• Hello there guest and Welcome to The #1 Classic Mustang forum!
    To gain full access you must Register. Registration is free and it takes only a few moments to complete.
    Already a member? Login here then!

Need help with Aerostar

guruatbol

guruatbol

Always on vacation!
I am going to look at a 1989 Aerostar van with a manual trans.

Are there any issues with these that I should be looking for. I know on a taurus or sable I should check the trans and brakes good, but these things????

I am looking for a work vehicle to drive to SLC and back when I get my bus. I like that it is enclosed and I can put my stuff in it and lock it. I also like that it is small enough to park easy. It will likely drive up to SLC about 250 miles and sit in a motel parking lot while I am on tour. I like the fact that they are really not car thief bait either. I can use an MP3 player and a cheap radio adaptor for tunes.

There are two one is a cargo van and one is a passenger van with no back seats.

Any help from those of you in the know would be good.

Thanks,

Mel
 
I have a 96 Aerostar. We bought it in 99 with 60k on the odometer. It is the XLT with a 4.0 automatic 3.50L/S rearend. I have never seen 20 mpg with it. Transmission took a dump at 98k, typical heads on the 4.0 had them replaced sometime after the trans work. IIRC I also have had the power steering control thingy replaced 2 times. It has less then 120k on it now, SWMBO work is about 2.5 miles away. It is looking like it will be my daughters car here soon. I had a new rebuilt Ford transmission installed, I had way too much trouble with the transmission on my 93 Ranger (also with a 4.0). fd
 
If you plan on doing the maintenance on it yourself look forward to a lesson in what a pain in the ass they are work on!
 
if it is anything like the tranny on the 91 explorer which is also the 4.0 auto I have had major problems with the tranny. I am on my 4th I think.
 
Since it is a manual tranny I think you are ahead of their most common problem I remember hearing about on them,are they the 3.0 in 89? around here a 89 would require several cans of "great stuff" to fill the rust holes. If it is not smelling like antifreeze after running it for a while it should be good if you buy it right, hope it has had a tune-up, that is a P.I.A. on them like was stated.
 
How much are they asking for it and how many miles are on it? Me personally, you'd have to pay me to take it and I'll drive anything.
 
If it were me, I'd look for a Windstar instead. Much easier to work on, and the newer ones are better all around.
 
"bigb427" said:
If it were me, I'd look for a Windstar instead. Much easier to work on, and the newer ones are better all around.
Click to expand...

One BIG difference between the two is that the AeroStar is rear wheel drive and the WindStar is front wheel drive. I personally do not like front wheel drive vehicles for my personal use. But then again the only "weather" that I drive in is rain. fd
 
OK, odometer has 63k on it. could be 163k, but the thing looks very clean, so maybe 63k. I think I may be able to buy it for between $700 and $800. They are asking $900.

I think that is right?

My thinking is if it runs and drives - $500
If it runs and drives well, $600
If it runs and drives well and there are no rust issues and body is good - $700-$800 depending on cosmetic issues.

Mel
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top