We operated 2 Astras...the classic Spx without APU..for 13 years. Very reliable for us. As mentioned...de-ice boots look goofy but rarely used and never an issue.
Good range. We made many Calif-Hawaii crossings over the years and could make KSJC-EINN with 1 stop. Biggest gripe would be the smallish cabin during these long flights.
One issue that was problematic for us was operating in some Middle East countries due to the Astra's Isreali origin. The fact that it's now a "Gulfstream" and the world's in a different geo-political climate might make this a moot point but operations to/from Egypt were difficult and Saudi was not possible in the 90s.
Been out of the mid-size game a long time so have no idea about support of these older frames.