I've been out looking at vans and I found a 2003 Astro AWD. Anything I should be looking for (problem areas,etc)? Any help or comments appreciated.

Problem in later AWDs 95 and newer is electronic motor that triggers awd action is weak link. Cost $150 to replace

not bad cost repair...we have a 2000 awd astro & 92 gmc safari awd...really like them both...next to purchase is a 2005 awd astro,not sure when

We've had our '99 AWD for about 5 years now, wouldn't want to be without it. It did seem sluggish compared to the 2wd versions I assume because of the extra rotating mass, recently the transmission took a powder thanks to pulling our camper up a long mountain grade. I put another in with this kit https://www.700r4l60e.com/store/product.php?productid=366&cat=64&page=1 the difference is almost overwhelming. It does shift hard, probably too hard on 1-2 for most people but since this van sees a good bit of towing, I can live with it. The performance is a HUGE difference and picked up 2-3 mpg in the process. It is getting tons more power to the ground and pulls hard and steady, the shift points are perfect for everyday driving as well. I would highly recommend a tranny cooler after you get the van, the transmissions work hard in the little Astros. I put a 30k gvw cooler in it and it runs 70-80 mph pulling 2500 lbs of camper and gear and the tranny runs around 200 degrees all the time. It's a great family workhorse and still strong after 160k miles.

the only issues i have had with my 2000 astro is the heater vent selector diddnt work cause of a couple of bad vacuum lines (one across the engine to the pcv valve connection, and the other to the vacuum resivoir) and the transfer case binding cause of old fluid there is a tsb on the fluid use in your 96-05's where you use GM's AUTO-TRAK II fluid, other then those i have had no trouble

I say go for it if its your everyday ride its best to have a 4X4 in WNY.

AWD astro's make excellent daily drivers ,,,

I almost wish my Astro was a AWD, specially when the snow/ice flies around here. . . . . Would make me feel a bit safer, you know?

Just to tease you, check THIS GUY OUT

Phrog had one and the engine went south on him.....scrapped it as that particular engine was problematic and the hard to find in the wreckers

I saw one over on one of the Astro Safari channels that lifted his and put a 502 Ramjet in it with a 4L80E. Just goes to show you, if you stand back and throw enough $100 bills at it, you can do anything. With the lift which lowered the front subframe, he put the stock doghouse right back on it. Very cool van.

I too had vent issues, the heat made the hard plastic vacuum tubing pop like a toothpick.