You know how some folks buy a brand-new vehicle, sink a small fortune into customizing it, drive it for a couple thousand miles, and then just… let it go? That’s exactly what happened with this 2024 GMC Savana LT 3500. It’s a full-size van that looks straight out of the ’90s—but under the skin, it’s a different beast altogether.
Yep, this van still wears the same old-school suit it’s been rocking since the mid-90s. But don’t let that fool you—it’s packing a serious punch underneath. And now, it’s up for sale.
Same Boxy Vibes, New Beast Mode
This GMC Savana has been on the scene since 1996, replacing the even older Vandura. Over nearly three decades, it hasn’t changed much in terms of design. It still gives off major VHS-era vibes. But the original owner of this one didn’t buy it for its looks—they bought it to transform it.
And transform it they did.
This van now comes with a full four-wheel-drive conversion, courtesy of Advanced 4WD Systems out of Salt Lake City. We’re talking a GM 9.25-inch front diff, a heavy-duty HI-LO transfer case, and a Spicer driveshaft setup. That’s not light tinkering—that’s hardcore off-road hardware.
Under the Hood and Beyond
Underneath that Onyx Black paint is a 6.6-liter V8 churning out 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. With the 4WD system in place, power goes to all four corners.
It also came factory-equipped with the 1LT Preferred Equipment Group, a Cold Climate package (which includes an auxiliary heat generator), and the Power Convenience package—so think power windows, dual-zone climate, cruise control, and a 12V outlet.
But the aftermarket mods are where things get spicy. You’ll find:
- 17-inch Method wheels
- FOX shocks
- A 12,000-lb Warn winch
- Aluminess bumpers (front and rear)
- A lift kit
- Torsion bar suspension
- A custom rear storage box with shelving
Oh, and someone added a front ABS retrofit—though the dealer listing it now isn’t totally sure what that means. Not everything’s crystal clear on this build.
Lightly Used, Heavily Modified
The original owner barely put any miles on it—just 2,391 miles, to be exact—before handing it off to a dealer in Carson City, Nevada, where the van’s lived since day one.
It’s clean where it counts: accident-free Carfax, no weird mileage stuff. But it’s not flawless. Expect a few scuffs on the interior, some underbody oxidation, and paint blemishes on the rear bumper.
Still, whoever ends up with this thing will score the build sheet, wheel lock key, key fob, winch remote, and the owner’s manual.
What’s It Worth?
Brand new, the Savana 3500 starts around $50,545—and that’s before all the mods. Yet with five days left on the auction, bidding is just at $26,000. That’s barely half of what the original buyer likely shelled out not that long ago.
If you’re looking for a rugged, modded van that still looks like it should be hauling band gear in 1998 but drives like a trail-ready rig, this might be your unicorn.