2003 SEL Advise Please

I am looking at purchasing a 2003 SEL version of the Windstar. Anyone out there have bad experiences with this van?

Being an SEL, it's going to be loaded with electronic goodies. Those are the things that are going to 'break'. Mechanically wise? Windstars are pretty darn reliable if they've been maintained. If that 2003 has high miles and never had a transaxle service done, that could be a problem.

Joel

It has 54,000 miles on it. I have heard of issues with transmissions going out before 100,000 quite frequently. But I don't know if that is just people driving rough, bad luck, etc.?

You should be able to tell by the look of the ATF on the stick. It was brownish/black on my 2001 when I bought it 4yrs ago with 34Kmi on the ticker. I've had two dealer pan drops and filter changes and have done 2 suck out & refills. I'm at over 81Kmi now w/out an issue (knock on wood.:banghead: ).

Joel

Yep change the fluid every year. My 2001 has 101,000+ miles on it. Trans pump getting ready to go so I will have to replace my trans or rebuild.. Did not drive it rough. Every now and again I have to Jack rabbit into traffic but not often..Other than that Ford Windstar is a better value. HONDA has some trans issue as well but not as often. But its twice as much to fix if not under warranty.
Also have a 2006 Freestar.. Like it just fine.. No issue so far..