Possible Safari purchase

So a local collision/sales shop has a 2003 GMC Safari AWD with Dutch Doors, rear air and heat, one owner, 103000 miles for $5795.00. I drove it and other than a bit of vibe at 40 mph and a brake light on on the dash it is NICE. Has hitch and electric brakes too. Interior in great shape. Virtually rust free. I have some connection to the family that owns the shop and trust them. They got the van from auction but it is original to the area here and was purchased originally from the local Chevy dealer. Should I call the dealership to inquiry of its history? The inspection sticker is from a local repair shop so I may contact them as well. I was able to see the title with the original owner's name. What say ye?

I would like to replace my 1.8t Jetta wagon tiptronic with something like this and a small car for daily driver use. Got 3 dogs to haul around and a racecar to tow.

Thanks

Saw the owners name?
Contact that owner if possible.

A Safari has enough guts to pull a racecar/trailer combo? Reason I ask is because I had a 92 Safari that could pull itself around, but I doubt it would have pulled much more... But that was a 92 with TBI...

From what I've checked they can pull 5k with AWD. The Racecar is an 83 GTi. I would most likely use a tow dolly rather than a trailer.

Call Joey kale, he's had one for a couple of years, doing the duty you intend to do. He'd tell you if he thinks it's a good fit.

i pulled a 95 lumina on my 2000#+ equipment trailer with my 95 once. just a few miles. i would never do that much weight again with an astrofari but it did it. no trailer brakes either.

i think you would be very comfortable with a gti on a dolly or even a light trailer.

i love them for anything you don't need a full size van for. they are more of a midi-van than a minivan.

I towed my IT prepped VW and my SpecMiata for 10 years with my '96 Astro. I don't know what my trailer weighs, but it's all steel, 18 foot deck, tandem axle,with a storage locker and an 8 tire rack on the nose. I wouldn't want to haul it through the Appalachians all the time, but otherwise it towed fine.

In reply to sachilles:

Thanks Seth. I will.

Anyone want an 02 1.8t Jetta wagon with a recalcitrant tiptronic?

I think you'll be just fine towing something that light with an Astro.

Honestly the price is higher than i think those things are worth after all these years. Maybe you can get them down a bit.

There is a clean, rust-free AWD near me for $3K that has 200,000 miles on the clock. The motor and tranny have been extensively overhauled and look to be ready for another 200,000. (owner had a garage do a ton of work, then disappeared. The garage is selling.) So the price seems a bit high to me as well.

There was also nice one on craigslist down in mendon for $2800, dropped from $4500 starting price. Unsure if it is still available.