Upgrade Time

Well, I think it is time to retire my 98 Windstar. The engine is strong but the body is weak (where have I heard that before?). After cleaning the EGR ports last summer and changing the DPFE, among a few other minor parts, the engine has been running like new. The body is starting to rust and the front end sounds like it is going to fall to pieces when I go over rough road. The van has 205k miles on it so I think I got my money's worth out of her.
The reason I am posting is that I would like to stay with a Ford minivan since I have a feel for them now. I was looking at getting a 2003 Windstar but lately have been looking at the 2004-2005 Freestars. My question is, is the Freestar just a Winstar with a new name or are there major differences. I know the engine is a little larger but that is about it. I have to do some research and I thought I would start here since you all have been so helpful in the past.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Dan

I have a 2006 Freestar and they differ a bit.. 4.2 engine, same trans. But the ride is more sportier. Seems to be a little rough of ride. The Windstar has a better ride but the Freestar handles better to me. It will get up and go. I think ford did this because others such as Honda,Toyota and KIA/Hyundai. Use twin cam 6 cylinders.. So the Ford needed a little more thump. Although HP is only a few more than the 3.8 it has a better gain on torque.. Also the Windstar to me has more room. Just could be me though.. If you shop around you will get a deal on a Freestar I have seen them on Ebay for $12,500 for a 2005 SEL with leather last month.. With low miles mine only ran 14,500 for SEL 2006 model. No leather.. So you should not have a problem getting a deal on one..

The noise in the front end could be from the mounts for the "radial arm" in the front subframe.
When you change your oil....that big nut that you see by the oil filter......is the location.
These can work loose....and clunk a lot......not a serious problem....
Some in this room have changed the bushing.....others have had it done for them.

For information on the Freestar......I would lurk in the Freestar room and see what people say about them.
Just as in this room.....you have to take the posts with a grain of salt.....people come to a forum such as this when they have a problem.....so it can look like a vehicle is more problem prone that it really is.
You have to look for a number of posts on the same issue.
A total post count for a given vehicle can be a good thing......as it means that there are lots of people out there with the same vehicle....and that they know where to look for information.
More vehicles out there with people plugged into a given forum increases the chance that, when you come up with a problem, you will find a post on it already....or a number of people who can steer you in the right direction.

For pricing.....you might see if there is a CarMax in your area....as they post their sell price....not a price you have to haggle down from.....looking there online will give you some good pricing information....as well as what they have available.
Many dealerships have their vehicles online....which can reduce your running around looking.
Knowing the going sell prices on what you are looking for...before you talk to a salesperson can help you.

I posted a little something over at the Freestar forum. Actually I replied to Gary's post there and slipped in the "how do you like" question. The Freestar forum is pretty quiet still (a good thing I would think). Thanks for the replies.

I finally took the plunge a bought a 2005 Freestar Limited. I almost stuck with a Windstar as the dealer had a sharp looking 2003 SEL sitting on the lot.

I just wanted to stop back here one more time and thank everyone for the help keeping my 98 Windstar running smoothly. That vehicle was the lasted the longest , by far, of any vehicle I have owned. I think the odometer read around 205k when I handed over the keys. I was ready to give up on it more than a few times until I found this forum.

Anyway, thanks and good luck to everyone. :cheers: