1996 Ford Aerostar Cargo

bought for $3g 10 yrs-still strong 262k mi !

By L-A (SD) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 261,000

Pros: "262K mi, strong engine/transmission made to last!"

Cons: "replaced plastic door handles 3x =messy doors!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Our son bought this van for us in 2003 for $3G with 167K mi (just before he died). I couldn't bear to part with it. Now 10 years later (and our only vehicle since 2008 financial collapse)it has 261,000 mi! (the old girl looks beastly, but she still has a strong motor and transmission. She needed to be shocked back to life when a gasket seal rotted. My bright but non-mechanical husband found all diagnostic and repair manuals online and walked through it. The ford parts were very reasonable to replace. still It only took him 2 methodical days of working step by step(engine pull not necessary). Husband was frustrated and his hands were dinged up because it's very tight under hood. Special around the corner socket tool was needed and borrowed from auto parts store (with only deposit). Also Sporadically on long trips (after stopping) the van has not started back up a few times because of vapor lock (in gas tank). once known, we just opened the gas tank-and waited 2-3 min.s and she started right up. Reliable engine is beyond fair expectation. van now at 262,000 mi. still being used to help start new business. Issues are growing-Plastic door handles have been replaced 2x (Junk yard parts are brittle too). We are 50ish, and too old to exit van, dukes of hazard style! But you can't kill the engine and transmission. They are reliable! The front passenger floor foot space should be better. Maybe I notice because I have a spinal injury but I'm only 4' 10.5" (yes .5 matters)yet my foot space is hindered due to the engine housing."

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Have owned for 20 years, it has been great.

By dcmcgo (TN) on Sunday, May 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 104,000

Pros: "Good ride, dependable, feels like a car"

Cons: "no any"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"very comfortable in drive. had an air condition problem once, and a short to the doom light the ran the battery down. both small fixes in the life of this vehicle. I just can't find the will to get rid of it. We us it know as a shed and work vehicle when the need arises."

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bought 1998,great driving,great running,

By babe (FL) on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 197,000

Pros: "great running and very reliable,very comfortable"

Cons: "as they get older the bumpers crack or break,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"has a lot of pep to engine,has been everything i have wantef in a vehicle. love color, duel air .I wish they still made this vehicle i would deffently by another."

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bought 1998,great driving,great running,

By babe (FL) on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 197,000

Pros: "great running and very reliable,very comfortable"

Cons: "as they get older the bumpers crack or break,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"has a lot of pep to engine,has been everything i have wantef in a vehicle. love color, duel air .I wish they still made this vehicle i would deffently by another."

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bought 1998,great driving,great running,

By babe (FL) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 197,000

Pros: "great running and very reliable,very comfortable"

Cons: "as they get older the bumpers crack or break,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"has a lot of pep to engine,has been everything i have wantef in a vehicle. love color, duel air .I wish they still made this vehicle i would deffently by another."

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bought 1998,great driving,great running,

By babe (FL) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 197,000

Pros: "great running and very reliable,very comfortable"

Cons: "as they get older the bumpers crack or break,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"has a lot of pep to engine,has been everything i have wantef in a vehicle. love color, duel air .I wish they still made this vehicle i would deffently by another."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse