Hello again,
As stated in my previous post I am determined to get my first SUV – namely Ford Explorer. The one I am interested in is 1999 model with 115 K km on the clock (around 71 k miles), serviced (what I could see – quite regularly – with intervals not longer than 1.5 year). I had the look at it today and will test-drive on Saturday. So, I need some advise on what to look at during this test drive – how to see whether the tranny is good (I have never driven automatic), whether the engine is not making any funny noises and, generally, what to look at with particular attention. The thing I could see already is engine light on (I started it) and RPMs that went to 1500 upon starting and stayed like this for a minute or so and than went down to 1000. Is this normal? I guess this car was not being started up for some time so maybe this was the reason - what are ‘healthy’ RPMs for this model? The dealer (or rather a garage car seller) said that if I decided to take it he would make all service and take care of this engine light. I already learned that this is common thing for explorer and does not always mean real troubles. Engine itself looks quite ok, not too clean but not greasy either. Other thing is that fuel gauge keeps showing fuel level even when everything is turned off.
Well, I do not now whet else – all electric things seem to work. So dear colleagues.- please share some of the wisdom you have J. For long time I was considering Chevrolet Blazer but after going through reviews I am too scared and Explorer seems to have better press. Thanks in advance.
As stated in my previous post I am determined to get my first SUV – namely Ford Explorer. The one I am interested in is 1999 model with 115 K km on the clock (around 71 k miles), serviced (what I could see – quite regularly – with intervals not longer than 1.5 year). I had the look at it today and will test-drive on Saturday. So, I need some advise on what to look at during this test drive – how to see whether the tranny is good (I have never driven automatic), whether the engine is not making any funny noises and, generally, what to look at with particular attention. The thing I could see already is engine light on (I started it) and RPMs that went to 1500 upon starting and stayed like this for a minute or so and than went down to 1000. Is this normal? I guess this car was not being started up for some time so maybe this was the reason - what are ‘healthy’ RPMs for this model? The dealer (or rather a garage car seller) said that if I decided to take it he would make all service and take care of this engine light. I already learned that this is common thing for explorer and does not always mean real troubles. Engine itself looks quite ok, not too clean but not greasy either. Other thing is that fuel gauge keeps showing fuel level even when everything is turned off.
Well, I do not now whet else – all electric things seem to work. So dear colleagues.- please share some of the wisdom you have J. For long time I was considering Chevrolet Blazer but after going through reviews I am too scared and Explorer seems to have better press. Thanks in advance.
