24th Jul 2009, 09:24
"this van still has the ORIGINAL filter and fluid in it), but at 165,000, I'm not complaining."
Are you kidding? Changing that fluid now has a peculiar risk. There should be a lot of varnish coating the inside of your transmission. The new fluid will wash that off. That will clog the filter and possibly some fluid passages. When that happens the transmission will self destruct.
Good luck and let us know what you did and how it worked.
4th Nov 2010, 17:54
My 2000 Ford Windstar was recalled for the axle. They took my van, told me it won't be fixed for 5 months, and gave me a small SUV that isn't working at all. If you have a recall, good luck.
13th Dec 2010, 07:47
I like the Ford Windstar 2000-2002 models and I am about making up my mind to make a purchase.
Please could you please advise me on the advantages/disadvantages.
tofadairo@gmail.com
13th Dec 2010, 14:33
Buy ANY Minivan OTHER than the Windstar. Biggest lemon out there. You may be tempted by a cheap purchase price, but there is a reason you can buy these for next to nothing.
Chrysler minivans are much better, as is Chevy.
If you have a bit more money to spend, I recommend a Toyota Sienna.
Also stay away from the Honda Odyssey, big overpriced lemon with a faulty transmission.
14th Dec 2010, 14:13
If you are buying a vehicle that is 8 to 10 years old, you have to be very careful about "deferred maintenance". They can still be running, even though a lot of stuff may have been neglected. No matter which brand vehicle you choose, have it thoroughly inspected before you fork over any money.
Read the comments and reviews on all minivans you are considering, then "pick your poison". You can have a good experience with any brand as long as you are prepared to handle the quirks they have. I like my '03 Windstar, even though it is not perfect.
15th Jan 2013, 06:36
My Ford Windstar was passed to me by a friend. It is 11 years old and runs fine. I realize that problems can occur when a vehicle gets older, but brakes are a maintenance issue. When you drive a vehicle, you have to do more than put gasoline in it.
When you mentioned you needed rotors, that lets everybody know that you ignore your vehicle. As soon as you hear an abnormal sound, you got to get it checked out.
Then you say each power window motor burned out three times each. Once again, you have to do more than put gasoline in your vehicle.
12th Jul 2009, 08:02
I have a 2000 Windstar, which I bought used in 2002, after 7 yrs and 165,000 miles. I still love it.
Developed a leak in the intake plenum at 142,000, I replaced the gasket myself and kept going.
Brake switch at the pedal went out at 147,000. 13 dollar fix.
All new tie-rod ends (my fault for not keeping the suspension lubed).
I change the oil regular, keep a good check on everything and drive sensibly (don't get me wrong, this van has not been babied).
The tranny is slow to change (low viscosity, need to change the fluid, this van still has the ORIGINAL filter and fluid in it), but at 165,000, I'm not complaining.