The so-called “Dustbuster” generation of GM minivans has been enjoying some positive nostalgia in recent years. Their unconventional design has made them a symbol of the 1990s, and sometimes they sell at auction at surprisingly high prices, like this 1993 Oldsmobile Silhouette that sold on Bring a Trailer for $10,000 last month. Similarly, this super clean 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport with just under 21,000 miles on it is up for sale in suburban Minneapolis with a $10,000 asking price.
The 1996 Trans Sport, which Pontiac had the courage to market as “like a sports car for the family,” is a post-facelift version of Pontiac’s first minivan. It was underpinned by the U platform that would be the basis of every unibody GM minivan in North America, plus the Pontiac Aztek and Buick Rendezvous. Its platform mates were the Chevy Lumina APV and the aforementioned Oldsmobile Silhouette.
Power comes from a 3.4L LA1 V6 rated at 180 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque. A 4-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels.
The seller claims he’s the second owner of this minivan, and that the original owner only used it for craft fairs on weekends. The rear seats were removed and stored, which is why they’re in such good condition. Apparently, this minivan was never actually used as a family vehicle.
Recent service claimed in the listing includes a professional detailing inside and out (including the engine bay), all new fluids, a new left rear brake cylinder, a new air conditioning compressor, new rear shocks, new front struts with springs, a new windshield, a new battery, and LED lighting. The tires are newish with 500 miles on them. It sounds like the only maintenance item it still needs is a new headliner.
The seller says “rare optional rear storage saddle bags” are included in the sale, but they aren’t pictured. It’s unclear what the seller is referring to; we can’t find evidence of a factory luggage option for the Trans Sport. It’s possible that the bags the seller is referring to are aftermarket pieces of car luggage of the same 1996 vintage as the van.
Even though it’s in the rust belt, this is about as clean of a “Dustbuster” GM minivan you’ll find for sale. But is this Pontiac Trans Sport really worth $10,000?
Comments
Later model years came with the 3.8 L V6 which was much more suited to the vehicle. I had one with a power sliding side door that never gave me any issues.
The 3800 was dropped after the 1995 model year as an option to the very low powered 3.1 liter TBI V6 that could only muster 120 HP. For 1996 to 2005 these all came with the same 3400 V6 as the only option. During the 2005 model year these were redesigned and named Montana SV6 and came with an updated 3500 and in 2006 offered an optional 3900 V6.
Minneapolis? Obviously it’s never been parked outside overnight.
It’d be gone by morning and someone would be living in it. (Seriously.)