long live crew cab pickups!
the modern Astro/safari is effectively the tahoe and regular Yukon.
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