patmac6075
Member
- Joined
- September 8, 2015
- Messages
- 28
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- MKE
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '98 Explorer
Hey to all, new guy here from WI and I'm hoping to get some input to help me make an informed decision.
I have the opportunity to take possession of one of two Explorers...free of charge! Can't take both, as which ever I pass on will be donated.
The first is a '98 base model V6 OHV with about 170K mi on it. (interesting back story on this car...it was mine from new as a company car till lease ran out ('01), the boss bought it out and let his kids drive the car (AF officer first, spent 10 years in NM desert, then his daughter had it in college) I believe maintenance has been kept up on this car, but recently it has developed an engine vibration, the mechanic he uses says it needs a fuel injector and he's not willing to dump anymore cash into it. Otherwise it's in decent condition for it's age, a little body rust and the interior is shot. BTW, this is the car I'm leaning toward.
Second car is a '00 Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition w/V8, this has been his work car, has about the same mileage. He says the brakes are very spongy and one of the exhaust manifolds is cracked, otherwise runs well with some intermittent electrical issues (basically it's a crap shoot if windows, door locks, lights, ect. work at any given time). Again light body rust, but interior is better.
Whichever car I take will be passed along to my high school kid for use when he goes away to college, so amenities are less important to me than dependability.
I'm competent with a wrench, but more of a parts hanger than a technician....ie I can follow directions but not so much at diagnosis.
My former boss is also my brother-in-law....hence the free car.
Lastly, I haven't seen either of these cars in 10 years as I live in a different state.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
I have the opportunity to take possession of one of two Explorers...free of charge! Can't take both, as which ever I pass on will be donated.
The first is a '98 base model V6 OHV with about 170K mi on it. (interesting back story on this car...it was mine from new as a company car till lease ran out ('01), the boss bought it out and let his kids drive the car (AF officer first, spent 10 years in NM desert, then his daughter had it in college) I believe maintenance has been kept up on this car, but recently it has developed an engine vibration, the mechanic he uses says it needs a fuel injector and he's not willing to dump anymore cash into it. Otherwise it's in decent condition for it's age, a little body rust and the interior is shot. BTW, this is the car I'm leaning toward.
Second car is a '00 Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition w/V8, this has been his work car, has about the same mileage. He says the brakes are very spongy and one of the exhaust manifolds is cracked, otherwise runs well with some intermittent electrical issues (basically it's a crap shoot if windows, door locks, lights, ect. work at any given time). Again light body rust, but interior is better.
Whichever car I take will be passed along to my high school kid for use when he goes away to college, so amenities are less important to me than dependability.
I'm competent with a wrench, but more of a parts hanger than a technician....ie I can follow directions but not so much at diagnosis.
My former boss is also my brother-in-law....hence the free car.
Lastly, I haven't seen either of these cars in 10 years as I live in a different state.
Your input is greatly appreciated.