Most popular Chevrolet Venture for sale

These minivans have there problems and you have to be careful buying one. The motor esp. if ever overheated are prone to need head gaskets also the intake gaskets are weak & need replacing after 60K. The OE dexcool antifreeze is problematic from my research & I would suggest a flush & change to regular antifreeze. I thought I checked the one I brought carefully but only checked the overflow instead of openning the radiator cap & sure enough it was loaded with stop leak so I had to replace all the gaskets now I am a mechanic so I did it myself but alot of work and $200 plus in parts. Then the transmission which also have had problems flush those out and change filter regularly also. Whenever you buy a vehicle on line via pictures that are detailed remember that they always look better than they are. Even a carfax that is clean dosen't mean no accidents it just means no accidents that were reported through insurance etc. The one I got was a one owner clean carfax but in fact had areas repainted & repaired etc. The interior on this LT model was comfortable and the radio with DVD and wireless headphones was great. Airbags, antilock brakes, traction control are good features. Again as an LT extended model it had many nice features which add to its appeal like power doors, extra room, roof rack, air suspension, automatic lights etc.
Now my ratings: Performance: not very powerful could use more, brakes are weak when fully loaded with stuff, MPG less than 20 when loaded even on highway, handles top heavy so careful one sharp corners: verdict very Average at best
Reliability: due to drivetrain problems I mentioned verdict Less than Average
Comfort: Good interior comfort quad seating, space, radio/DVD, and other nice features verdict Good
Quality/Craftsmanship: fit & finish cheap, rear door didn't close well although may have been hit & fixed, mechanicals durability questionable this is not a Honda/Toyota or even a Kia verdict: Below Average
So I rate this overall as just barely average (would be less if I wasn't able fix stuff myself) You can find these for a good price which makes them somewhat more attrative. One last thing don't get the versatrac all wheel drive as it isn't nec esp if you have traction control and it uses more gas and is more expensive to repair
Hope this was helpful...

I left Asheville North Carolina and drove 7 hours just after auctioned ended, Checked into a motel that cost 110.00 for 7+ hours. When I arrived to pick the Vehicle up. The owner had the vehicle driving the vehicle. My Room-mate and I waited about 45 minutes before vehicle arrived. When It did arrive it was running extremely hot. So the owner had his mechanic change the thrmostat and sensor. So we assumed everything was good after his mechanic checking it over. So because I was obligated to Ebay and did not wanna lose my membership I kept my word and paod cash for the vehicle. Then the owner gives me a temperarily tag and says she will send me the regular plate. After 9 hours we finally left and when we got back home after driving 7+ hours.
The following day I noticed the vehicle not wanting to drive properly so I took it to a tire store and learned it had 3 different size tires on the vehicle. So I had to spend 450.00 for all new tires. And learned from the tire store it needed front in work. So I made an appoiintment and took it back and they completed the work another 810.00. I was assured the van would be ok. Well I thought.....
The van kept running hot, so I took it to have it check. Because the owner was driving it on hot it shortened the life of the motor and it also needed a water pump and a sensor for the fans to the radiator. Another 313.00 and engine maay not last very long. But as long as I keep close eye on temperature It should be ok. Time will tell.
Then 4 weeks pass no title no tag nothing. I call her and she sends all paper work to me and I went to tag office they would not process paper work because it had not been inspected. So I had to call an NCDMV inspector and get it inspected. So I then went to tag office and they processed paper work.
Their add on ebay was a lie and they deceived me as well as others who were bidding. This is very bad business.
So in all I paid 4105.00 for the bid plus all cost for repair they lied about.

4105.00 Van Cost
175.00 Their Fees
110.00 Motel room
102.00 Round trip gas
450.00 New Tires
810.00 Front End Work
313.00 Engine Work
236.00 Tag & Inspection
1000.00 Possible engine needed.

7301.00 Total Cost for this van.

I could have bought anew van for this price at home.
I will never buy another vehicle on EBay.
Nathan Brookshire
P.O. Box 776
Weaverville, NC 28787
828-779-7052

There are some people who will always buy American Cars and some who will always buy foreign. Personally, after owning this vehicle, I can see why people go to the foreign (especially Asian) makers. We bought ours with under 36,000 miles. At around 50k or so we had to get the transmission rebuilt, after that it was the intake manifold gasket, then the brake master cylinder, then the head gasket. We have had to replace the windshield wiper motor 4 times on the front and once on the rear. Then, of course, there was the small stuff: broken trim, malfunctioning power window, blower that only has 3 speeds left instead of 5, etc. etc. At 162,000 miles, all the mechanical demons seem to have been eliminated, but at this point the van is pretty badly rusted.

The van is roomy and pretty comfortable, gets decent mileage and is pretty quiet. On the flip side I have a 1990 volvo with 262,000 miles on it. It has almost no rust (despite living outside while the Venture was always garage kept)and has had almost no issues beyond the usual stuff that wears out.

My point is, quality is lacking in this vehicle (maybe it was built on a monday). I have had problems with this vehicle that I have never had with any other vehicle (2 toyotas, 1 Isuzu, 1 Honda, 1 Nissan, 2 volvos) I have owned, despite the fact our family drove all of them to near 200 k on average (except the 2 toyotas). Next time I buy a minivan it will be a Honda or a Toyota.