Author Topic: 96 Ford Windstar (Read 1508 times)

darth_paul · « **on:** May 11, 2005, 11:03:12 pm »

Hello All

I am going to buy a 96 windstar GL, pending mechanic inspection. I just want to know if there are any know problems with this model.

4 Door, Automatic, FWD, 3.8l, 6 cylinder. 240,000kms (i know it is high).

Thanks in advance.

Paul

Roadrunner · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2005, 11:17:19 pm »

The '96's had a history of bad trannies and head gasket failures among other minor irritations.

barrie1 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2005, 11:44:58 pm »

I have to agree with that as they were not the best model Ford has built. It could be very expensive to own.

safristi · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2005, 11:40:20 am »

Yer definitely onna DARK side MAN.......LUKE elsewhere!!!!

Roadrunner · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2005, 01:54:09 pm »

Darth_paul,
My son had a '96 Windstar. He started to have tranny trouble around the 90k kms mark. he took it to a dealer and they reprogrammed the PCM and it ran good for another 15k kms before it acted up again. Upon a close inspection, it was determined not to spend any more on this van. He traded it off and leased a 2005 Mazda Tribute. This is related to the Ford Escape so I don't know if he jumped out of the pan and into the fire? Time will tell I guess. So far so good.

johngenx · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2005, 04:07:09 pm »

A Windstar is one of those used money pits that no one should ever consider buying, or even taking for free. They have constant head gasket and tranny issues as well as faulty AC systems and other problems that will burn through your bank account.

They were popular in my neighbourhood a number of years back, but they are all gone now. No more Fords. The Windstars have been replaced with Hondas for the most part. Hhhhmmm.

darth_paul · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2005, 09:42:50 pm »

We took it for a couple hour spin today. It blew white smoke for a couple of minutes, AC did not work, and the cup holder was broken. It had a vibration at higher speeds (90+)

I am staying away from this one, i think.

Darth Paul

ps. less that one week til "Episode III"

johngenx · « **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2005, 11:14:19 pm »

Wow, that one has a leaking head gasket and broken AC. Bet the tranny is about to go, too. Even if you got it for free, I bet it sucks up $3-4K in no time.

barrie1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2005, 11:15:13 pm »

If its blowing white smoke it has a head gasket problem as thats coolant coming out the pipe. Definitely Run away from this one.

articsteve · « **Reply #9 on:** May 13, 2005, 03:42:46 pm »

I am going to buy a 96 windstar GL, pending mechanic inspection. I just want to know if there are any know problems with this model.

It would be only viable if you had a full service history including recent transmission work (torque converter replacement) and head gasket and WATER PUMP.

This is a $1000 dollar vehicle on the road. Without those 3 above-mentioned items it will be a time bomb for sure.

Others parts that fail on any car at that mileage are starter, alternator, rad, and later the fuel pump. Look for those repairs.

Author Topic: 96 Ford Windstar (Read 1508 times)

Roadrunner

Roadrunner