About to buy 2003 XLT

[DarkMesa8]

I'm on the verge of buying a 2003 XLT V8 4x4. I'd like to run this on the forums to get opinions, and see if there's anything else I should look at before I sign on the dotted line.


The vehicle has 94480 miles, and I'm getting it for $11,777. I'm buying an extended warranty, the best that money can buy for it.

Its fully loaded, leather, sunroof, tow package etc etc. New tires are being put on as part of the deal.

Test drove it, the 4x4 worked in all settings, and sat in the rear as my wife drove and didn't hear anything resembling a whine from the rear end. Looked near the rear axles and didn't see a leak.

Here are the concerns and questions:

When putting from park to drive, it hesitates about a second before engaging. Is this normal with these transmissions? All other shifting is fine, cold and hot.

With axle leaks, will it be obvious or do you have to look really really hard to see it?

Carfax reported an accident to the front end, and I couldn't find any issues with the front inspecting it. When driving at slow speeds, we did figure 8's and I couldn't hear anything coming out of the front suspension. Are there other certain points I should investigate? Otherwise, I'm not concerned (owner kept it 3 years after the accident).

Any other tips to check out before taking the plunge?

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Carfax is a bit over-zealous in reporting "accidents". It probably had minor cosmetic work done, which is still reported depending on which insurance company was involved. Some report to Carfax, others don't.

Sounds like a pretty nice vehicle from what you described. They're a bit proud of it though...I've seen similar vehicles in this area selling for upper 9s to mid 10s, though I have also seen them as high as mid 14s too. Realistically, you're getting a fair deal, but you're far from stealing it.

Sounds like you got all the bases covered.

These trannies do have a bit of a lag time when shifting from Park to Reverse or Drive. I've accepted it as normal. Ford trannies dating back to the early 80s have done this, well before the age of electronic controls. I don't think I'd lose any sleep over it.
I would however, insist that they change the ATF filter and fluid. Not with a power flush machine either...Make sure the filter is changed, and don't let them convince you that it's a "lifetime fill". To me, "lifetime fill" is translated as "planned failure". The filter kit is cheap, and if done at a dealership, they should know how to fill the transmission (you do it from the bottom on these...there's no dipstick). Make sure that only Mercon V or suitable equivalent is used. Dexron III/Mercon isn't the same and will cause shifting problems and/or premature failure if used.

 

[Curtis]

Even with the few problems Ive had (mostly covered by the extended warranty I bought) I love my 04 4x4 V8. Has all the bells and whistles like yours and I agree its a fair price. Mine too has that small lag from park to drive. My 96 explorer did the same thing and now with 146,000miles ... you get used to it.

 

[jerik03xlt]

My '03 xlt with 95K also has a slight pause shifting from park to drive or reverse. Otherwise, its been a great vehicle. Good luck with your purchase

 

[Triton8273]

I'm not familiar with the average price differences from NY to FL but that's the price I paid for my 04' over two years ago and she only had 67K miles at the time. I think $9K is a better price for that truck.

 

[94Eddie]

I also think the price is too high for the year and mileage on the vehicle. I paid $9k for my 2002 XLT with V-8 and towing package a year ago with 49k miles on the odometer. They even gave me four new Bridgestone tires for that price. IMO, it is an $8k-$9k purchase for an Explorer of that year and with that many miles.

 

[Exproblems]

I'm not familiar with the average price differences from NY to FL but that's the price I paid for my 04' over two years ago and she only had 67K miles at the time. I think $9K is a better price for that truck.

The price that the OP paid for that Ex was probably a good deal, 5 years ago when the OP went up on the board. It's not a big deal I've done it a time or two myself, but you guys missed the date of the OP. It's an old one.

 

[94Eddie]

I hate it when that happens.

 

[Triton8273]

Can't put me and 94 at fault b/c the dang newbie brought a 5yr old thread back for no useful reason at all lol

 

[Exproblems]

Can't put me and 94 at fault b/c the dang newbie brought a 5yr old thread back for no useful reason at all lol

Sure, blame the new guy! I blame it on the current heat wave.