Looking to buy a Freestar or Monteray this week.
I'd like thoughts, opnions of other owners, but am unable to find a wonderful site like this with info I'm looking for.

Anyone here have advise on these two models? I currently have a 2000 Expedition EB, and this will be a 2nd vehicle to the family. Now that I'm used to my "extras" I'll be looking for atleast an SEL or Limited, or any line of Mercury. I'll probably be getting a slightly used (10-20kmi) '04-'05. I really like my X, and have had little problems over the last 5 yrs, can I expect the same from these?
Any forum sites for these?

Thanks

Bryan

 

Do yourself a favor and go buy a Chrysler minivan. They were the inovators and simply the best. Total night and day difference between them. Chrysler is wider wheel base and handles better. I tried and tried to buy the Windstar but just didn't like it. Also Navigation is an excellant option too. I love mine and will never buy another vehicle without it. If you buy a Chrysler, make sure it has an 3.8 litre.

 

I bought a 1995 Windstar new 11 years ago.
First year out, the new 'standard' for minivans according to Consumer Reports.
The next year CR trashed it and it never recovered.
They have a terrible reputation.
Ten out of ten people have nothing good to say about them.
Ford tried to escape it's image by renaming it Freestar.

Mine has 145,000 miles and has been flawless.
I wouldn't hesitate to jump in it and drive to California tomorrow.

It's reputation has ruined resale so, I just hang on to it. Makes no sense to give away a loaded vehicle that is showroom in condition and performance.

That said, I can't recommend them because I believe I'm the exception rather than the rule. The pain others went through with their vans was not imaginary.

 

our family has a 96 Windstar with 140K on it. Engine runs strong, but the engine is going to outlast the body and interior. The Van got it's job done for the last 10 years we have had it.

As much as I'm a Ford lover, I also do not recommend the new Freestar or Mercury Van's they have out.

I hate to say it but when it comes down to vans, Ford's on the bottom of the list with vans. A lot of other companies make much better better van's then Ford does.

You sure you would like a van though or need a van? Ford has got some great small sized SUV's like Escape/Mariner and the midsized Explorer/Mountaineer More and more people seem to be jumping from Mini Van's to SUV's. (Just a thought)

 

Guess that's why they're discontinued. Wife just doesn't seem to like the mini-Suv's and we're definatly not getting a car eewww. Just watched an accident yesterday of a F-250 running a stop sign t-boning a surbon pulling a utility trailer, parts flying everywhere. Just saying if we were 10 seconds faster that would have been us, and a car would have been discenigrated!

Will take the input, but altho we've rented chrystlers all the time and like them, wife is still set on a Ford product. We're very biased, like coke/pepsi!

 

I know you said you are looking for used, but check out a FreeSTYLE also. My wife drives one and we use it for our family vehicle. With all wheel drive and 7 passenger seating we really like ours.

 

my inlaws had a 98 windstar, tranny problems, it was there first ford van. They went back to the chrysler.

 

Ford Vans just aren't great at all though. If you need and want to be happy driving a van, go with another company. (I can't believe I'm acually going to say this) BUT... Honda and Toyota make great vans in all seriousness! If I were to have to get a van, I would go with either the Honda or Toyota Vans. Ford, chevy, dodge and chrysler can't beat out a van when it comes down to the honda or toyota.

 

I got 180,000 miles on a 98 Dodge Caravan with the original transmission,water pump,alternator,timing belt(yes I know it needs changed) belts,hoses etc. One tune up has been done. The only problems I have had were the belt and tensioner at 140,000. Talk about maintenance free, Hope I just didnt jinx it.

 

I've been a Ford person all my life but Chrysler beats them all when it comes to minivans. My wife has had 2 Grand Voyagers and they were both great.