1998 Ford Windstar GL review from North America
"Not good for the 20K I spent"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Door locks erratic
Seems to wander (front end)
Oil leaks
It started with ck engine light.
Ford dealer (FD) analyzed problem and said analyzer pointed to plugs and wires.. with parts + labor about $300, because code said they were required.
Auto zone code said Cyl 4 misfire.
Ford said only Ford parts should be used; the Bosh platinum were not approved /good. Neither were aftermarket ignition wires.
Auto zone said we are still in business.
To make a long story short, after inquiry and reading articles like yours, it seems the EGR disable made the problem go away, so now we must look for the cause of EGR condition.
When I related this to another dealer, they said "oh, the egr ports in the intake manafold may be clogged."
(I think any service manager would suspect that condition immediately)
My beef is that:
1- The first service Ford dealer should have told me what the problem was, and given me the option to install new parts or just 1 plug or wire.
2-Ford dealer service manager saw the misfire code, just like Amazon did, and wanted to sell me a package, starting with plugs and wires then progressing to the ultimate solution... about $1000. later. (I've read some yahoo accounts of the same problem; I could have written it)
Well, I guess I feel a little better, now I'll pay the $ 250 to fix the real problem. (I hope)
General comments?
I have a low opinion of cars that have that failure mode at 75k, and a lower opinion of Ford dealers who take advantage of Ford owners by selling them parts and labor to get to the root of the problem.
Ask any honest mechanic.
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| Weak Front End |
|
| Considering the amount of miles and work we've had done, it has given us pretty good service |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 36000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 75000 miles |
| Previous car | Saturn SL |
| Date of Entry | 17th September, 2002 |