Is it worth it to pay for my 1999 Ford Windstar transmission replacement?

by admin on Apr.04, 2010, under finance

I have a 1999 SEL(?) Ford Windstar with about 85K on it. It has always ran well, with no major problems, until 2 days ago. The car stopped working and it looks very likely that the transmission will have to be replaced, and I was given a rough estimate that it will cost $2,500 to $3,500, plus $400 for new front brake pads. I am trying to determine whether it is worth the investment to pay this much to fix the car or simply look for a replacement car and having to fork out the monthly car payments, increased insurance, increased taxes, etc. I am not a car expert so I would appreciate any input, to include what things I should be doing or thinking about to make an informed decision.

:1999 Ford Windstar, Brake Pads, Car Expert, Ford, Ford Transmission, Ford Windstar, Insurance, Investment, Monthly Car Payments, Replacement Car, Rough Estimate, Sel, Transmission Replacement

5 Comments for this entry

justin bieber
April 4th, 2010 on 11:58 pm
I would put a used transmission in it. It should cost about $400 to $500 dollars for a used one.
taylor swift
April 4th, 2010 on 11:58 pm
No. I think you should be looking for another mechanic. I would look for a used transmission, its possible you could buy a wrecked Windstar with a good trans for a few hundred. I seriously doubt brake pads would cost over $50 for parts unless there is a lot more worn out than just pads.I just looked at Advanced and brake pads for the front are $24-$74, pads for the rear are less than $20, that means they want $300 or so labor.
selena gomez
April 4th, 2010 on 11:58 pm
you can go to kbb.com and find what the bluebook value is on your vehicle. i would guess that a dealer would only give you 3500 on a trade in and that is if your car is in excellent condition.with the trans gone in your vehicle they prob. would only give you 1000 for it and that is if you can drive it into the dealer lot. it may be cheaper to get a used or rebuilt tranny and save alot of money that way but you could try taking it to a different place and get another estimate cause 400 dollars is way overpriced for new brake pads. they should only be 200 at the most. Source(s): gm mechanic
justin bieber
April 4th, 2010 on 11:58 pm
I'm not a car expert either, however; Considering….- the vehicle only has 85k on it (if maintained could get 400k+)- it has always run well with no major problems-it will likely cost you as much or more to replace your vehicle with another of same vintage, (likely with more mileage)-you don't know the history of another vehicle-you would rather not "fork out" for a car payment, increased ins., taxes etcI would say "stick with it".However, see your mechanic- and ASK-is this just the FIRST of a number of things to "wear down"?-what shape is the body in? Then decide.With vehicles – the devil you know is sometimes better than the one you don't (ie. another vehicle)source: purchased 6 vehicles in 12 yrs – only one lemon in the lot. maintained all vehicles – got over 450K from all but the lemon The lemon? – reported the Car Lot for providing a false safety certificate – Car Lot sucked on the lemon ; Ministry of Trans. shut it down!
taylor lautner
April 4th, 2010 on 11:58 pm
first get on atra.com look for a shop that's near you and get a second opinion now for my opinion do you have the money for another car/van and make the payments on it you know what you have and not that much mileage on it so if trans done right why not keep it for another 2-3 years Source(s): transmission man