Ford: Ford Windstar vs Dodge Grand Caravan, dodge grand caravan, 2000 ford windstar

Question
Have narrowed my search for used van to either a 2000 Ford Windstar SEL (37K miles), 3.8L V6; or, a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan ES (56K miles). Both have almost identical features and size. I'm leaning toward the Windstar, but....

1. Windstar costs 3K less for 1 year older car with fewer miles. Why???

2. People have said the Windstars had a lot of mechanical problems with head gaskets and transmissions. Have these been resolved in the 2000 year model?

3. Honest opinion please: even if you cannot speak about the Dodge, can you give me a rundown on potential problems with the 2000 Windstar SEL?

Thanks, Kate

Answer
kate that is rt in the earler modle but that problem was taken care of in 96. they have no more problems after that .dodge had that major recall from 86 to o3 with there fuel lines . and they still have head problems till 04.you will be ok with the windstar. why it is cheaper? it could be because they may not have that much into it.a lot of times if a customer has to get out of a car the dealer has to take a hit if the cust is upside down and you lucky guys get to get hit with it  because you know there are not going to loose  .DO you?