Hi everyone, a definanate noobie here.

[gussy78]

Hello everyone, I must first say that i am so glad i found this site. Just got a new to me 2000 teal blue astro awd. It had 114k miles on it and the body was in very good condition for the year. I bought this after I was hit on the way to work in my prized 98 Volvo XC awd station wagon with winter package. I say prized because I bought it for 5 grand, then followed up with more than 4 grand in unseen repairs and other general maintenence these cars require. That car was set for another 150k. It was kind to my wallet being that it was good on gas too. But when the settlement came out I only got a little over 5 grand. Now I understand why, even when you got insurance, it sucks to get hit. Just put 4 new tires on there for winter the week before. Man that thing would climb trees in the summer and winter. So basically I lost all my marbles in that whole deal. I guess I'm lucky the guy had any insurance at all and didnt try leaving the scene. Anyways... moving on from there. After that my vehicle requirements have been tightly narrowed down to these requirements.

1.) I love the enclosed cargo space of a station wagon, after having a Dodge Dakota std cab for 10 years or better (extremely tight cab). Im a union electrician so having room for my tools, warm clothing, boots, bibs, and a set of dry everything is priceless.

2.) All wheel drive was also a big player. Never experienced awd before the volvo, but was finally able to see the other side lives. Never got too cocky with it, just enjoyed being able to hook up when others wouldn't. Here in northern Indiana we tend to get a lot of lake effect snow from time to time, its nice being one of the guys who can still get out in the morning.

3.) Descent gas mileage... well I'm going to loose on this one, but something had to give up something to remain in my price range of 5k.

While looking constantly thru shoppers and online sites for a volvo replacement I stumbled onto the astro awd. Didnt give it a whole lot of thought at that time, just didnt consinder myself that type. Haha! After further thought and realization, I was able to totally justify buying a minivan. All the room, AWD!, good cab lighting, tow package, sit up higher, and lower insurance rates! It grew on me quick and I became somewhat excited about the whole idea.

Gotta run, but list of issues with my van just grew. List to come later.

Thanks,
Ryan G.

[chevymaher]

Welcome.

[xit]

Welcome

[ProStreet_LS1]

Welcome

I not really sure why it falls into the minivan category, but oh well.

[Jasen]

Welcome to A/S

[kornphlake]

Welcome

I not really sure why it falls into the minivan category, but oh well.

It looks like more of a mid-size van really doesn't it? Wheelbase of an Astro is 110 inches, a Toyota Sienna is 119 inches, the diminutive Mazda 5 is 108 inches. So yeah, I guess an Astro is a minivan, ignoring factors such as ground clearance, drivetrain and cargo capacity anyway.

[RECox286]

Most unknowing people call the M/L van a "Mini". However we should be content to allow them to believe that. (More trucks for ourselves !)

Bob

[jnbgoch]

Welcome

I not really sure why it falls into the minivan category, but oh well.

To give us lower insurance rates for driving bad a$$ vehicles!!!

[Mr_Bowtie]

Welcome! Congrats on your new mini-van TRUCK!

[alexalexanders]

Welcome to the forum!

[Drahken]

Welcome i am also new im from Buffallo NY.

[theotherandy]

Hi, welcome to the forum! I'm a big Volvo fan, so definitely sucks to hear that yours is gone (a wagon too! ). The Astro's a good truck and should definitely fit your needs.

[94 Van Guy]

Welcome to the forum Ryan,

Keith

[93xtmoney]

Welcome Ryan!!

[Big_kid]

Sorry to read about your Volvo, but glad you made your way here- Welcome aboard!