Ford Windstar
I got my SEL in northern NJ for a cap cost of 28,800, w/out side airbags and traction control, so the 28,450 sounds like an even better price. I was a little picky on color, black, so availability was limited. Anyway at this price with a 51% resid (32,565 MSRP) on a 15k/yr 36 month lease 7%, I was really pleased to settle this fairly and quickly. I also got the $500 rebate off my cap cost.
thanks to this site for much useful information on leasing, comparable vehicles (we found the winidstar much more comfortable and more worth the nearly $30k (why not a little luxury?)compared to Odyssey and Sienna.
Oh yeah, I leased at Mullane Ford in Bergenfield. They treated me like an auto by tel customer working off a 3% mark-up, and they didn't even take a full 3%. I did not try to negotiate the holdback. Again, I think this was a fair deal all the way around, and much less stressful than I expected when my search began only two weeks ago when most dealers were still talking about MSRP (or +) and we'll work with you.
I've gone 100 miles and no problems yet!!
thanks to this site for much useful information on leasing, comparable vehicles (we found the winidstar much more comfortable and more worth the nearly $30k (why not a little luxury?)compared to Odyssey and Sienna.
Oh yeah, I leased at Mullane Ford in Bergenfield. They treated me like an auto by tel customer working off a 3% mark-up, and they didn't even take a full 3%. I did not try to negotiate the holdback. Again, I think this was a fair deal all the way around, and much less stressful than I expected when my search began only two weeks ago when most dealers were still talking about MSRP (or +) and we'll work with you.
I've gone 100 miles and no problems yet!!
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Comments
We have a 1997 Windstar (same engine as 1999) and pull our 1800 lb. Coleman trailer with no trailer package. The van performs very well, mostly cruising without noticing the added weight. Our trailer has electric brakes, which helps significantly in stopping. On most roads we can cruise at 65 mph pulling the trailer unless the hills get steeper than rolling grades. It then shifts into 3rd gear to climb the hill at about 3000 rpm. Occassionally, if the hill is really steep it will shift into second gear at about 3800 rpm, with a top speed much less than 65 mph obviously.
MPG during towing suffers, lowering to about 13-15 mpg, but we don't usually get more than 17-18 mpg anyway.
Overall I love this van for towing. I just wish it came with a trailer towing package so I could tow up to 3500 lbs. We hope to upgrade to a new Coleman pop up camper that weighs about 2600 lbs.
PH
I was thrilled that they were giving me a 2000, rather than a 1999.
I had to bring the van back already, because of 3 things wrong. The power mirror on the passenger side does not work. 3 buttons on the radio(eject, FF and REW) do not illuminate when the lights are on(They told me this is normal-can someone let me know if their 3 buttons don't illuminate and this is normal?) And the last problem was one of the sliding doors made a griding sound when closing. They put more lub on it, and that is fine now, but they have to order me a new power mirror. What I did notice though, is that Ford seemed to get cheap on some items compared to my 1998 Windstar. For example....The floor mats in the 1998 were really plush, and these are thin and junk. The overhead console is now a mini console(doesnt have the mirror or change holder). My old overhead console had rear control for the radio(and I didnt have premium cd player), and the 2000 does not have this on the console. There is no longer a tape or CD holder at the bottom center(just a big open space). They did not give me a cargo net, or vinyl mat for the rear(I took mine out of the 98 and kept them). And lastly, when opening the rear hatch, it feels almost sharp under my hand while squeezing the hatch release. I never had this on the '98.
Sorry if I am going on and on about this, I was just wondering if anyone else has noticed these things, or it is just me being too picky.
At least I didnt have to pay for this van!!
Not that this is a comfort to you but atleast your dealer is trying to fix things and replaced your lemon with a 2000. My dealer just told me they "never buy back vehicles" and wanted to know why I felt this was a possibility. Obviously, they don't check out the internet.
MSRP $28195
Price $26260
The only options on this vehicle are leather interior and quad bucket seats(of course the SE has most every option we want anyway). The leather option is already figured into this price.
I would still have to pay tax & tag.
guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
1. Is rear air standard on the LX?
2. Is privacy glass standard on the LX?
3. When does the $1500 rebate expire?
4. What kind of gas milage can I expect.
5. Is the quality of the 2000 LX good. I have 1995 Windstar, it has had many problems. The overall structural integrity doesn't seem too good either. It creeks, moans, and groans.
I tried to fill up at a Mobil station and it spewed out.I couldn't fill up the tank all the way because it kept on shutting off and gas would leak back out.In the morning the inside of the van really smelled like gas.I am going to take the van in this week after my last concert on thurs.Thanks!
guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
Has anyone else run into this?
We plan to have it moved to the front, in between the driver and passenger seat.
As it is now, the rear bench seat cannot be rolled out. Also, cargo in the rear can damage the CD unit.
Have a 98 Windstar 43k miles, no mechanical problems. The CD changer has been under the front seat since day one. No overheating problems. It has had some problem starting a cd when the van has sat outside for awhile on cold winter days. But this was only certain cd's and not related to it's location. Other than a wind whistling noise from loose rubber stripping above the front windshield, which was fixed, and a common stalling problem also fixed by a sensor? replacement (TSB?), the van has been great.
rugmankc
I didn't get any additional options because it had most of what I wanted. I did consider an LX with more features to make it like the SE but several factors made me get the SE. I definitely like the chrome inserts and painted bumpers/door handles. Also the cornering light. I thought this was nice since I have often found myself trying to see what I am trying to turn into.
I only got the radio cassette and am planning to add a CD changer later. I checked the lights and the three buttons by the cassette do NOT light up on my van.
I have several questions about the lights in the cluster. My airbag light stays on several seconds longer than the rest of the lights when the car is started. Almost as long as the seatbelt light when not buckled. The light does turn off. I checked in a 1999 F150 and it does the same thing. My oil light does not seem to turn on with the other lights either. It will turn on if I leave the ignition in ON for a few seconds. Then when I start the van, the oil light will light up and then turn off with the rest. The manual indicates that the oil light "momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON poisition and the engine is off." So this sounds like it is operating correctly, but not like most other lights (or other cars). The 99 F150 oil light did turn on on startup.
Also, I am considering an alarm. Can someone recommend a solution? I have the factory remotes and would like to continue to use them.
Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
Still haven't gotten my floor mats which are supposed to be standard on the van.Ford said that the manufacturer of their floor mats was substandard and that they had to change manufacturers.
I'll keep my Tweetybird floormats until then ...my kids like them better anyway!
I actually like the van quite a bit and hope it will be a great ride!
Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
I just noticed this the other day, is this normal?
As a former Ford salesman, I am suprised and disappointed that your salesman did not point out the logic behind the three lights out on your radio. The uplevel stereo in the Windstar and the Explorer have a feature called selective lighting. When the instrument panel and radio are illuminated at night, only the buttons that you need to use are lit. For instance, if you are listening to a tape the buttons that are only control the radio or CD functions will not be illuminated. A nice feature, once it is pointed out. On a side note I would have to say this is typical. Many salseman at the dealership I worked at did not do proper feature/benefit demonstrations during the sale nor did they properly demonstrate the car at delivery. You would be amazed how many calls our general sales manager got from customers wanting to know how to use the cruise control or operate the stereo properly. Pretty sad in my estimation. My customers never recieved the three "see" delivery. See the keys, see the car, see the road. Later, Wes.
A service tech. went for a ride with me and "can't believe how loud the swooshing noise is" from gas going back and forth .At a start it sounds like a bowling ball rolling into the back door! The test drive did not warn me of this, apparently there was only a few gallons in the tank. Dealer is contacting ford to see if they can be authorized to wrap the tank with insulation. This needs to be recalled escort and windstar don't have bafels in tank to eliminate the swooshing noise Any one else have this problem or do you all crank the radio so you don't here it! I'll let you know what they do.
O.K. just kidding, but that is the way Ford tends to make you feel when you have a problem.
I have heard this sound while riding in the middle seats of another brand of van so I do understand how disturbing it is and you are right it should be fixed.
Anyone else have this problem? (I asked this before but didn't get any response.)
If you are concerned that it is malfunctioning, take it to the dealer. They should be able to test that in a matter of minutes.
H.M.
After reading the Windstar Problems board, I feel jittery. I still bought the Windstar because of its safety (and my two young kids) and because I could not afford the only two other models with similar crash tests (Sienna, Odyssey). Thanks in advance for your help.
Ed
Or I guess it could be a difference in the sensitivity of the sensors (the Escort's was not as sensitive and went off after the pressure reaches 3 pounds and the Windstar's goes off after he pressure reaches 10 pounds). That is why I want to check with you to see when your oil light goes off.
With respect to the oil level, more oil is good, as long as you do not exceed the maximum for the engine (good for oil pressure, cooling, lubricating). So I would add an extra cup or pint (so long as it did not go over Max) if I knew that the dipstick was truly correct in being half-way between Min and Max. Thanks again.
The Ford dealerships still tries to sell by the 19th century tactics. Try to get a straight answer from them!. Just ask for the best price for the vehicle "sitting in their lot". GOOD LUCK. They still do their two step shuffle -excuse me, I need to know what my manager/ supervisor has to say about this price. Why do they do this? Just to insult the intelligence of today's buyer? No wonder their lots are always full of vehicles -all models in all colors, all the time.
I was in the market for 2000 windstar (wife wanted the safest minivan to transport our children) and this gentleman was seriously pushing the 1999 model (the one that he did not have on the lot!).
Inspite of informing that I am aware of all the figures (invoice, incentives, markups etc.) nobody was ready to give me the bottom figure (I was not trading in any vehicle, and was paying in cash).
Grudgingly (by this time I knew I was not buying the van, but I wanted to get the feel of driving a Ford product) We went for testdrive (1.3 miles total, and HE was driving for half the way!), the SEL was good but the aftertaste of the experience (dealership) was very bad.
Bought Honda Odyssey (@ MSRP) without any regrets (5 min at the Honda dealership, 18 day wait). Wife is all smiles. 5 star rating, 5 star drive, 5 star satisfaction.
It covers the 96-97 Thunderbird, 96-98 mustang, WINDSTAR, 97-98 E150,f250,f150 and 96-97 cougar.
"Issue
Engine coolant may be leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles. The internal coolant leak may be difficult to identify. This may be caused by the lower intake manifold side gaskets and/or front cover gaskets allowing coolant to pass into the cylinders and/or the crankcase.
Action
Revised lower intake manifold side and front cover gaskets have been released for service. Refer to the following text and Application Chart for details"
I've talked with a mechanic at Ford who says the intake gasket was redesigned with this fix because it wasn't able to withstand the heat. If you redesign something, doesn't that mean the first one wasn't designed properly? And shouldn't anyone who has to replace an engine because of this error, be reimbursed? (I know, I'm talking to the choir) It sounds like this may be Verse 2 of the head gasket problem. It may answer why the 96/97 Windstar are having problems even after the head gasket was redesigned.
Ford low balls you on your trade. They try keep you far from invoice and they want to add options where possible.
Doesn't sound that much different to me.
Now, if you walk into the Ford dealer invoice prices in hand, put in a reasonable offer, you walk out with a low hassle deal as mentioned above. And if you walk into Honda and willingly pay MSRP, again it's a low hassle deal.
Again, not much difference to me.
Heidi
Thanks James
Thanks James
Just call and ask for their internet department!
Tom