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Last post on Sep 24, 2012 at 2:07 PM
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Ford Windstar Forum.
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Ford Windstar, Ford Windstar Cargo, Van
#1 of 804 just leased a 2000 SEL
by dc99
Oct 26, 1999 (9:12 pm)
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!!
Oct 26, 1999 (9:47 pm)
Phkck:
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.
#3 of 804 towing
by phkck
Oct 27, 1999 (1:39 pm)
Thanks for the towing info. Whichever van we end up with we will go for the towing option. We probably tow 5-6 times a year.
PH
#4 of 804 2000 Windstar LX
by lsg1
Oct 30, 1999 (2:22 am)
I just picked up my new 2000 Windstar LX(which the dealer gave me because my 1998 GL was a lemon!)
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!!
Oct 30, 1999 (2:30 pm)
You are right they did get cheap on some interior items. The old floor mats were great- the new not so good. They also eliminated the double visor which I had really gotten used to. I have and SEL which does include some of the other things you talked about. I will check on radio button illumination thing next time I'm out at night.
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.
#6 of 804 2000 WindstarLX-gas filler tube
by adgate
Nov 01, 1999 (4:31 am)
Thats probably not the right term for where you put the gas in ...but has anyone had trouble filling up their Windstar with gas?My Windstar was purchased in Sept. and every time I try to fill up the gas tank the filler tube doesn't seem to vent correctly.Three times it spewed gas back out and all the time you have to put the gas in very slowly.I do plan on taking the van to the dealer,but until this week my schedule has been too busy.I did call the dealer and ask if there were any service bulletins on this and they said no,but would like to check it out. I got a call from Ford about a week later asking about the van and I explained the problem to them.This week I plan on taking the van in to the dealer,but would like to be armed with more info from other people who may have had this problem.I also was promised floor mats and they have been on back order since Sept.The dealer said Ford and the manufacturer who makes the floor mats hadn't got around to making the 2000 floor mats?Do they really think I'm that stupid?Which leads to the question of why would the floor mats for a 2000 be any different than the 1999? Not to mention that in the brouchure for the Windstar it says that floor mats are standard on the LX. I like driving the van and the features and price were much more reasonable than the Honda or Toyota. I guess you get what you pay for.
#7 of 804 floor mats
by bdemas
Nov 01, 1999 (2:41 pm)
adgate, We had the same problem with getting floor mats for our 99. We bought our van in the middle of August and just received our mats last week. They ordered a complete set, after 4 weeks only the rear one came in. The salesman finally took a complete set from a 2000 that came in. Haven't had the gas filler problem.
#8 of 804 2000 SE Pricing
by rmkelly
Nov 01, 1999 (4:18 pm)
Just got some pricing info on a new Windstar:
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.
#9 of 804 2000 SE Pricing
by rmkelly
Nov 01, 1999 (4:20 pm)
Cut my last message short...does the informed group here think this is a good price? If not, why not?
#10 of 804 Adjustable pedals
by rduke
Nov 01, 1999 (6:53 pm)
The 2000 is available with movable brake and gas pedals. Does anyone out there have this option? How well does it work? Any information would be appreciated.