YACT: Anyone here ever own a ford windstar?

[rudder]

Thinking about getting a 2003 LX model. Its slightly used and is a great price. The family is outgrowing the honda crv. The windstar gets good crash test ratings but the reliability is suspect. I haven't found anything specific and was wondering f it was one of those automobiles that nickel and dime you to death.

Anyone have any good/bad experiences with the windstar?

 

[Pepsi90919]

no thank god

 

[LeeTJ]

Originally posted by: rudder
Thinking about getting a 2003 LX model. Its slightly used and is a great price. The family is outgrowing the honda crv. The windstar gets good crash test ratings but the reliability is suspect. I haven't found anything specific and was wondering f it was one of those automobiles that nickel and dime you to death.

Anyone have any good/bad experiences with the windstar?

i have one, a 2000 model, pretty similar to the 2003. mine is also LX. it's been good. i got it cause it has good crash test ratings. it handles well.

i also had to put new valve gaskets on it today. it was idling really really rough.

no major complaints tho.

the Honda Minivan (can't remember the name) is a lot more convenient overall. and when the seats are folded flat it'll take a 4'x8' sheet of plywood flat, the windstar won't. also, the windstar requires that you pull the seats out, pretty heavy, but you won't do it that often.

we got cabin seats in the middle row so i can choose to pull one of the cabin seats out and go with a 2, 2, 3 seat layout.

anyway, it's held up pretty well overall.

 

[rudder]

Reliability and crashworthiness is my main concern. I also don't like the fact that it only has a 4 speed transmission and the gas mileage isn't as good as the odysey or the sienna. I am trying to have faith in the U.S. automakers again. I had a chevy blazer a few years ago and it completely crapped out at around 85K miles. The compressor went out, power everything did not work, engine computers went bad, etc. etc.

 

[Farmall]

Originally posted by: rudder
Thinking about getting a 2003 LX model. Its slightly used and is a great price. The family is outgrowing the honda crv. The windstar gets good crash test ratings but the reliability is suspect. I haven't found anything specific and was wondering f it was one of those automobiles that nickel and dime you to death.

Anyone have any good/bad experiences with the windstar?

I have one bought it new in 1998, it now has 130,000+ miles on it. Recently our fuel pump went out, and about 6 months ago the alternator went, but those have been the first major problems we've had with it. based on our experience with it I would very likely buy another one. Gas mileage might fool you, on the highway I get in the high 20's and have even gotten 30mpg when I haven't been pushing to hard.

 

[LeeTJ]

Originally posted by: rudder
Reliability and crashworthiness is my main concern. I also don't like the fact that it only has a 4 speed transmission and the gas mileage isn't as good as the odysey or the sienna. I am trying to have faith in the U.S. automakers again. I had a chevy blazer a few years ago and it completely crapped out at around 85K miles. The compressor went out, power everything did not work, engine computers went bad, etc. etc.

i get better gas mileage with my Windstar than i do with my Intrigue.

in real usage i'm not sure that you'd see that much difference between the windstar and the Honda.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Yes, unfortunately...but it's a 95, so probably the worst year (the first year they were made).

Head gaskets went at 65k (free since ford extended the warranty)
Timing gasket went at around the same time (ford wouldn't budge, even though this seemed to be a common problem as well ~$1000)
Misc other little things - rear window vent had to be repaired, trim strip along sliding door discolored quickly, vent fan chirps at low speeds...

 

[NutBucket]

I have heard nothing but bad things about windstars. I'd much rather have an Odyssey. That 3.5 is a sweeeet V6.

 

[Ryan]

My family owned a 1999 SE (same generation as the one you're considering). I thought it was a great van - solid built quality, a nice design on the upper models, and good power. We had it for 40k miles, and only had to do normal maintenance - the only problem we had was a piece of plastic on the A-pillar that warped slightly, so Ford replaced it and our windshield (which was the cause of the problem). Other than that, it was perfect. It's a perfect family hauler, comfortable for long trips, and you can get them a GREAT prices used

 

[crumpet19]

My parents own a '98 Windstar. Nothing has gone wrong with it yet. They've done nothing to it besides regular maintenance.

 

[LeeTJ]

Originally posted by: rbloedow
My family owned a 1999 SE (same generation as the one you're considering). I thought it was a great van - solid built quality, a nice design on the upper models, and good power. We had it for 40k miles, and only had to do normal maintenance - the only problem we had was a piece of plastic on the A-pillar that warped slightly, so Ford replaced it and our windshield (which was the cause of the problem). Other than that, it was perfect. It's a perfect family hauler, comfortable for long trips, and you can get them a GREAT prices used

you can get GREAT prices new too. i got mine for like $9000.00 off sticker.

 

[idNut]

Just rode in one know and as soon as I got in I pronounced to my friend that I "fscking hated it".

 

[Josh]

My mom owns one, but I would suggest getting a new Chrysler Town & Country.