Should I replace 1995 with a 2002

[eschimmelmann]

I have a 95 That I have replaced many many many parts the list is long
Brakes complete except the master
Shocks struts front springs
Cat back Exhaust
O2 Sensor
Idle Air
Throttle position
cam sensor
Battery
Front wheel bearings
Both front wheel axles tone rings for ABS broke
AC compressor clutch
Radiator
Outer tie rods
Starter
Motor mounts
All the ABS sensors
Every bushing on the front end to get rid of clunks
It had the timing cover and Transmission done by the dealer when I bought it.

I couldn't figure out if the head gaskets have been done before my guess is the previous owner since they are still good at 115K

all this in the hope that I would be good to go for a long time.

Today it needs steering linkage maybe even the rack replaced because I have an ugly noise when I turn it. It has a cracked head small enough that they were able to seal it with some stop leak product but for how long I don't know. On long trips it starts hesitating and bucking on the freeway maybe O2 sensor or 20 other things. It has a vibration from the rear at exactly 28 mph that no one can find.

I have at least 9K in repairs over 44 months of ownership every year its a couple of grand in repairs. Its been paid for but continues to cost me a normal car payment in maintenance every month. Is this Van truely a piece? Can I ever expect to have any time were it doesn't need to be fixed? I know its a Winnie but come on.

It only has 115K and the body and interior are in very good shape. When its not making some strange noise its really a nice van to drive.

I have a line on a 2002 for a pretty good deal but all I can think is I'll be starting the same process over again with a car payment that I don't have today

What's the concensus cut my losses or keep fixing it? All I can think is I'll sell it and start the process all over Is it worth sticky with it? I'm at a loss. Or maybe I'm just need to get over it because that's like

[phil-l]

Don't know if my input will be useful...

I have a 2000 Windstar LX 3.8, purchased used in 2001 (was a fleet vehicle, only in service about a year).

I did quite a bit of research before buying the van, and had been looking at earlier Windstars. I learned about the transmission piston problem (sounds like yours has been fixed) and the head gasket problem (yours repaired), which pushed me toward later models (as did the availability of 4 LATCH child seat positions in 2000; I had 3 in car seats at the time).

I haven't had near as many problems as you've seen. The van has been pretty good - with some annoying exceptions:

- Rear A/C evaporator at about 60K miles
- A/C compressor at about 65K miles (both A/C repairs done by dealer; pricey!)
- The infamous isolator bolt fix (did it myself; big improvement)

Most everything else has been items I'd consider normal maintenance (fluids and filters, tires, recent battery replacement, etc.). I've also done a few things to avoid repairs (idle air control valve would have required replacement, but it responded well to cleaning). I also know that regular transmission fluid changes are important for the long-term owner.

One item to consider: While your van's head gaskets have been repaired, some of the original causes of that problem still exist in your van. Ford made significant changes to address the head gasket problem, including changes in engine coolant flow. These are changes that can't be retrofitted into your '95 3.8 block. Upgraded gaskets help avoid problems, but can only do so much.

Here's a useful item covering design changes made to address the head gasket problem (the article no longer exists on Edmund's web site, but can be found through web.archive.org):

http://web.archive.org/web/200304242...0/article.html

So... to tie together some random thoughts:

It seems like your '95 has had an unusually difficult repair history. Note that many of the things you've replaced will likely require further servicing in the future. And you mentioned several problems that will need to be addressed soon.

While not knowing everything about your situation, I'd lean toward the 2002. You've obviously learned a lot about the '95, particularly if you've done some of the repairs yourself. You'd be in a good position to know what requires preventive maintenance on the 2002. I'm presuming the 2002 will have far less than 115K on it; hopefully, it can offer a fair number of relatively trouble-free miles.

[garync1]

I have 2001 and now that I am familiar with it. I will most likely get another one once this one gets a little more miles on it. it has 80,000+ miles on it.Not up to 90,000 but getting close. If I do get one I will try to fine one with lower miles I see plenty of 2002 and 2003 with low miles under 30,000.. so if I fine one with around that many I will jump on it after looking at it closely and carefuly. I see all minivans have simular problems.. The Honda's has some tranny problems but not like the dodge GM and Fords do.. The Toyota's also have some tranny problems again not as much as the others.. Honda and Toyota have alot of electrical problems and braking system problems..So I guess if you get a minivan or any type of car you will run into some problems.. I just like to be familiar with it.. I guess...

[eschimmelmann]

Originally Posted by garync1

I have 2001 and now that I am familiar with it. I will most likely get another one once this one gets a little more miles on it. it has 80,000+ miles on it.Not up to 90,000 but getting close. If I do get one I will try to fine one with lower miles I see plenty of 2002 and 2003 with low miles under 30,000.. so if I fine one with around that many I will jump on it after looking at it closely and carefuly. I see all minivans have simular problems.. The Honda's has some tranny problems but not like the dodge GM and Fords do.. The Toyota's also have some tranny problems again not as much as the others.. Honda and Toyota have alot of electrical problems and braking system problems..So I guess if you get a minivan or any type of car you will run into some problems.. I just like to be familiar with it.. I guess...

I think it really comes down to value and the used pricing on a ford is way more attractive then a honda or toyota. They have some nice features but so does my 95 and frankly I've only need to take the seat out 2 or 3 time since owning it and extra cost for that isn't that attractive. I like the 04/05 but I'm not to hyped about a rear seat that only children would be happy in on a long trip. The Gen II's still have a nice rear seat. They all break down at some point and I understand Honda and Toyota get a premium for parts.

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by eschimmelmann

I think it really comes down to value and the used pricing on a ford is way more attractive then a honda or toyota. They have some nice features but so does my 95 and frankly I've only need to take the seat out 2 or 3 time since owning it and extra cost for that isn't that attractive. I like the 04/05 but I'm not to hyped about a rear seat that only children would be happy in on a long trip. The Gen II's still have a nice rear seat. They all break down at some point and I understand Honda and Toyota get a premium for parts.

Hello

I have a friend that has a Honda. He gets around 30 mpg on the highway. That might be a drawing card for you.?? He says that they don't recomend towing in OD, however, he's towed his pop up camper (large one with a king and queen beds.) and hasn't had any trouble. I believe he told me he used OD to pull it too.

Just a thought if you're thinking about getting something different. I have a 95 and it does keep me busy with repairs. I said "me" because I do the repairs. I got the van with blown headgaskets. If you don't do your own work, replace the van. Shop rates are high, they need to make a living and pay for their equipment.

It sounds like your van has many new parts and would be good for a person like me.

Regards

Dan

[eschimmelmann]

Originally Posted by LeSabre97mint

Hello

I have a friend that has a Honda. He gets around 30 mpg on the highway. That might be a drawing card for you.?? He says that they don't recomend towing in OD, however, he's towed his pop up camper (large one with a king and queen beds.) and hasn't had any trouble. I believe he told me he used OD to pull it too.

Just a thought if you're thinking about getting something different. I have a 95 and it does keep me busy with repairs. I said "me" because I do the repairs. I got the van with blown headgaskets. If you don't do your own work, replace the van. Shop rates are high, they need to make a living and pay for their equipment.

It sounds like your van has many new parts and would be good for a person like me.

Regards

Dan

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