sarahsdaddy
Member
- Joined
- December 11, 2009
- Messages
- 26
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Ashland, VA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2000 XLT
I'll have to make a decision shortly on what to do about my Ex that got rear-ended last week, as the guy who hit me's insurance company has finally come through and declared it totaled. Estimate of repair were in the $3100+ range from their recommended shop, and he said it could go higher when he gets into it. Kelly Blue Book for private sale in good condition, given mileage, features, etc. is $3800. Insurance co. offering me roughly $3500, plus option of buying back the Ex for $250. I explained my position re KBB and all that I'll have to go through to find a good equivalent Ex, and risks of getting burned even with checking them out good. She is supposedly looking into what they can do about upping the offer and am waiting to hear back.
It's a SOHC 4WD, with an interior in unusually nice condition compared to others I've seen. Exterior average. It does seem to have the timing chain death rattle but have driven it for years without problem. Also needs front rotors, and tires and battery are well along.
The body shop told me they can match color no problem but said it will be obvious it's had body work due to much newer clear coat. Also, if I repair with the insurance money the risk is all on me if the body work goes higher, and I'll wind up with a truck that looks like it's repaired, and does have some issues that will cost some money, like rotors, tires, battery, and possibly major engine work.
I'd been reading my options on upgrading to the next gen Ex, starting in 2002, but have read all the horror stories about them. I suppose at this age hopefully I can find one that's already had it's tranny replaced/rebuilt, rear springs replaced, etc. I guess with either a 2nd or 3rd gen I should stick with the V8 as the more solid engine/tranny.
Do I repair, buy it back and part it out, or what? Am I likely to find someone local who’ll pay me some decent money ($500+) to take it as is and repair themselves? I’d kind of like to stick with some year Explorer, and would have to start a whole other area of research to see what other makes of vehicles might be equivalent. I just don’t like GM so would need to learn about Jap options. Ugh!
It's a SOHC 4WD, with an interior in unusually nice condition compared to others I've seen. Exterior average. It does seem to have the timing chain death rattle but have driven it for years without problem. Also needs front rotors, and tires and battery are well along.
The body shop told me they can match color no problem but said it will be obvious it's had body work due to much newer clear coat. Also, if I repair with the insurance money the risk is all on me if the body work goes higher, and I'll wind up with a truck that looks like it's repaired, and does have some issues that will cost some money, like rotors, tires, battery, and possibly major engine work.
I'd been reading my options on upgrading to the next gen Ex, starting in 2002, but have read all the horror stories about them. I suppose at this age hopefully I can find one that's already had it's tranny replaced/rebuilt, rear springs replaced, etc. I guess with either a 2nd or 3rd gen I should stick with the V8 as the more solid engine/tranny.
Do I repair, buy it back and part it out, or what? Am I likely to find someone local who’ll pay me some decent money ($500+) to take it as is and repair themselves? I’d kind of like to stick with some year Explorer, and would have to start a whole other area of research to see what other makes of vehicles might be equivalent. I just don’t like GM so would need to learn about Jap options. Ugh!