Looking for an Explorer

Ozwynn · Jan 3, 2012

Looked at one today. 2002, green, V6, 3rd row, 170K, good condition, many new parts, no timing chain service ...... $6000

should I walk away?

5spd Ranger · Jan 3, 2012

that is what my wife has just be careful of tranny there are not the best but other than that she (we) love it.

Ozwynn · Jan 4, 2012

more worried about the miles and price tag, transmission can be fixed, frmes and bodies are far more expensive to fix. NADA says it books out at $6025 on high book retail. I think I want to stay 2005 or newer.... whats this Ironman Explorer package all about..... all I can tell about it is 2 tone leather seats and gloss black with black wheels...

--weezl-- · Jan 4, 2012

go with 4000$ cash, preferably 20's and/or 50's, offer him 3000, then pull out money and start counting, you'll know damn quick if you're going to buy it...

tell them also "3000$ is yours right now, and it's of your lawn/driveway/garage/backyard/ect tonight"

Ozwynn · Jan 4, 2012

yeah I thought about that.... but he has documented $2500 worth of work done since picking it up at the auction. Work done by a reputable local shop. he is kinda firm on that price.... but ..... the timing chain rattles on start up and then quiets in less than 30 sec. I believe that rattle is caused by the rear timing chain..... the one that is a PIA to get too.

kkjb4x4.0 · Jan 4, 2012

Seems way over priced to me,and I live in Canada where everything costs more.Personally I look for vehicles that may need minor work and get it on the cheap. $2500 in repairs is what maybe$500 to $800 in new parts?Offer him $3000.

disciplerocks · Jan 4, 2012

6k is too much. Doesn't matter how much work he said he's had done. I think 4 would be a fair price. I doubt you get him to 3 if he's asking 6.

88_Eddie · Jan 4, 2012

my EX is 2 years older with 20K more miles and i think it blue books for $2500 on the high side....just throwing that out there. it has never been in a major accident (knock on wood), everything runs great (knock on wood), has leather AND a CD/cassette tape player. start 4 and go from there, i wouldnt pay more than 5.

just cause you put X amount into a vehicle doesnt mean it's worth that much. if i put $10k into my b2, are you gonna pay me $10k for it? hell no

86 slo-vo · Jan 4, 2012

No way I would pay 6k, maybe 3k if it's in nice shape.

unoleisu · Jan 4, 2012

If the timing chain is rattling, walk away. You will definately find a better deal. Just be patient. That rattle is a chain guide, most likely. You have to pull the engine to replace it. You should do all three of them if you're doing one. It's a PITA and not worth doing on top of the price you quoted, in my opinion.

--weezl-- · Jan 4, 2012

10,000$ worth of parts into a ford tempo, doesn't make it a 10,000$ car, it still makes it a tempo

85_Ranger4x4 · Jan 4, 2012

Usually the front chain goes out first, not big deal to fix... they are not rare enough yet to pass up for another one though.

Ozwynn · Jan 4, 2012

unoleisu said:
If the timing chain is rattling, walk away. You will definately find a better deal. Just be patient. That rattle is a chain guide, most likely. You have to pull the engine to replace it. You should do all three of them if you're doing one. It's a PITA and not worth doing on top of the price you quoted, in my opinion.

this is what I was thinking

kkjb4x4.0 said:
Seems way over priced to me,and I live in Canada where everything costs more.Personally I look for vehicles that may need minor work and get it on the cheap. $2500 in repairs is what maybe$500 to $800 in new parts?Offer him $3000.

Everything in MI is way over priced if it has no rust. Problem with buying one with a few problems is I never have time to get around to fixing them, So it goes to the same shop this guy had his work done at.

--weezl-- said:
10,000$ worth of parts into a ford tempo, doesn't make it a 10,000$ car, it still makes it a tempo

This was my thinking.... plus its older than I want, but since it is my second favorite explorer headlight arrangement I stopped to look at it. but he is still firm on that price. I told him I would give him 4 for it, he asked why so low, I said the timing chain rattles and the engine has to come out to fix that, XYZ shop quoted me $2500 to do that. He is still holding fast at $6000.

bilzy7 · Jan 4, 2012

Ya I had some guy want 3400 no lower for a 99 2 dr explorer. It had a screw holding rear body panel at bottom by bumper. It was also rusted almost through. His reason was he was into it for more. That's his problem.
I'd suggest moving on. That vehicle will come again that you will fall in love with. No need to screw yourself over picking up someone else's problem.

bilzy7 · Jan 4, 2012

I ended up with a 98 4 door 4x4 with 118k miles for $2200.00. I replaced spark plugs switch to my rangers tires, had an issue with brakes that is now fixed. So all in all I will end up spending 3400.00 after I've done everything I want to do. And I don't have a screw holding a body panel on...

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