Advice on purchase.

Greetings all.
I am looking to replace my 1989 Aerostar with a Windstar. I was hoping to find a good year to buy pre-owned, but it seems a little tricky with the transmission problems I've been reading about. I wonder if anyone has suggestions about which year to buy in? Any suggestions are welcome,
Thanks,
Ccrow.

Looks like the AX4N introduction in 2001 has reduced the number of transmission problems from the previous AX4S version in the 98-2000 Windstars.

You get a lot of van for the $ if you keep it simple with a basic windstar. I'd personally stay away from a loaded one with rear air & all the electronic goodies to break. Check under all the doors for any corrosion that may be creeping up, especially on the sliding doors. Like Lewisnc says, try to stick with a 2001-2003 for the more *reliable* AX4N transaxle. Windstars are on par with the GM or Daimler-Chrysler variants, IMHO- they are a knotch above.
G/luck
Joel