I own a 2000 Ford windstar for last 5 months. I am the second owner. It has about 58K mileage on it and the first owner had regular maint. at a particular dealer. But I really cant afford regular maint at the dealer. Can any one tell me how much it would cost me for just oil change and regular check on brakes, transmition, battery, other fluids at a local auto shop.
I just want to spend as little as possible and want to make sure it doesnt break down. I will be driving more than 400+ miles each weekend from now onwards, apart from regular 30 miles/day on weekdays.
thanks in advance.Ford windstar maintenance check?
Those vehicles are notorious for having transmission problems, so make absolutely sure you get the transmission serviced every 30,000 miles. Around here a transmission service costs about $89.
Find out if it has a timing belt because that needs to be done at 60,000 miles or the vehicles WILL leave you stranded and possibly damage the motor when it snaps. That usually costs around $300, maybe more on a minivan.
An oil change at a lube shop will run you about $35. I wouldn't worry about the battery just yet unless it's showing signs of wearing down (dim headlights, hard starts). I wouldn't worry about the brakes unless they're squealing. You usually have a few hundred miles on them at least when they start squealing, though at that mileage they're probably close to worn if they haven't been replaced already. I would take it to a brake shop for brakes as they usually check on them for free.
The only other fluids are the power steering and brake fluids which the lube shop will check when you get your oil changed. Just make sure you go to an actual lube shop with a good name on it (Valvoline, Havoline, Shell...NOT PENZOIL OR QUAKER STATE!!!).Ford windstar maintenance check?
well you could go to a JiffyLube and pay about $25...they check most of that...Ford windstar maintenance check?
JiffyLube has been busted for charging for work not done.
If you have another national lube company, go there. The normal service runs about $30 at Grease Monkey.Ford windstar maintenance check?
Dealers have become very cost competitive because that is one of their operations that's making money. They often advertise oil change specials for $20. For that you get the original equipment parts (Motorcraft oil filter) and now Ford is installing synthetic blended Motorcraft oils for all their oil changes. I think your looking a gift horse in the mouth if you turn that deal down and go instead to some national quick lube chain that will try to sell you stuff you don't even need. Ford also has reasonably priced multipoint inspections of everything their trained factory technicians know needs maintenance according to Ford's maintenance schedule for your particular car. Who knows more about a Ford product, the Ford dealer or Jiffy Lube?? You can still be cost concious about things you know they're making money on that you can avoid such as tire rotation (they charge $20). Instead, just buy two new Michelin tires at a price club and put them on your drive axle and then two more when they are needed. You can learn how to change your own air filter and keep your fluids topped off etc. You know Ford service has been good for your car because the first owner sold it to you in good condition.
