Any advice for 99 villager owner?

[cstrat]

Just purchased used villager with 106K. wondered if there were any critical issues which need to be dealt with at that mileage such as transmission, cooling etc?

[Eddie45]

Three months ago, I bought a '99 Villager (base) with 90k miles. This is what I had to do (all work done by me):

(1) I found out the CV joint boots were busted and the axles where making a squeeking noise upon making turns. Replaced both axles with rebuilt ones. Cost: ~$200 for both axles

(2) The headlights wouldn't always stay on all the time (due to defective bulbs installed at the factory that damaged the connectors). Replaced connectors and bulbs with new ones. Cost: ~$22

(3) Several type 194 bulbs in instrument panel where out. Replaced all of them. Cost: ~$10

(4) Turn signal switch (also control low/high beam) sometimes would not function. Sometimes no signals and/or headlight either out or flicker. Took it apart and cleaned it out (I wrote about it 2 weeks ago on this MB). After that it was as good as new. Cost: 0

(5) When in motion, the van makes an intermittent weird sound (comes and goes about once per second) which is only noticed when going between 40-50 mph. I don't even know where it's coming from and asked about it on this board before, but haven't been able to find out the cause if it.

The first 4 items above have been experienced by other owners as well. No major problems are known about these vans. I hope this helps.
Eddie

[cstrat]

thanks for the advice...glad to hear no major issues with villager. Although i did try and ask around and read up about the villager/quest...i did not want a repeat of what i have gone through with my 95 windstar... nice comfortable car but a few oversights by the ford people ended up being a disaster for many who have owned the windstar..i.e. blown head gaskets>>>ruined engines..transmission problems... electrical issues etc....thanks

[IH8SPM]

I strongly suggest you change the timing belt it is about to go. You should also change the water pump and all acc belts as well. You can have a good mechanic look at the water pump from outside and see if its clean suggeting it may have already been changed. The belts are a no brainer if they have words and are clear recently. Most people who sell there cars around 80k and 120k are original owners and just got the news at the dealership or mechanic that it was time to do the above mentioned and decide to bail out on the car.

[C. Cleve]

Hi, The timing belt replacement advice is a good one, It's worth the time and effort, It is just another one of the major maintenence items a lot of people just don't pay attention to.....See Ya, .. Clay..