well, I think I"m outta here..

[northern piper]

Hey fellas

Negotiated to purchase a 2011 Rav4 yesterday, which included giving my 2000 Windstar to the dealer. It has 209000 km on it, original trans (save for the piston repair detailed elsewhere on this site). I've had a lot of busted knuckles, head scratching, brake and exhaust, suspension, body work, power steering, CEL work on this van... in hindsight I don't regret it at all.

I cleaned up the old girl very well and must say the interior is spotless. I am feeling somewhat sad to see it go but as the dealer offered me $1000 (which I think is solely based on the kickass job of cleaning I did) I have to say yes. I"ll be on the Toyota Rav4 site, but certainly will click back here now and again.

I have to thank all the regulars here, especially 12ounce, wiswind, tempfixit, farns and the like... you guys have been a fantastic help and I do regret trading in this van. But, at 14 yrs old, it's time to go.

Thanks fellas, it's been a real blast, I've learned lots, hopefully have helped people with common problems I've had and generally enjoyed the company. This site is a unique one on the internet. A bunch of helpful people that don't flame people when they ask all those mundane questions. I'm glad to have been part of it.

fwiw, I'm still on the Automotive Forums site, just now at Toyota Rav4. If anyone wants and info I can provide, don't hesitate to shoot me a PM

all the best gents...

[12Ounce]

...its been loads of fun! Thanks for all your help, also.

[phil-l]

Best wishes, Piper. Thanks for sharing what you learned!

[scubacat]

Best wishes to you as well. Our next vehicle will be a toyota as for sure. Working on a 2002 camry vs a 2002 windstar, I must confess that toyota engineering is superior in most instances. That judgment comes from a range of things I've noticed all the way from metal reusable intake gaskets (that DO NOT fail) to the access door to the fuel pump under the back seat. And of course 8000% less maintenance.

Having said that, the windstar has been an adventure to own and maintain, and once I became familiar with its caveats, it's been a huge asset to us. It continues to schlep us to vacation destinations as well as the giant dogs to and from the groomer. I know the end is near for me as well, but I'm hanging in there.. At least for now. And Monroe just sent me brand new shocks and quickstruts under their lifetime warranty, so my work isn't quite done apparently!

Good luck with the rav4! My dad owns an 07 highlander and its pretty solid; I'd expect no less with the rav4 for sure (although I did drive a rental one once and kept shifting into 2 instead of D; that design left a little to be desired.. Oh well wrong forum for that!)

[tomj76]

I hope the new vehicle gives a great experience. I had a Honda once, and found it to be very good mechanically (although it's premature death came due to runaway rust). I looked at a friends Sienna van once to adjust the A/C & alternator belt (no serpentine), and it looked like a very interesting vehicle to own.

Enjoy the new chariot.

[DeltaP]

Good luck with the '11 Rav4. See ya in a coupla years. We'll be here.

[Grabber5.0]

Thanks for all of your help here. Best of luck with the new ride. I'm looking at ditching our 2000 Winnie soon - tired of chasing this battery drain and it is needing a few other repairs plus tires, and I'm not feeling it anymore. Kinda sad as it only has 150k miles on it.

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