2002 Explorer with 160,000 | Ford Explorer Forums

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2002 Explorer with 160,000

josmen

New Member
Joined
June 19, 2006
Messages
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City, State
Fresno, ca
Year, Model & Trim Level
91 Explorer
Hello, I am looking at purchasing a 2002 Explorer, auto, 4x4 with 160,000 miles on it. They guy is asking $5,500 for it, I have a lot of experience with 97' and older RBV's but not any with anything newer. Seems like with most cars there is a point where stuff just starts falling apart, what are common problems that would be happening at this mileage, and what can I expect in the next few years? I checked kbb value and it seems like it is in the ball park. This is just going to be a daily driver, no mods(At leat that is what I am telling myself), no crazy off-roading just looking at something the is dependable for the family. Any advice on what I should be looking for would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Dan
 



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He should be asking $2900 willing to take $2500. The market on a 160k mile 02 is slim, 4x4 or not.
 






Good to know

That is good to know, I am going to try and go talk to the guy today try and drive it around, unless he comes down quite a bit I doubt I will get this one then. I want to drive it around though so I can compare the next one I come across to something.
 






i got my 02 with 104k on it for $3250. seems a little steep.
 






2002 with high mileage.

I'd pass big time....


Isn't 2002 the year with ALL the notorious transmission problems?


If I were you, i'd look for atleast a 2004.


I wouldn't buy any vehicle with that much mileage, unless i knew the person myself, it's just too risky.
 






The price is a little high, but not too far off...

KBB puts it around 4k in "fair" condition, $4500 in "good" condition for your zip in Fresno.

However, before you sign the dotted line in a 2002 with 160k miles, just know that this is the first year of the 3rd gen, with infamous issues with the drivetrain. Mainly in the transmission, differential(s), transfer case, etc.

At 160k miles, I would want to see first of all...a CARFAX. Also an OASIS report if you can get it (Ford's internal service history record showing every visit it had at a ford repair shop with detailed accounts of service performed). Some basic things to check would be noises while driving....most notably if there is transmission or differential "whine", usually starts around 30MPH and up...the vehicle should not be loud inside. You will see numerous posts on here (including from myself) about diff whine in the 3rd gen's (2002-2005), it's extremely common, especially in the 4x4 models with the limited slip diffs.

I would also check the ball joints, this can be done in just a few seconds. Visually see if there are cracks in the rubber boots on them, or if they look very dry. I would also want to check the wheel bearings, this can be done by jacking up the vehicle and see if the wheel has any play when you tug on the wheel/tire.

There are so many other things you can check....or have a trusted non-biased mechanic check out for you. This guy is asking more than top-dollar for the SUV, it should come with lots of paperwork showing regular services, and also replacements of parts. 160k is a lot on an engine/drivetrain....personally I would stay away at that price. Or if you do go for it, don't pay more than KBB "good" value for Private Party...which is around $4500 in Fresno CA
 












It's also noteworthy to add that vehicles on the west coast are priced much different than that of the midwest, east...or well...anywhere for that matter. I ran his vehicle through KBB and put my zip in for North Carolina (where I live), and it comes up as being worth $3500...whereas it's $4500 out in Fresno CA.

So just keep that in mind when assuming price vs. value. Location does matter.
 






No good

Thanks for the heads up, went and took a look and as you guys said, seemed like there was more noise then what there should be. I am going to pass on this one. Thanks for the info, as suggested I will be looking for something 04 or newer, I have a 92' ranger that I want to spend my time wrenching on, not something as new as that. I really appreciate your help, probably saved me from buying a money pit! Thanks

Dan
 






Kelly Blue book is for seller

The one to use and is more realistic is edmunds.com
 






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