Full-size van preference?

T

TJ Cornish

Graduate
Jan 13, 2011
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St. Paul, MN
So Dick's thread went the other way - going towards a smaller vehicle (apart from the thread hijacks). I have the opposite question - my Astro Van is getting up there, and since they've stopped making them as of 2005, supplies of them won't be around forever.

Of the full-size vans, what's your preference? Chevy Express? Ford E series? Sprinter?

I'm looking for the smallest of the full-size vans - both for height restriction issues (7' 3" absolute max height), and footprint issues - I have to park this in parking ramps occasionally.

I'd love AWD but could live without it.

Probably most interested in 2004 - 2008 vintage, if that makes any difference.

Thanks for the thoughts.
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

I only have experience with the Ford E series and Chevy Express but currently own and prefer the Express. It has a really low load height and seems to run great even with high mileage.
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

Ben Lawrence said:
I only have experience with the Ford E series and Chevy Express but currently own and prefer the Express. It has a really low load height and seems to run great even with high mileage.
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I agree with you about the Express. I'm on my second one now. My first one (1979 model) lasted me 10 years and it was so beat up when I bought it that I only paid $1500 for it. Final mileage is unknown due to speedometer issues, but it was still running reliably when I got rid of it in 2001. I replaced it with a 1999 model (purchased used in 2001) and it now has nearly 187,000 miles on it. I'm just now considering replacing it.
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

Agreed on the Sprinter, except in the snow. I've driven ours out of state a few times, like it. I just wish the seat was more adjustable, and wish the steering wheel was adjustable.

With real snow tires, I think it'd be good. The traction control is hideous, best left off - it only cuts power to the drive wheels, and isn't very sensitive.
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

I have and enjoy my 2006 Chevy Express 3500; Extended version with the Duramax Diesel (other than that its a 'base' or 'workers truck' model). I average 16 mpg with mostly highway driving; with the gear in the back (20 something without any weight). I bought mine last year for $14k with 110k on the clock; it doesn't drip or burn any oil. I don't have much snow driving on the Van, but the one time there was about 2-3" of snow and it wasn't a problem.

I did look at the other 2 Full Size vans:
Sprinter, I couldn't afford it, they where an additional $10k over the Express's.
Ford E250/E350; I didn't like Ford tacked on the extended length section to the rear end of a regular length van.
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

I certainly don't consider any 2000-up Chevy Astro too old. I drive several. My oldest '92 has 268,000 miles, and has earned itself many times over... and still continues to do so. My 2000 Astro is a solid work van, and with about 150,000 is just breaking in... it has been trouble free for years. All parts are easily replaceable... both pull trailers when needed too.
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

I purcahsed a new 2010 GMC Savana 1500 AWD in January and really love it.This is the 5th GMC/Chevy full size van I've owned and this one is the best.I also owned 4 Astro Vans and they were good as well.The new Savan has the 5.3 motor and gets a little over 12mpg local driving.It pulls my 4,000 GVW trailer no problem.The Sprinter is no longer made/sold by Dodge.You now have to buy them from Mercedes. They do get very good gas mileage and you can stand up in them.But they are expensive. IMO,and the opinions of those I know who have used both the Ford and GM/Chevy Vans,the GMC/Chevy feels like it's better built and handles better.
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

"The new Savan has the 5.3 motor and gets a little over 12mpg local" In my experience a diesel Sprinter will return better than 25 MPG imperial even with the 160 hp engine, so still over 20mpg in US gallons and on the highway it'll get closer to 30 US, surely if you're travelling the kinds of mileage you seem to be the fuel savings alone would make the purchase price and probably higher service cost more bearable. I'm also fairly sure that the payload is higher as well, our versions here can carry at least 1.3 tons and stay under the 3.5 ton limit that we have for light vans though if you're willing to go into commercial licence territory they come in up to 5 ton all up weight so a payload of about 2.5 tons I think.. The local parcel companies all use them here and they seem to bear up well to the abuse, Mercedes commercial tend to have good lease and maintainence packages for commercial users and I'm sure they'll do something similar in the US G
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

I have a Chevy Express. I'm planning on maybe getting rid of it and purchase the AWD version. We get snow up here and I haven't had any problems with it at all in winter driving.
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

If you want a real 4WD van get a Quigley conversion.
129_0608_07_z+quigley_4x4_van+rear_passenger_side_view.jpg
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

My work 2000 Chevy Astro van has 150,000 miles, no work ever done to it (other than brakes)...trans original too. Pulls trailer as well. My personal 92 Astro has 288,000 miles on original un-touched 4.3 engine......
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

As much as I despise Government Motors due to my experience with their customer service in dealing with my 'Vette issues, my nod goes to the Chevy/GMC line for their longevity, to say nothing of the huge user base which assures easy availability of aftermarket gear.

If you are accustomed to driving American iron, the Sprinter is kind of different, so I would say try it before you buy it. The payoff is the Mercedes-Benz diesel's phenomenal fuel economy, and it is no surprise that I saw thousands of them in Europe, where gas is over $9/gallon (diesel is actually cheaper than gas there, though).
 
Re: Full-size van preference?

Scott Smith said:
My work 2000 Chevy Astro van has 150,000 miles, no work ever done to it (other than brakes)...trans original too. Pulls trailer as well. My personal 92 Astro has 288,000 miles on original un-touched 4.3 engine......
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My Astro is a '98 with 130K, and while the 4.3 Vortec is unquestionably a great engine, I've put a few bucks in mine - leaking oil lines, coolant seals, some suspension parts, etc. that start to add up after a while, not counting the usual alternator/battery/tires/brakes/blah blah blah. I've got some time, but I am starting to plan a replacement.
 
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