Been a while since I posted here, and I'm glad to be back for a while - People here seem to be much friendlier than in the Honda forum.

As I was about to pull out of a parking space after running an errand (in my Honda..) I saw a lady getting into an Aerostar. I don't know why, but I felt compelled to ask her about the van. She was driving a red extended '95. She said she couldn't sell it, but that she had two at her home 'in the east bay' (I'm in San Francisco) that she wanted gone, as both need transmissions. A '93 and a '97, both extended.

Would putting a transmission in one of them be worth it? Used Aeros generally sell for about 3k in the area. If so, about how much would I be looking at spending?

Thanks!

 

I'd look into it. They're great vehicles. They may need considerably less repair than she thinks. I once bought a Subaru 4WD wagon for $100 because they thought it was unreliable and often didn't start. I put a new ignition switch in it for $35 and drove it another 150K.

 

My '93 has been the most reliable auto I've ever owned.
Are you putting the tranny in yourself? What else do the vans need? Condition varies.

 

Hello Searching, see what she will take. Check Kelly Blue Book for lowest resale and offer considerably less due to the transmissions. If the vans drive, take them for a test drive and report back here with symptoms of drivability. Chances are the fluids need changing, possibly a trans modulator. Either way, may be a cheap and easy fix.

As Dave said, it may not need much. I bought my '93 new, with 3.0 and have been very happy with the reliability. Change the fluids regularly and they will last a long time.

Hope it works out for you!

 

Thank for the replies.

The number she gave me is to her business. I left a message, but do not expect to hear anything back until tomorrow.

Since we were both getting in our cars to leave when I talked to her, I kept the conversation short, but she did say that the engines in both vans were good, just that they "needed transmissions". When I asked her for a price, she said I could have them for free if I could tow them.

Unlike where I came from in FL, parking space in this area is extremely valuable, so that may be why she's so willing to get rid of them. If it looks like it will pan out, I will rent some storage space and have someone work on the vans, since they do sell for a pretty penny here.

I seriously doubt that I would be able to do the work myself. I have a handicap which interferes with my range of motion, and I also have very little mechanical knowledge or tools. I can change the oil and filter, and do simple tuneups if the parts are in accessible locations and I have a service manual and tools, but I have serious doubts as to my ability to replace a transmission.

I see that Aerostar service cds are avilable online, and will download them if I pick these vans up.

If the vans do need their transmissions replaced, about how much should I expect to pay per rebuilt A4LD, and about how many hours of labor does the job take?

Thanks!

 

Wow, I am tempted to drive up and pick one up for myself! LOL. What a deal, I understand being in Frisco that you are short on parking. Not quite as bad as New York though. Something tells me these transmissions can't be that bad. I think you can get a rebuild for about $1500, less if you go to a reliable transmission shop. Still worth it if the van is in good shape. I think the extended vans have 4.0 engines.

 

The exteneded vans can have either a 3.0l or 4.0l. We had one with a 3.0, as did one of my ex's parents. Her uncle had an ext 4.0l.

 

I stand corrected!

 

bear,
glad you're back

S.F. has some of the highest auto repair shop rates in the nation because of state auto repair laws, mechanic/tech licensing requirements, taxes, land cost, taxes, building cost and did i mention taxes
rebuilt E44/55 series for the '97 will cost min. $2500 installed...the '93 mechanical control A4LD will be about the same

go to the Calif. St AG's office page on auto repair law and arm yourself first, they may also have individual repair problem reports. friends can be a good source of repair info
demand 5 references before signing

these are great riding low maintenance vehicles that are made for light 3500lb towing and carrying a van full of passengers camping/traveling, great for 2 to camp inside
if you are looking for low cost dependable high mileage above 30 mpg, get a 4 cylinder Japanese import...if you are unable to do the basic maintenance, i would go with a 4 cylinder import, far less expensive=shops specialize in them

regular just went over $3 a gallon here and it's over a month until the kids get out of school and hit the road

 

Up here in Ontario you can buy great running Aerostars with rotted out bodies for $100.00 to $500.00. I bought one off of a lady about a year ago for a hundred bucks and it only had 100,000 kms (60,000 miles) on it. To make a long story short, I have a good spare low mile tranny ready to go if and when I need it, and it only takes a couple of hours to swap!
Cheap and easy, thats one or the reasons I love my Aerostar.

 

Glad there are some friendly posters here.....

I've owned two Aerostars in my life, a 91 & a 93. I retired the 91 with over 200K miles and my 93 now has 220K miles. They are the best vehicles I've owned, with the exception of an '88 Cougar. You absolutely have to maintain the trannys on these.
I'm always keeping my eye open for another Aero, I think they are that good. Too bad these vans are that far away from me. I'd be interested in them.....

 

Too bad there isn't some easy way to exchange our pristine sheet metal from dry areas down south for good mechanical stuff from up north.

Ray Mac

 

A good rebuilt transmission will end up costing you $1200-$1400 if you install it yourself. If it is a daily driver and you change the fluid every year or 20k or so, the automatic should then last over 150k.

 

As has been said, I drove an aerostar for a year. It was a 92 with the 3.0. It was the standard length. As uncool as I was in school, the thing had enough pep in it to get on the highways, no problem. The stupid thing wouldn't die for the life of it! We sold it with 311,000 miles on it, original engine, original transmission, zero rebuilds. I'd definately put my trust in one of these things.

Ryan

 

I had a '95 Aerostar 4.0L Extended that finally passed away last summer with 195K miles of her. She ran great. I got rid of it for the reasons - Cracked engine head, leaking rear axle seal and most importantly, we now own a 32 ft Travel Trailer. I needed a Tow Vehicle to move it. The trans was in great shape and the body had limited rust. I might have considered fixing it if I didn't need a new vehicle / the great price i got on an F350. Good luck with your decision!