To keep or not to keep

Hi, I'm new here. I'm hoping to get advice on my 2000 Windstar SEL with a 3.8 engine and less than 90,000 miles. I keep up on normal maintainance, recalls, and issues as they come up. The van has had its little quirks, but nothing big until about 2 years ago.

In the last two years, I have had to replace the transmission, had the steering colum rebuilt, replaced drive shaft, repaired the air conditioning system, and several other repairs I can't think of at the momment. In all, I've put in about $4000. Now the radiator is pouring out fluid to the point of leaving a trail while I'm driving, and the transmission is beginning to slip again. The radiator alone is going to cost at least $500. I do get attached to my vehicles, but think it is time to get a newer one. Any advice?

The answer is easy for the DIY'r home mechanic. The Windstar is a "keeper" ... robust with some quirks that can be worked through. (That radiator would cost me approx $150 to change out.) My '99 is likely to reach 400 kmiles or more.

But for the person depending on others for mechanical labour, the Windstar could be a frustrating, bottomless money pit.

So the answer is "depends": If you have a trustworthy auto service that is familiar with this model it might pay you to keep it ....

... on the other hand. ??

Well, first thing I'll consider: are you willing to pay more to get a new car?

Second, do you have any knowledge about engines, trannies, and stuff? or just basic stuff, oil changes and the like.

Other reasons vary from country to country (gas prices, car prices, insurance prices, and so on).

I have mine from one moth ago, and I'd like to keep it for at least 2 years. Let's see how it goes :smokin:

Transmission fluid NEEDS to be replaced every 30K miles (or less) using a fluid that meets the Mercon V specification.
For slipping transmission, fluid would the the first thing.
Some replacement transmissions are better than others.......some outfits only repair enough to get them going, other remanufacture them replacing normal wear items.
A good replacement transmission is not cheap.
When the transmission is replaced/rebuilt, the in-radiator cooler MUST be checked to verify that it has good flow of fluid through it.
Crud can build up in there.......blocking the flow and/or working loose and clogging the new transmission.
Restricted flow of fluid through the transmission cooler WILL cause the transmission to overheat and fail.
Installation of a Magnefine filter in the transmission fluid cooler RETURN line is highly recommended.

Also verify that your radiator fans run at low speed.
With the motor at idle......transmission in PARK......turn the A/C ON......the radiator fans should come on and STAY on.
If they don't......most likely the radiator fan low speed dropping resistor is defective.
This will also impact your transmission as the fluid will be hotter.
One thing that I do.....in stop and go traffic......I have the A/C ON......which keeps the radiator fans running at low speed.......keeping the radiator cooler (which keeps the transmission fluid cooler).

Radiator......verify that it is not a hose that is leaking before spending the money on a new radiator.



Driveshafts should NEVER need replacement in normal service.
One does need to check the boots......which cover the univeral joints in them......as once they rip, open, etc........dirt and grit will get into there and ruin the bearings.

It depends... If you want a very reliable vehicle that doesn't go to garage often and doesn't cost you so much in parts and repair, fix it and replace it ASAP.

But if you want a comfortable vehicle who has good stability, good handling and with full of gadgets inside and you're ready to spend on it, keep it.


For the trans, it will cost a lot if it's mechanical...

I have a 2000 sel, with 180,000 miles ( not km ). I have spent a fair bit on preventative maintenance ( tranny fluid changes, coolant, synthetic oil, etc ). Its also rusting.

I intend to keep it till it. When will I retire it, probably a tranny, or engine failure. I don't believe either will happen.

No matter how you look at it, it costs money to drive a car; in repairs or in depreciation etc.

Next time buy a Honda or similiar. They are better engineered and better built cars. The difference is truly remarkable.

Not so sure about Honda's reliability on their minivans ( Odyssey ). After reading some posts on the internet concerning them, I question their reliability also. Plus your going to pay upfront more money for a Honda as compared to an Ford. My brother in law just had to put a transmission in a 2001 Acura MDX ( a glorified Honda Pilot ) which failed around 80,000 miles. The replacement tranny cost him 5000.00 plus he had the timing belt done at the same time and it cost over a 1000.00 on this vehicle. Pretty pricey I think in my book. A MDX is a 40 some thousand dollar vehicle and for that price you shouldn't have to be putting trannys in them this early. They had it serviced regularly at the Acura dealer. The transmissions on these vehicles have had a bad reputation for early failures. The new Honda Accord is having rear brake problems ( failing early) which the stealers ( dealers ) can't seem to fix. Just my 2 cents. I don't own any foreign vehicles. I have a Dodge, 2 Fords, and a Buick. I have good success with all of them so far. Look at the mileage on my signature. That tells the tale except for the Mustang. It has only 18K on it. Oh by the way my brother in law did not have this transmission and timing belt done at the Acura dealer because they wanted even more money to do these two things. Sorry about the rant here but as far as keeping your Windstar, you will have to decide if its worth replacing the tranny or going out an buying another one. It will be cheaper in the short run to fix it. You can't buy another vehicle for the price of the tranny. But if this thing continues to nickle and dime you, it may be time to just get rid of it.