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Author Topic: 1997 Chevrolet Venture  (Read 1940 times)

Offline Bodin

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1997 Chevrolet Venture
« on: April 09, 2007, 09:58:10 pm »
This van looks and drives great. My friend is looking to buy it and it going to get it inspected tomorrow. I was just wondering if anyone (Barrie or some other GM expert) knows what we should be looking for, if anything is problematic....

3.3L 180 hp V6

thanks in advance,
... really appreciate the help I've received over the years
Bodin
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Offline barrie1

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2007, 11:30:12 pm »
The main things are the anti-freeze to be changed out every 2 years or so as this engine is on the list for the problems with the head gaskets. I would also suggest changing the fluid and filter in the tranny unless you know when it was serviced last time as well. The front brake rotors may also be a source of wear but not necessarily as it depends on what the last owner installed on it since they owned it. These are a decent van that should serve you well over the long run as they are quite dependable for the Year involved.  :)
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Offline articsteve

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2007, 11:56:27 pm »
97 Venture suffers from GM's mega leaky intake manifold calamity.  Verify that it has been repaired.

 
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Offline Bodin

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2007, 12:28:51 am »
thanks again... we will keep this in mind when we go for the inspection........

the intake manifold has been repaired recently, brakes have been done, we will check the tranny fluid/filter

coolant was recently changed but how would you know if this has been done properly in the past? because there is no way to inspect a head gasket correct?

thanks
Bodin
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Offline articsteve

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2007, 12:38:43 am »
Quote from: Bodin on April 10, 2007, 12:28:51 am
thanks again... we will keep this in mind when we go for the inspection........

the intake manifold has been repaired recently, brakes have been done, we will check the tranny fluid/filter

coolant was recently changed but how would you know if this has been done properly in the past? because there is no way to inspect a head gasket correct?

thanks
Bodin

coolant was recently changed but how would you know if this has been done properly in the past?

Impossible to tell.  I would not be concerned over the head gasket.   It's low on the list, IMO.

because there is no way to inspect a head gasket correct?

The closest thing would be an extended pressure test of the cooling system. 

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Offline mrthompson

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2007, 11:58:55 am »
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Offline kc567

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2007, 06:35:14 pm »
Try to check the A/C .... if its warm enough to actually test. Turn it on at least .... make sure the fuses haven't been removed for it, indicating a problem. They also had issues with the wind down spare tire .... cable would rust and the tire would fall off.... somewhat unpleasant for the drivers behind.

KC
« Last Edit: April 10, 2007, 09:33:26 pm by kc567 »
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Offline johngenx

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2007, 06:41:08 pm »
I think if you could pick up a 97 Venture for some low price, like $3000 or something, it would be an excellent buy.  People seem to want $7K or more, which to me seems like too much money for a 10 year old mini-van made by Chev.  But, compared to $10K for a miled-out Sienna, I suppose...  Cheaper out East?
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Offline Seafoam

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2007, 07:45:50 pm »
Quote from: johngenx on April 10, 2007, 06:41:08 pm
I think if you could pick up a 97 Venture for some low price, like $3000 or something, it would be an excellent buy.  People seem to want $7K or more, which to me seems like too much money for a 10 year old mini-van made by Chev.  But, compared to $10K for a miled-out Sienna, I suppose...  Cheaper out East?

They probably are cheaper out east especially where i come from.At this vintage they would have a fair bit of rust in them. They primarily rust in the rocker panels if they haven't been Krowned annually. I see you are from B.C. so this should not be  a problem.
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Offline Bodin

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #9 on: April 12, 2007, 12:54:14 pm »
Venture didn't turn out... tranny problems... not sure exactly what it was because I didn't ask but it was a no go. Good thing because when the dealer was confronted about it they denied it saying whatever was wrong was "normal" lol... needless to say we are never going back there

anyways... my friend went with a 98 Ford Windstar w/ 160k

immaculate condition, checked out with flying colours... only thing to fix is the intake gasket and brakes... which we can do ourselves easily

thanks again for all the help
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Offline articsteve

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #10 on: April 12, 2007, 06:58:21 pm »
Talking about going from the pot into the fire.  :rofl:
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Offline RunsinLight

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #11 on: April 12, 2007, 07:02:35 pm »
Quote from: Bodin on April 12, 2007, 12:54:14 pm
Good thing because when the dealer was confronted about it they denied it saying whatever was wrong was "normal"

Don't let the trolls loose on this one.  :rofl:

 :notroll:

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Offline Allen

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Re: 1997 Chevrolet Venture
« Reply #12 on: April 12, 2007, 07:10:17 pm »
Quote from: articsteve on April 12, 2007, 06:58:21 pm
Talking about going from the pot into the fire.  :rofl:


no kidding  ::)
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