2002 Ford Windstar from North America
Summary:
The car is awful, and I wish we had purchased a different car
Faults:
Car lights flashed off and on - had to replace battery and alternator at 25,000.
Steering has been whining since purchase.
In August 2010, rear axle had to be braced and welded due to cracking - before the recall!
The van still rattles and sounds like it is going to fall apart. People look at me when I drive by.
Recently the noise on turning became awful.
Today, September 7,2010, the mechanic told me the rack and pinion steering has to be replaced.
In addition, the gas mileage is not even close to what the manufacturer said it would be.
We also own a 2000 Taurus and 2002 Taurus. We had to replace the transmission on the 2002 at 56,000.
General Comments:
The car is a money pit.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 7th September, 2010
20th Jun 2011, 11:18
This is certainly not a justified comment. The reviewer did not give any hints as to his or her driving. But it is true that a gentle driving style can ward off expensive repairs.
The rack and pinion should have lasted longer. It was not a good idea to keep driving while the vehicle made all that noise.
It is a good idea to ask the shop at every other oil change to rotate the tires and carefully inspect the moving parts for play, corrosion and other issues. Catching and fixing small problems early helps to avoid larger repairs later. For example, a clunking noise may come from worn outer tie rod ends. When you drive, the bumps in the road will move the wheel left and right, and the slop in the outer tie rod end will hammer away on the steering rack. Replacing the outer tie rod ends costs maybe $100-$150; replacing the steering rack cost more than $1000.
19th Jun 2011, 08:28
Sounds like you don't know how to drive!