96' Sport Buying Questions

[PadreC]

I sold my 96 xlt way back in 2006 but have always been a fan of the explorer look. My xlt had all the usual problems of the make/model especially the tranny.

I currently looking at a 96 sport with about 170k miles, average condition, 2wd with a CEL on, small radiator leak and small oil leak.

A few questions:
1. Am I crazy for wanting to get back into this?
2. What's your local market value for this vehicle?

Any things I might have forgotten to look for for when I take a look at it later this afternoon.

 

[koda2000]

A decent '96 2WD Sport isn't worth more than $1200 where I live. I bought a 'nice '97 (with a rebuilt SOHC engine) 18 months ago for $1400. It's turned out to be a good, reliable vehicle. The only repair I've had to make to it was a new water pump about a month ago.

Honestly, there aren't many '96 Sports showing up for sale any more. Too old.

And yes, you're probably crazy, but not as crazy as me.

 

[Mike65]

I sold my 96 xlt way back in 2006 but have always been a fan of the explorer look. My xlt had all the usual problems of the make/model especially the tranny.

I currently looking at a 96 sport with about 170k miles, average condition, 2wd with a CEL on, small radiator leak and small oil leak.

A few questions:
1. Am I crazy for wanting to get back into this?
2. What's your local market value for this vehicle?


1) My wife & I had a 99 Sport we bought brand new in 99 & it had 275K mi on when we sold it a couple years ago. We misses having one we bought another 99 Sport. The 99 Sport we have we paid $1300.00 for a few months ago w/82K mi.
2) Southern NJ prices on Craigslist run from $800.00-$1500.00 depending on condition & weather it is a 2 door or 4 door.

Any things I might have forgotten to look for for when I take a look at it later this afternoon.

 

[mattZ]

A decent '96 2WD Sport isn't worth more than $1200 where I live. I bought a 'nice '97 (with a rebuilt SOHC engine) 18 months ago for $1400. It's turned out to be a good, reliable vehicle. The only repair I've had to make to it was a new water pump about a month ago.

Honestly, there aren't many '96 Sports showing up for sale any more. Too old.

And yes, you're probably crazy, but not as crazy as me.

I second that. I payed 1700 for a 4x4 96' a few months ago. Only reason I payed a bit more was because of the 135k miles on it and recent work done to it/lack of rust (I'm in MI).

So I would take the repairs into consideration. I would say don't pay more than 1500.

One costly repair on these is the front wheel bearings. I just discovered I have to buy a whole new hub, not just the bearing. So I would make sure they are decent.

P.s. I don't think you are that crazy. I love their look and evem though I've put some work into it, it's worth every dollar and minute!!

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

.....Am I crazy for wanting to get back into this?.......

No, but it helps.

Look for small bubbles in the coolant overflow tank; that's
a sign of a blown headgasket or cracked head.

I'd also pull the code for the MIL if possible. That would also
be a good reason to lower your offer. If it still runs good with
the MIL lit, chances are it's nothing serious.

 

[Explodr94]

I sold my 96 xlt way back in 2006 but have always been a fan of the explorer look. My xlt had all the usual problems of the make/model especially the tranny.

I currently looking at a 96 sport with about 170k miles, average condition, 2wd with a CEL on, small radiator leak and small oil leak.

A few questions:
1. Am I crazy for wanting to get back into this?
2. What's your local market value for this vehicle?

Any things I might have forgotten to look for for when I take a look at it later this afternoon.

Who doesn't like this vehicle. Look at how many people are members on this board. It's got utility. Tailgating, camping, home depot, and if you're in a lurch you can tow with it. Not so cool on date night, unless you are behind the tinted windows.

Going rate in Southern California depends on condition. There are a lot of them left out here and I've seen them from $500 - $3400 depending on mileage. I WOULD BE WARY OF MILEAGE - A LOT OF MILES ARE ON THESE VEHICLES BETWEEN WORM GEARS.

 

[masospaghetti]

I second that. I payed 1700 for a 4x4 96' a few months ago. Only reason I payed a bit more was because of the 135k miles on it and recent work done to it/lack of rust (I'm in MI).

So I would take the repairs into consideration. I would say don't pay more than 1500.

One costly repair on these is the front wheel bearings. I just discovered I have to buy a whole new hub, not just the bearing. So I would make sure they are decent.

I agree in that condition i wouldn't pay more than $1500. A 96 Sport with that mileage in top shape would probably fetch $2500, max.

His is a 2WD so it doesn't have the sealed hub assemblies. It has the standard unsealed bearings that are not difficult or expensive to replace.

I really like my Sport. Sometimes I wish I had the 4-door body for more utility and I really wish I had the 5.0 for towing capacity but most of the time, the little Sport with the V6 is very practical and reasonably fuel efficient. Mine has been extraordinarily reliable.

I would be cautious of the 4R55E transmission though, they are not known for their durability. Make sure it's in good driving order before you buy.