Good Ridance Ford - Thanks For All Your Help!

[Debelli]

Thank you all for trying to help me solve and decipher the 10+ problems with my 98 Windstar. I will no longer need the help, thank goodness. I will now be part of the SANTA FE board!!!!!

I am the proud owner of a 2005 Santa Fe GLS. After hearing that I should get rid of my FORD because it was definitely on the Fix Or Repair Daily list and if I didn't do that it was going to be Found On the Road Dead very soon!

Searched the web and found that the Santa Fe had the best reviews, most bang for the buck, etc. etc.

Now, let me mention something I was unaware of as I walked in to the 3rd dealer to look at the Santa Fe's that everyone else seemed to know about BUT me and my BF - as we are walking on to the dealers lot a bird crapped on both of us. If you are like us and don't know - it's suppose to me good luck????? Where that came from, I'll never know, but it seems to hold some truth, or at least it did tonight.

I think I got a great deal and definitely more bang for my buck than anything I could ever find for this price.

2005 V6 2.7 FWD, cruise control, keyless entry & alarm, 4 airbags (2 front, 2 side), am/fm/cassette/cd with 6 speakers, auto. trans. and more
only optional item was these cross racks for the roof, which I could care less about but that was already on the car.

100,000miles/10year powertrain, 5yr, 60K BtoB, 5 years roadside assistance, and more.

SO, to my Windstar I say GOOD RIDANCE, ADIOS - to the junk yard you probably shall go.

THANKS AGAIN ALL~

[SniperX13]

well, hopefully you wont let one bad vehicle sour your view on the whole division of vechiles. there are always going to be a few vehicles that are always going to have gremlins. it just really sucks that you happened to get one of them.

hope you enjoy your new vehicle.

[Debelli]

SNIPER, this was my second FORD mini van back to back. Swore after the first one I wouldn't buy another FORD, but I did. With the massive trouble I had, not just recently, I couldn't do it again. Not saying in the future I wouldn't buy another one, found out to never say "never." You never know what may happen, FORD may one day make an outrageously wonderful car with fantastic reviews and great performance - sorta like the one I bought

Seriously, there's no a single car out there that's not had problems, luck of the draw, but since I keep my cars as long as possible, I thought for what I got, and the reviews, this car was perfect for me.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by Debelli

SNIPER, this was my second FORD mini van back to back. Swore after the first one I wouldn't buy another FORD, but I did. With the massive trouble I had, not just recently, I couldn't do it again. Not saying in the future I wouldn't buy another one, found out to never say "never." You never know what may happen, FORD may one day make an outrageously wonderful car with fantastic reviews and great performance - sorta like the one I bought

Seriously, there's no a single car out there that's not had problems, luck of the draw, but since I keep my cars as long as possible, I thought for what I got, and the reviews, this car was perfect for me.

I do have one question though when someone talks about reviews of new vehicles:

How does this relate to problem free down the road? I don't think a Santa Fe has been around long enough to know this. Too often reviews of this type are simply stating that you seem to get a lot for your money. It does not dictate that the vehicle will not have its share of problems. I certainly wish you the best of luck but I tend to think you will have some problems down the road that will be Windstar similar.

I think the real problems with todays vehicles is that they are all made as light as possible with good mileage and as much horsepower as possible. The stresses on all parts is a lot higher than 10 years ago. Vehicles also come with all sorts of bells and whistles. Obviously you would never have a power windo problem on a vehicle without power windows. I have an 86 Mustang (GT) that is still going strong and has been trouble free (for the most part) for 19 years but everything on it is overkill. Large engine, and drivetrain.... There aren't things like automatic door locks at 5 mph or ABS brakes..... It can't possible have the same sorts of problems my Windstar has.

[wiswind]

Stay WAY up on your preventative maintenance.
I am VERY happy with my '96 at 147K miles.
I was not happy at about 100K when the tranny needed replaced....but I am the 2nd owner, and the 1st owner used it for towing....without a tow package.....
I have had a number of "bad" cars, that did very well for me....but I am very annal about oil changes, and jumping on the slightest problem right away. Also, keeping things clean under the hood, and a good spray off in the wheel wells, and the rest of the underbody every time I wash the car.

[Debelli]

Considering that the SF has a 10 yr / 100,000mi powertrain warranty, 5yr/60K mile BtoB, among other warranties, it's going to get me farther.

I read many reviews before deciding upon this vehicle. Whereas with the WS most are complaints, very few are with those who are happy - though I know there are some, but vastly outnumbered, I believe. Where, with the SF, I found so many wonderful write ups from car mags AND great reports from most who own the car.

I may even buy the ext. warranty - this will give me 10yr/100K BtB. Doesn't hurt having 5 years free roadside assistance either - can now cancel AAA and save on those fees too.

Really, I wish all luck with their Windstars - I sure wish I could of kept mine - honestly, I loved my van, just not the problems that kept popping up - just couldn't see throwing more money in to a car that old with that many miles.

D

[jtman04401]

I sit here and read posts like this and cannot help but think "I wonder how many of these whining people bought these vans second or third hand with over 100k on them. THEN expect no issues with them at all. Now do not get me wrong, I know that these vans have issues after lots of miles, however so doesnt EVERY CAR out there. Its how you take care of them. If the previous owner took really good care of them you will most likely not have many issues. If they just drove it into the ground then sold it.. well.. YOU need to look the used car over better before you buy it. All cars have issues. If you take the 100 people posting here about windstars and their issues and think of that in comparison to the 100,000 not on here posting then you have to realize that not every van (or vehicle) is a problem vehicle. This person says she bought a new Santa Fe and blah blah blah... how do you know that at 65k you will not have to replace the tranny in that? The answer is you DONT. Take a look at some of these topics on another forum abotu the Santa fe...

Wind Noise
Rough shift from 2nd to 3rd when cold
did anyone fix the clunk in the front end ??
vibrations
brake squeal
Steering wheel on 2.4L dissolving
Rattling noise 1500-2000 rpms
Santa Fe & Snow, TCS and a terrible grinding noise
have you had a transmission replaced?
Whining noise worse after repair attempts
2004 GLS 3.5L Issues
Get This: Santa Fe Ball Joint Defects?
RHS rear door Cladding...
Transmission issue - "falling" out of 4th gear
HELP!!! Hyundai Dealer won't honor Perma-Plate warranty
2004 with tranny bump, still not fixed...
Airbag Light Keeps coming on ????
3.5 LITER, 4WD AND ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM RECALL
Cherping Door 2004 SF

AND SO ON AND SO ON..... So. before you think you're out of the "repair" woods... think again!!

that web site has over 40 pages of issues concerning the Santa Fe... so... *shrugs*

just my 2 cents.

[BCMedic]

I would encourage you to buy the extended warranty ASAP as there may be a time limit.
My nephew just bought a SF and he is having transmission problems after having it for only 3 weeks.
I just bought my 97 Windstar and GLADLY paid an extra 400.00 bucks for a 2 year powertrain and seal warranty.