Instead of diving into the minivan segment pioneered by Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, Ford created the truck-based Aerostar “midivan” as a more cost-effective stopgap. Years later, Ford introduced the Windstar, the first proper front-wheel-drive minivan built by the American automaker. The Windstar offered roughly the same amount of space and comfort as the long wheelbase Chrysler minivans. The Windstar was sold from 1995 until 2003, offering owners a choice between the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 and 3.8-liter Essex V6.
If you purchased your Ford Windstar from a used car dealership, chances are it came with a used car warranty that offered limited protection for the Windstar’s powertrain and other select components. These warranties usually last for only a very short amount of time, in most cases anywhere between 30 days and a year. Unfortunately, this type of warranty won’t last long enough for you to be able to take advantage of it, especially for those major long-term repairs. As a result, you’ll still be liable for out-of-pocket expenses incurred for parts and mechanics’ labor.
Air conditioning compressors, timing chains, water pumps, alternators and other components of the engine and transmission are costly to have repaired outside of warranty coverage. To have these parts replaced outside of warranty, you would have to pay a mechanic hundreds of dollars in parts and labor charges. Having an engine or transmission replaced can cost thousands of dollars. With today’s budgetary concerns, most people are not prepared to spend that kind of money on auto repairs, especially not on such short notice.
Having an extended warranty on hand can help you save up to thousands of dollars on most major, as well as minor automotive repairs. You can have extended warranty covers added to your Ford Windstar or any other vehicle you might own, for just a small monthly or yearly fee. All you have to do to take advantage of extended warranty coverage is to file a repair claim whenever your vehicle requires major repair. The company that handles your extended warranty will take care of most, if not all of the costs in parts and labor. In addition, you can also take advantage of perks such as free 24-hour roadside assistance, free rentals and the ability to have your vehicle serviced at the repair shop of your choice.