Should I retire my 2000 Windstar? (vehicle, van, sell, engine)

[unomundo]

2000 Ford Windstar with 120K miles and (now) a blown transmission. $1500 left on the loan and now $3000+ for the new transmission. Do I fix it or move on? Thanks!

[Katie1]

I vote for transmission!

[Drilco]

is the rest of the vhicle in good shape ? is the engine smoking or using oil ? do all creature comforts work well heat ac etc.

[mconzemius]

I replace the transmission in my 1999 Windstar and am glad I did. My van has 105k on it and I'm pretty confident it has a lot more to go. Windstars are known to have bad trannys. But, from what I've researched, they are good vehicles.

[wankel7]

What is the value of the car in working condition?

New Car Prices | Used Car Values - Official Kelley Blue Book Site

What kinda prices have people been getting on your local craigs list?

[unomundo]

Thanks for the replies. Actually, the vehicle runs fine except for this. My concern is sinking the big bucks for this and then seeing the engine go soon after. But based on the replies here, the transmission might be a safer bet than I was thinking...

[sean98125]

So the engine goes. If it costs you another $4k to replace it you'll still save money in the long run.

[earthwar]

I would try to find a cheaper transmission than that if possible. Try a junk yard that deals in newer vehicles. I would probably get a new transmission, why let it sit and make payments? At least if you have it fixed than maybe if your worried about something else breaking you could always sell it. Right now the way it sits its not worth much. EW

[Steve-o]

Take it to AAMCO, see what they can do.

[tcar509]

Here is the Dilemma you face...
My example:
The engine went in my 1996 Ford Escort (I love that car).
$5000.00 to replace the engine (Labor & Parts)
Now the struts need to be replaced $900.00
Power Steering... will it be on the way out sometime soon too?
What about my transmission, how long will that last.
Someone committed vandalism in the lot where my car was parked
on Christmas Eve and now it also needs a paint job. $900.00
In the end, I would have to shell out about what I could pay for a new car.
In addition, ask around and you may find that plenty of people who have the transmission replaced do it only to find it only lasts about 1-year.
You may save a little now but regret the decision in the long run.
Get the entire vehicle checked out before investing too much.
tcar509