Ford Mini-Vans! Beware! Early 90's models can be junk!

Fortunately, I am not writing this from personel experience. I have several friends with families who have had Ford Aerostar Mini-Vans and they all state they are the worst money-pit cars they have ever owned. These early 90's models are really prone to mechanical problems. A good friend of mine had the radiator and the alternator go out on him in only 2 months time. The tab was over 700 dollars. Another good friend, that has a wife and 4 kids on a very limited income was hit with electrical problems and had the air-conditioning go out (We live in AZ!). He had so many problems since then he sold his 91 Aerostar for 1000 dollars and was just happy to get rid of it.
Don't get me wrong, overall I think Ford turns out a good product. I make it a point to buy American cars. I am sure there are people out there that have had no problems with their Ford Aerostar. I do know, however, that folks that buy Mini-vans usually have larger families. They also may have a limited income and cannot afford to dump every extra cent they earn trying to get their family wagon road worthy. The friends that I have mentioned were all hit hard in the pocketbook by their Ford Aerostars going out on them. I am writing this for your information, and I hope you will take this information under consideration when your shopping for a used family vehicle. I'm glad I did!