99' Mountaineer

[UpHereInTheSky]

Hey All,
This looks like the right place to post, and you guys are a lot friendlier in your posts than other forums I frequent. I am enlisted in the USAF and live in Michigan, winter is coming so I sold my sportbike and found myself in the market for something with walls. A family friend of mine has a 99' Mountaineer, she is the first and only owner and routinely does scheduled maintenance. It has 170,000 miles on it, and will need new tires.

Here's the best part; Seeing as she is a family friend and we are close enough that she is my informal "aunt", She's willing to give it to me for 1500-2000, sounds good yes? Tell me what your thoughts are. I am going to drive it tomorrow and look it over, then bring it to a mechanic who is a friend of mine to look it over (free, awh yeah!).
I'm 18 and have had one at fault accident nearly 2 years ago, what is typical insurance cost if I'm going to co-sign with my parents? It should be less than a sportbike, insured when I was 17 years old, in Michigan, or I at least hope so.

Next question would be what are some nice modifications(clip, bolt, plug, anything simple) for a mountaineer? It's all stock as far as I am aware. I intend on using it in snow, highway, freeway, in town, everything but mudding and mountain climbing, haha.
Also, is there a tire anyone would recommend,, any specific types that might be better?

I only need the Mountaineer till July 31st 2012, so the mileage shouldn't be a concern, especially considering that it's been adult maintained. I wouldn't expect that she even speeds in the car, so no abuse there. Any tips on getting rid of Cat smell? She lives on her farmland and houses many cats in her barn and what not, but doesn't put the cats in the car unless they are boxed up and going to the vets. There will probably be a lingering smell though that I would like to rid myself of.

Links to threads that you might think I'll find useful would be awesome, I am going to try to make use of the search function..

TL: DR Hi! I have tons of questions, thanks for clicking on my thread, I'm 18 and possibly buying a 99 Mountaineer.

Thanks for any answers or even just welcome to the forum replies.

 

[KristyX28]

Welcome to the forum!! Everyone here is super nice and very helpful. I am a new member myself ( proud owner of an 00' X sport) but I may be able to help a little. As I understand it for a high mileage truck one of the main concerns is of course the condition of the tranny and t case. As far as insurance that hard to say but if you (or your parents) call your insurance rep they can give you a quote. As far as mods they are endless but using the forums search tool will be able to help you find whatever your looking for. To get rid of the smell I would suggest pulling the seats out and then the carpet and shampooing it probably several times. Good Luck!!

 

[UpHereInTheSky]

Thanks Kristy!
I honestly didn't think about shampooing the seats, this brings about new thought processes..
Hopefully everything is good on it, and luckily the current owner drives like a granny because she is one! Mileage is mileage though.

 

[KristyX28]

No problem. Just spreading the knowledge. I read a post awhile ago that talked about getting rid of animal smell and said what they used but i cant remember but you should be able to find it using the search tool. Yea mileage is mileage but if maintained its not as bad i think. Its always nice to buy a singe owner vehicle because they know everything done to it. Granny cars are generally in good shape so good luck