Astro Van or 2nd Gen Kia Sedona?

[VanLifer39]

I'm searching for a new rig for Vanlife. The Chrysler T&C that I purchased has a bad transmission. I'm still able to start the motor to get the car interior warm, but I'm weary of fuel dilution.

I've been looking at Astro Vans because of the 4.3 reliability, and simplicity of DIY repairs.

The 2nd gen Kia Sedona 2005-2014 is also in my radar due to how inexpensive they are on FB market. The 3.8 appears to be very reliabile with some reaching past 250k miles.

I'm fortunate that a gas station is a 5 minute walk. I've been refilling using a funnel.

 

[Lubener]

Myself, I would choose the Astro van. It is closer and built like a truck van , if that's what your intended purpose is.

 

[Jetronic]

I'd fit a fuel fired heater, and not idle the engine for heat. Wouldn't take long to work out cheaper.

@Bailes1992 fitted one to his car too.

 

[Escape08]

If reliability is what you're looking for, then go with Astro.

 

[eljefino]

If you're trying to remain inconspicuous the Kia gives off fewer creepy vibes.

I'm somewhat of a knuckle dragger and prefer the Astro-- its repairs will be better documented on forums and youtube and the parts are available everywhere.

 

[97prizm]

I'm searching for a new rig for Vanlife. The Chrysler T&C that I purchased has a bad transmission. I'm still able to start the motor to get the car interior warm, but I'm weary of fuel dilution.

I've been looking at Astro Vans because of the 4.3 reliability, and simplicity of DIY repairs.

The 2nd gen Kia Sedona 2005-2014 is also in my radar due to how inexpensive they are on FB market. The 3.8 appears to be very reliabile with some reaching past 250k miles.

I'm fortunate that a gas station is a 5 minute walk. I've been refilling using a funnel.

The astro/gmc safari are body on frame trucks. My only concern is that aren't parts getting a little difficult to come by? They haven't been sold new for what 20 years?

 

[andrew_j]

What is cost of transmission in known van vs another van that could have one or other work lurking?

 

[demarpaint]

Age and condition about the same, close in miles, I'd take the Astro Van.

 

[burbguy82]

no brainer, go with the astro

 

[ka9mnx]

The astro/gmc safari are body on frame trucks. My only concern is that aren't parts getting a little difficult to come by? They haven't been sold new for what 20 years?

I have no problem getting parts for my 31 year old F150.

 

[nickaluch]

KIA the Astro is a piece of overrated garbage had one made when GM was hanging by a thread

 

[Rand]

option 3, junkyard transmission.. at least you know what else works on your current vehicle?

 

[Kira]

Weren't the rear axle a/o diffs bad in some Astros?
I recall a coworker with a weekend "street fair business" being stung by that.
Are you saying you live in your van?

 

[bullwinkle]

KIA the Astro is a piece of overrated garbage had one made when GM was hanging by a thread

Seen many Astros make 300K easily, both with the 4.3 and the 2.8-the Sedona is a giant POS by comparison! GM actually built MORE reliable vehicles in the late ‘80s & early ‘90s when the Astro was first released. As compared to all those “awesome” Ventures & Uplanders, etc. they built later…

 

[SC Maintenance]

I agree the Astro is likely better suited for this task, but can you find a decent one at this point. Most here were gutted and used by contractors 10 years ago. I almost never see one.

What is your budget? High mileage Honda vans seem to be pretty affordable here. They would likely need a timing belt but not too much else.

 

[tblt44]

My 98 ASTRO was a P.O.S.
Compared to all my trucks/ few cars

 

[350Rocket]

Myself, I would choose the Astro van. It is closer and built like a truck van , if that's what your intended purpose is.

That and I occasionally see those raised roof camper models that are already somewhat set up for van life.

 

[350Rocket]

Weren't the rear axle a/o diffs bad in some Astros?
I recall a coworker with a weekend "street fair business" being stung by that.
Are you saying you live in your van?

That was their weak point. It was a 7.5" rear axle. The shop I worked at saw a few failures on them because we worked on a lot of fleet Astros that were way overloaded with tools.

 

[nickaluch]

I had a new Astro for commercial use. Rear end replacement twice, two heater cores, head gasket zero room to put your feet all in under 100k miles.

 

[nickaluch]

Seen many Astros make 300K easily, both with the 4.3 and the 2.8-the Sedona is a giant POS by comparison! GM actually built MORE reliable vehicles in the late ‘80s & early ‘90s when the Astro was first released. As compared to all those “awesome” Ventures & Uplanders, etc. they built later…

I seen plenty of Astros in fleet use because nobody else would buy them a complete piece of overrated garbage