Well, I finally did it. After 17.25 years and 209,350 one owner miles, I traded in the Windstar on a 2015 eco-boost Fiesta. The Windstar was still functioning, but there had been a low rumble roar and vibration at 70 mph from the front right wheel that was either a bad wheel bearing, transaxle or suspension. Wasn't simply an out of balance tire. Also had a feeling that the tranny was not long for this world. Hard to let go and many memories, but it was time. Driver's seat was starting to lean like the tower of Pisa and the sliding door didn't.
Thought I'd pass on my experience for those that are wondering about keeping an old car. Leaky intake manifold fixed at 50k and brakes etc. It was otherwise pretty bullet proof until about 130k. At that point it needed carbon cleaning, cam sensor, injector cleaning and an intake runner manifold control valve (IMRC).
-Changed the struts and shocks at 154k.
-Fuel pump at 159.
-Replaced headlights and window motor at 166
-MAF sensor at 179
-Alternator at 186
-Radiator fan at 201
- Two ABS sensors recently.
Used every kind of oil. Last 70k miles was on 7,000 OCI. Used a quart every 5k for most of the time, maybe down to 3.5k on synthetic at the end.
Biggest nagging problem was rough warm starts (not hot or cold) if it sat for a few minutes beginning around 165k. Finally found out it was the other IMRC which by now was fused to the lower intake manifold and I would have had to take to a machine shop to remove bolts. Solved the problem by plugging one end with a golf tee and sticking a tooth pick in the other side. (Wife and kids rolled their eyes)
I got a great deal on year end close out of the fiesta, so it was time. 3 cylinder ecoboosts only come with a stick plus $900 premium for the engine, so they don't sell and are hard to find in South Texas but I managed to locate one.
While it has a lot of road noise like most cars in this class, it is a hoot to drive and gas mileage is crazy good. You can get whatever mpg you want based on how you drive. I got 51 mpg going into work. 38 mpg at 75 with the ac on. And its not broke in yet. We got it to tow behind an RV when we retire. Wish me luck for the next 18 years!
Thought I'd pass on my experience for those that are wondering about keeping an old car. Leaky intake manifold fixed at 50k and brakes etc. It was otherwise pretty bullet proof until about 130k. At that point it needed carbon cleaning, cam sensor, injector cleaning and an intake runner manifold control valve (IMRC).
-Changed the struts and shocks at 154k.
-Fuel pump at 159.
-Replaced headlights and window motor at 166
-MAF sensor at 179
-Alternator at 186
-Radiator fan at 201
- Two ABS sensors recently.
Used every kind of oil. Last 70k miles was on 7,000 OCI. Used a quart every 5k for most of the time, maybe down to 3.5k on synthetic at the end.
Biggest nagging problem was rough warm starts (not hot or cold) if it sat for a few minutes beginning around 165k. Finally found out it was the other IMRC which by now was fused to the lower intake manifold and I would have had to take to a machine shop to remove bolts. Solved the problem by plugging one end with a golf tee and sticking a tooth pick in the other side. (Wife and kids rolled their eyes)
I got a great deal on year end close out of the fiesta, so it was time. 3 cylinder ecoboosts only come with a stick plus $900 premium for the engine, so they don't sell and are hard to find in South Texas but I managed to locate one.
While it has a lot of road noise like most cars in this class, it is a hoot to drive and gas mileage is crazy good. You can get whatever mpg you want based on how you drive. I got 51 mpg going into work. 38 mpg at 75 with the ac on. And its not broke in yet. We got it to tow behind an RV when we retire. Wish me luck for the next 18 years!