GMC SAFARI…… Purchase?????????
Question:
Hello All Looking to buy a Safari Van and wanting some input good or bad….? Any comments on the 3400 Vortex engine, wear parts……etc. Thanx in advance. Jon.
Response:
Yep, You are right on both counts. 4300 – Vortec (typos). As per my original request, any info on the Safari would be great. Thanx Jon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Don’t you mean the 4300 Vortec engine?? I think that was the smallest they > put in the Safari and the smallest they made w/ the Vortec package. As for > performance, my Jimmy can haul ass, and it is probably around the same > weight as the Safari. > Hello All > Looking to buy a Safari Van and wanting some input good or bad….? Any > comments on the 3400 Vortex engine, wear parts……etc. > Thanx in advance. > Jon.
Response:
Don’t you mean the 4300 Vortec engine?? I think that was the smallest they put in the Safari and the smallest they made w/ the Vortec package. As for performance, my Jimmy can haul ass, and it is probably around the same weight as the Safari. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello All > Looking to buy a Safari Van and wanting some input good or bad….? Any > comments on the 3400 Vortex engine, wear parts……etc. > Thanx in advance. > Jon.
Response:
I think they are a nice van, I’m also looking at purchasing one. I don’t have any information on them, but would also like to know if the all wheel drive has any problems. Chuck
Response:
my father currently owns a 1990 GMC safari with over 300,000 kilometers on it. The engine is just now being replaced after a block in the PCV system. The van itself has been fantastic. a few problems that we have encountered have been with the power locks and windows, they just stopped working and no one can explian why. we have also had repeat problems with the blower motor and switch for the fan. the vortec engines are really dependable. I know the safari/astro have been redesigned and refereshed since 1990 but given a choice, I’d still go out and buy one rather than any other on the market. It is bigger than a caravan, built on a truck chassis and is smaller than a full size van and is reasonably priced as compared to the newer minivans.
Response:
The 4.3 (vin W) is the only engine available…… Great Work horse! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Don’t you mean the 4300 Vortec engine?? I think that was the smallest they > put in the Safari and the smallest they made w/ the Vortec package. As for > performance, my Jimmy can haul ass, and it is probably around the same > weight as the Safari. > Hello All > Looking to buy a Safari Van and wanting some input good or bad….? Any > comments on the 3400 Vortex engine, wear parts……etc. > Thanx in advance. > Jon.
Response:
I purchased a 1998 in September. I like it very much, so far 9K miles. I traded a full size chevy pickup, that I towed with. The van pulls the same trailer fine. I had owned a 1993 Astro and was happy with that as well. Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Yep, You are right on both counts. 4300 – Vortec (typos). >As per my original request, any info on the Safari would be great. >Thanx >Jon > Don’t you mean the 4300 Vortec engine?? I think that was the smallest they > put in the Safari and the smallest they made w/ the Vortec package. As for > performance, my Jimmy can haul ass, and it is probably around the same > weight as the Safari. > > Hello All > > Looking to buy a Safari Van and wanting some input good or bad….? Any > > comments on the 3400 Vortex engine, wear parts……etc. > > Thanx in advance. > > Jon.
Response:
Solid, dependable vehicle with a tremendous drive train. There are a few built-in problems, though. Most important of these is the fronted geometry. My ‘98 Astro has been back to the dealer four times in the past year for alignments, including a replacement tire on the left front at 6,000 miles. At 10,000 miles the outside shoulder of the LF tire is already showing considerable tread wear although the inflation is right on the money. Went through pretty much the same routine on my ‘90 Astro. Also, if you’re a 6-footer or taller, don’t plan on spending much time in the front passenger seat. There is literally ZERO footspace. Wind-noise at highway speeds is very high, just as you would get driving any shoebox at 75 mph. The rear doors are held open by latches that truly suck. And the rear door hinges need a new design so they don’t protrude out of the body like coat racks. But this is an aesthetic consideration. When I was looking for a new van I spent some time with the Safaris and couldn’t find any differences that justified the higher price of GMC vs. Chevrolet. In Florida the asking price for the Safari was typically $3,000 more than for an identical Astro. Someone more knowledgeable might be able to provide you specifics on how they differ or you might want to compare sales brochures. But for my money the higher price of the GMC badge didn’t justify buying one. If you plan on towing anything, I strongly recommend a transmission cooler and adjustable rear airshocks. The OEM shocks are acceptable for general driving but don’t hold a tongue weight very well. baldeagle ^^^^^^^ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello All > Looking to buy a Safari Van and wanting some input good or bad….? Any > comments on the 3400 Vortex engine, wear parts……etc. > Thanx in advance. > Jon.
