I'm thinking of purchasing 1999 Windstar LX.

[DRW1000]

Littlejoe,

I did not think you were tense with your email at all.

This thread just just reminds me of the story of the person who can not lose weight and tells their doctor that they always order diet cokes with their meals which consists largely of vegetables but neglects to mention that the vegetable is a large order of fries.

I just want to point out the other side.

Again I really do sympathize with your troubles with your Windstar. I think the biggest problems with Ford and the Windstars seems to be their customer relations.

[2silverfords]

Dont Buy It

[bobzinger]

Boy Debra...I hope you didn't buy that 99 Windstar. I have a 99 Windstar LX and I wish I'd never seen it! I bought it in 2001 with only 42,000 miles on it. Within the first 4 months I had to replace the Intake manifold and the steering rack. Now we have 58000 miles and the transmission is having major problems. Also the brakes rattle, and the driver door lock just quit working. At least once a month the door open light comes on and the door locks start cycling while I'm going down the road. One of the things I really hate is that the motor/road noise is just too loud.

I've owned 4 Ford truck and had no problems, but I really hate this vehicle. Next year we're dumping iit!

[Goldlexus]

I don't think this is the most objective place to look for a recommendation. Usually, when people come here they are looking for repair advice.
I personally love my Windstar. It has been fairly trouble free since we have owned it. We are having some difficulty at nailing down why we are getting the infamous 171 & 174 code but that doesn't make me like my van any less. Just be aware of what 'could' happen, like with ANY car. Just because something can happen doesn't mean it will.

[Rowdysrides]

We bought our 96 Windstar 3 1/2 years ago, and for the first year we didn't have anything much to do but general maintenance. As we approached closer to the 100,000 mile mark, we've had to replace quite a bit more (water pump, ignition coil, serpentine belt, pulley, EGR sensor, DPFE sensor, sway bar, tie rod end, struts and bearings, & put in a head gasket set) but we still LOVE our Windstar, yep it can be a headache, but when it rides it rides well!!!

PS. Stay away from GM 3.1L (3100) they have intake gasket problems.

[DRW1000]

I think the GM 3.4L too. Actually GM has a lot of intake gasket troubles. Evidently it beacuse of the use of Dex-Cool coolant. There is a class action suit against them

[floridatgp]

I would agree with the sample size issue, the happy windstar owners are not on this forum. Also, how much $ will it cost to buy a Honda or other van of same year & mileage. it's a gamble, will you spend $100 or $2500 to keep the Windstar van running another 100K miles. How much will it cost to keep a Honda or toyota van on the road another 100k miles? I think Repairs/parts for those vans are way more expensive than windstar.

I have read about Honda Odessey vans having tranny problems too.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=173202
But Honda customer relations seems better, but wate late.

Once any vehicle gets past 100k miles, I think your on your own.


I just did a comparison on KBB for 99 windstar vs Honda Odessey, there is a $4000 difference in price,

[Michael P.]

Don't do it! Please stay away from the Ford Windstar. I have have nothing but trouble from my. Transmission, Power stering, Fuel delivery, Tires, paint.

[gpwhite7]

Our first and last experience with FORD was with our 1996 WINDSTAR which is up on car jacks as we speak. We have had all the major problems, head gasket, transmission, horrible brakes, speedometer dial bouncing, door locks up/down all the time, lights coming on at will, very annoying chime dinging all the time, oil pump failure, stuck oil pump pressure relief valve, wiring problems, oxygen sensors constantly going out, YOU NAME IT! WE'VE HAD IT! I am getting ready to donate this no good FORD piece of crap to charity, if they will come and tow it off my property. It is out of commission with another oil pump failure right now. PLEASE, ANYONE OUT THERE CONSIDERING BUYING A WINDSTAR-BE WARNED- DON'T DO IT!!! They look nice but will clean you clock! I just bought a 2004 Toyota Sienna.