Guidance is requested on purchasing an Aerostar for the first time.

[jbame01]

Hello, I'm interested in purchasing an Aerostar Cargo Van for my small business that I'm developing. I'll be making deliveries in town and it seems that the Aerostar is a reliable vehicle. I've been searching craigslist and have found several leads. Prices ranging from $900 to $2,250. I know that "you get what you pay for", but I'm interested in learning how to identify which of these offers is the best value. I'll also admit that this is my first time to buy a vehicle, so I'm new to the process. So, my questions are:

1) What are some key components of the vehicle/engine that I should examine?

2) How important is the mileage? (Are Aerostars reliable after 200k miles?)

3) What are the most important things that I should ask the seller about the vehicle?

4) The ones that are for sale are mostly 95's, 96's and 97's. Out of these 3, which one is preferable? What major differences should I be aware of? (I'm partly buying one because I want to work on it myself, as a novice mechanic)

I'm really grateful to anyone that is willing to help guide me in this process. I'm new to the forum and it seems like the folks that post here are really experienced, so you've got my respect!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum!

Check the vacuum tree on the intake manifold for vacuum leaks. One problem elbow is located under the air cleaner box on the emissions canister.

Check the vacuum line connection going into a servo piston under the hood. It's in the middle of the engine compartment near the blower motor assembly.

Check the vacuum line on the vacuum modulator for signs of leaking transmission fluid.

Don't get anything with over 200K miles unless you know that the engine, transmission, differential, transfer case, bearings, CV axles (E-4WD), and front end components were replaced.

Where did you get the station wagon? You said that this will be your first time purchasing a vehicle. Don't pay more than $1,200 to $1,500 for one of these vans. Some guys on Craigslist want over $2k, but they have to realize that the vehicle is almost 20 years old.

The 1996 & 1997 models use OBD-II which has more electronic components in the transmission. The 1996 & 1997 models have a variety of different things compared to the older models. The 1995 model has the latest version of the discontinued A4LD transmission. Check the sticky threads in this section for more information.

 

[jbame01]

I "bought" the Escort from my grandma. It runs really great, but I use is like a truck. That's why I'm interested in an Aerostar.

Thanks for the info. So, am I correct in thinking that Aerostars are reliable vehicles? It's great that so many parts are interchangeable with Rangers and Explorers. I'm basically in the market for a cargo vehicle that has decent mpg and is affordable and easily fixed. Is the Aerostar right for me?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It depends on the way that it's going to be used. It's not a heavy duty work vehicle for hauling large machinery on a daily basis or a tow truck to haul a heavy trailer. It's good for making deliveries of small items items such as washing machines & dryers or for delivering boxes. I wouldn't haul bags of sand, cement, bricks or cinder blocks on a daily basis. It will last a long time just as long as you don't exceed the maximum weight capacity. Are you looking for the regular length or the extended length?

 

[rv4fun]

The market for Aerostar buyers is rapidly diminishing as the vehicles get older. I've loaded up on three of them right now. As you can see from my signature, I've had a couple others (all the short style with the 3.0L engine) and none of them have given me any major problems (problems I couldn't fix myself). I have one van full of my tools and another needing a coat of paint and one I'd like to use as my daily driver. The only difference I've noticed between the '96 and '97 is in the cruise controls - the '96 has a vacuum operated servo that loses a few mph going up hill steep hills. By '97 (the last year Aerostars were made), they switched to an electric servo that does a much better job of maintaining speed.

Prices are all over the place on these vans. I bought the '97 tool van for $600. All the seats had been removed, the windows paneled over and tool boxes constructed on both sides. It had 250k on it when I bought it. I put another 6-7 hundred in it replacing the front rotors & pads, new tires and some exhaust pipe/muffler work. When I drained the oil, I could tell it had been a very long time since anyone had serviced it. That was 3 years ago. It's got over 285k on it now and runs great. The sliding door was a problem (opening & closing) till I re-anchored the front of the center guide rail. I've had to replace the a/c compressor on both the tool van and '96 that needs paint. The crankshaft seal starts leaking because the housing is the bearing and as it wears, the movement prevents it from maintaining a seal. Replacing the seal is very hard to do and won't last long anyway. I paid $1300 for the '96 2 years ago because it had no rust showing and all the paint hadn't failed at that time - because they're out in the weather all the time, the paint died on the top and the paint job on an apparent repaired area of the rear driver's side and back hatch has died also.

My new (to me) '97 van I just bought the 1st of September for $1000 from fellow that bought it at an auto auction and wanted to quickly turn it for a few dollars. I wasn't really looking at the time but when I saw a '97 with 152k miles that had apparently been garaged since new (absolutely no rust!), I couldn't resist. Once it warms up a little and I get a chance to reverse flush the heater core (so I can get some real heat out of it), it will be my daily driver again - like it was before the thermometer took a dive.

I've gotten anywhere from a low of 17 to just over 20 mpg between all the vans I've owned. I've got the tool van pretty much overloaded right now but I hope to put a set of the Moog Car-go-Coil springs under it to keep it off the snubbers.

I my opinion, these vans are great for their low maintenance and longevity. This is the only vehicle I've ever owned more than one of and I've been driving since the early 60's. Keep watching Craig's list and wait for a good one at a fair price but be ready to grab it when it comes along. Don't be afraid to make an offer instead paying what they're asking.

Be sure to change the oil & filter regularly and grease it while you're under there. I try to take care of problems when they come up so they don't pile up on me.

When I need parts, I always check for the great discounts available at Advance Auto Parts by checking this page Deal News - Advance Auto Parts. Often, I save $30-$40/per $100 by ordering online and then going to the store. Orders over $75 are shipped to your house free.

 

[JeffHWV]

The biggest weakness the Aerostar has is rust problems. There is bracing inside the rocker panels that traps moisture and causes rust. Maybe not a big problem if not in the Northeast or Midwest, but I wouldn't buy one anywhere without a thorough look at the underside paying close attention to the rocker panels, the braces from the frame to the back of rockers, the crossmembers and anywhere on the frame where there are multiple thicknesses.

The 3.0L engine is bulletproof and the 4.0L is nearly as good. The transmission is probably the next weakest link and I would pay special attention to how it shifts and fluid condition. Make sure you have all four gears and torque converter lockup. Converter shudder can usually be cured by a fluid change. The last couple years had the newer and probably better transmission. Wheel bearing noise is common but they are easy and cheap to replace. There are many little things that can cause problems, but that goes with the territory with a 15+ year old vehicle.

I would avoid AWD if you don't need it. You pay a price for it in gas milage and tire wear. If you need 4X4 like me, nothing goes better in the snow.

As far as price goes, I guess it depends on where you live. In an area where 4X4 is needed, $1500 would be about average for an AWD version. And that's one that looks a little ragged around the bottom and between 150-200K miles. I've never seen a running and driving AWD one for sale here for less than a grand. You can't give the 2wd ones away here.

I have to wonder if the average Aerostar in average condition(rough since they haven't been made in 15 years) with average miles( around 200K) is worth about $1200, What would a loaded 97 AWD LWB Aerostar Eddie Bauer, with 75K miles, looking like new inside and out from a rust free climate be worth? IMO far more than $2000. Mine is a 93 XL AWD LWB, 171K, cruise, tilt, working RHVAC, and armstrong windows. Has new rockers all around and new paint (electric red and silver), mechanically excellent and I'm not taking less than $2200 for mine.

I've owned a Navigator, 2 Expeditions, an Explorer and the Aerostar. IMO, the Aerostar is better than the Explorer, and on par and in some ways better than the Expedition if you are not a slave to fasion. The LWB have more cargo room than even an Excursion. Plus they have more comfortable front seats than all but the Navigator. They are much more reliable than an Astro or Caravan even if not as good looking. There alot of people that won't be caught dead driving an Aerostar and that is what makes them a great deal. Unfortunately, that's why I'm going to have to sell mine. Tired of the *****ing.

 

[Jose A.]

I would look for one with the 3.0 liter engine, it is less problematic than the 4.0 liter. I've had both engines, the 3.0 was more reliable and fuel-efficient. Not a lot of difference in power.

look for a clean, unrusted, well cared-for body no older than 1995. If you find one in excellent condition, buy it.

look below the rocker panels on each side front to rear, are they bent and crushed upwards? if yes, I would pass on it. If the rocker panels are crushed, it means that the van was raised incorrectly instead of being raised on its Jacking Points. Repairing crushed rocker panels is a nightmare.

if you find one with Power windows, Power mirrors, a/c and other optional equipment, that's the one to get.

The rarest of the rarest, is the Extended Cargo Version. Very few of those were made by special order.