Things to beware of?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31
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From: Missoula MT
Things to beware of?
I'm thinking about buying an old Aerostar from a friend, and I'm hoping to get some advice on what to look out for.
It's an '86, with the 2.3 4-cyl and 5-speed stick. it's the most basic model with not much in the way of options. It has about 150,000 miles on it, and he's the second owner. I haven't driven it yet, but he commented on how the clutch seemed to release pretty far up on the pedal. Also, twice in the past 4 months, it wouldn't start, but would after a jump.
It's in very clean condition- good original paint and a pretty clean interior, and he wants $1000 for it, which seems fair.
Any advice and/or pointers would be appreciated. Thanks.
It's an '86, with the 2.3 4-cyl and 5-speed stick. it's the most basic model with not much in the way of options. It has about 150,000 miles on it, and he's the second owner. I haven't driven it yet, but he commented on how the clutch seemed to release pretty far up on the pedal. Also, twice in the past 4 months, it wouldn't start, but would after a jump.
It's in very clean condition- good original paint and a pretty clean interior, and he wants $1000 for it, which seems fair.
Any advice and/or pointers would be appreciated. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
23 year old engine, the 2.3 hasn't been made since 1994. many parts manuf's are dropping older rigs and engines because of decrease in parts demand.
overpriced for an '86. this is a buyers market. the used lots are full here.
no demand for crusher rigs since the Chinese aren't buying scrap steel. have to pay a wrecking yard to take a rig now.
for $1000, there are newer and lower mileage Aeros out there.
the Aero with the 3L V6 is a great rig on fuel mileage about the same as the 2.3 I4 and far better performace. the aftermarket parts manuf.s will be making 3.0L OHV parts for decades.
overpriced for an '86. this is a buyers market. the used lots are full here.
no demand for crusher rigs since the Chinese aren't buying scrap steel. have to pay a wrecking yard to take a rig now.
for $1000, there are newer and lower mileage Aeros out there.
the Aero with the 3L V6 is a great rig on fuel mileage about the same as the 2.3 I4 and far better performace. the aftermarket parts manuf.s will be making 3.0L OHV parts for decades.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 882
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From: Wichita
$1000 and you are already looking at a new battery $50-$70 and a clutch $300 if you do it yourself. You can bet on needing some front end work as well. This is no bargain - I'd pass on that alone.
But 96 makes a better argument for waiting for a 3.0 or even a 4.0 if you need the power.
But 96 makes a better argument for waiting for a 3.0 or even a 4.0 if you need the power.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 129
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Personally, I would not buy it because its got the 2.3L and its just not a good engine for a van. I own a few 90's mustangs with that 2.3 and they get about 24mpg and I get 21mpg with my 3.0L. The 2.3's are just weak and with that kind of mileage it could blow any day. I know there's a lot of 4.0L owners here, but I've got to say that my 3.0L has been through hell and its pushing 140k original miles and that thing runs perfectly. The 3.0 was the best engine Ford ever made as far as reliability goes. Mine goes thru 100+ in the summer and -20 in the winter, never saw a garage and nothing ticks or leaks. If you're going to buy an Aero, look for one with a 3.0L.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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I briefly dated a girl with an 80's mustang with the 2.3L / 5 speed in it...it was OK on the straight level roads but up the hills it struggled, and this was a vehicle that is at least 500lbs lighter than any Aerostar.
They discontinued that engine in the Aero for a reason...it wasn't up to the task. You have to work it harder, that's why they're all saying that at 150K that engine is probably more than half worn.
They discontinued that engine in the Aero for a reason...it wasn't up to the task. You have to work it harder, that's why they're all saying that at 150K that engine is probably more than half worn.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31
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From: Missoula MT
I had a company truck for 4 years ('99-'03) that was a Ranger with the 2.3/5-speed. I hauled a lot of gear-several fiberglass extension ladders, steel utility box full of tools, etc, and never had a problem. Is the Aerostar that much heavier?
