Chevy Astro/GMC Safari vs Mazda MPV

MN4runnerman

Senior Member
So to put it out there right away I don't have much of a clue about Minivans and haven't extensively looked it these two vehicles. I'm looking for info on common issues/repairs about these two vehicles and just your guys and girls general opinions on them. I'm looking for info on the first gen MPV 1989-1999 and the Astro second gen 1996-2005 it would be ideal to find a handicap version.

Now to the fun stuff. The reason I'm looking at these two fine pieces of junk is because my dad and I are looking to build a mobile ice fishing house. For those who don't know how to ice fish first you go to the liquor store and buy a 24 pack of Natty Ice and then you see who gets drunk the fastest. And maybe a fish will jump into your lap occasionally. Wisconsinites created these vehicles called "tubers" and it's actually a pretty good idea. I've seen people use suburbans, but mostly I see minivans and the two I have chosen are AWD. Pretty much you strip out the back of these vehicles cut a large rectangle or square in the floor so you can fit an auger through and drill your holes. Then you accessorize the interior like building a bench seat to sit on, adding a bunch of cup holders to hold beers, adding a kick ass stereo system, and storage to hold extremely small tackle and rod holders for 2 feet long fishing poles and also a bunch of unecessary stuff that is yet to be determined. The goal is to still keep the vehicle roadworthy. So what do ya guys think? I know it's already a dumb idea. But hey these things are cheap and I ice fish a lot. Here's some pics of said junk.
 

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Uploading images isn't really working on phone right now so here's the MPV to jog yalls memory
 

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I'd buy the Disastro over the Mazda any day. Parts are much more accessible.

My friend's boss had one (Astro) he got at auction with 32,000 miles. He drove it till about 360,000 and change. Pain to replace stuff up front. As far as I can remember the only out of norm replacement were steering rack boxes, rag joints and lower balljoints.
 
MPV's are only cool in Wu Tang Clan lyrics. I would get the Astro since parts would be easier to find.
 
Go with the astro for sure, much more practical in my opinion. Plus it's amazing how many people still want those old vans just because they are AWD.
 
I'd buy the Disastro over the Mazda any day. Parts are much more accessible.

My friend's boss had one (Astro) he got at auction with 32,000 miles. He drove it till about 360,000 and change. Pain to replace stuff up front. As far as I can remember the only out of norm replacement were steering rack boxes, rag joints and lower balljoints.

Good stuff to know. That's 3 votes for the disastro. Local craigslist has a couple with around 130xxx miles for $2000 or less.
 
With the AWD feature I believe there was an option of a locking rear diff.

I forgot to mention the guy replaced one if not two PCMs with remanned ones. Heat kills them.

It is common for them to run easily past 300k with decent care.

Post a pic when you find one.
 
With the AWD feature I believe there was an option of a locking rear diff.

I forgot to mention the guy replaced one if not two PCMs with remanned ones. Heat kills them.

It is common for them to run easily past 300k with decent care.

Post a pic when you find one.

I'm thinking I might do a build thread for it but I don't know what section to put it under. I'm at least gonna document it so I can look back and wonder why I did it.
 

Get that shit out of here. I mean come on I didn't ask to be berated with stupid news stories that have nothing to do with the question asked. I know the risks of driving on ice and those two while sad a story it is probably drove on ice less than 12 inches which is the minimum for trucks to be out. I won't drive my truck out on the ice until it's 18-20 inches of ice which is much safer. Even then my windows are rolled down and my seatbelt is off as soon as I get on the ice in case I do have to bail. So please remove post because I'm guessing since you live in Texas you really don't know much about ice fishing or driving on ice or "safe" ice conditions. I asked about two vehicles and their common issues.
 
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Get that shit out of here. I mean come on I didn't ask to be berated with stupid news stories that have nothing to do with the question asked. I know the risks of driving on ice and those two while sad a story it is probably drove on ice less than 12 inches which is the minimum for trucks to be out. I won't drive my truck out on the ice until it's 18-20 inches of ice which is much safer. Even then my windows are rolled down and my seatbelt is off as soon as I get on the ice in case I do have to bail. So please remove post because I'm guessing since you live in Texas you really don't know much about ice fishing or driving on ice or "safe" ice conditions. I asked about two vehicles and their common issues.

Since you asked so nicely, I think I will just leave the post where it is.
 

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