buying 2002 xls

[clueless1]

Hi all.

As you can tell from my nic I know nothing about cars. I am looking to buy a 2002 xls from a private party. It has 66k miles on it and he's selling b/c he's moving. I am disabled and need a safe and reliable car for some local driving and some long distance driving altho I don't drive all the time. I do have a lead foot and am a lane changer on the freeways. I have traditionally had small cars so this would be very different for me and I would guess so would say i am hard on brakes b/c I do tend to drive like a maniac.


I shall be grateful for any suggestions or helpful hints anyone may have. Thank you!!

 

[Thelt]

It is a good car but you are going to have significant reduction in mileage especially if you drive it hard. I can get in the low twenties on the free way if I take it easy on the gas. More like 16 around town.

 

[clueless1]

It is a good car but you are going to have significant reduction in mileage especially if you drive it hard. I can get in the low twenties on the free way if I take it easy on the gas. More like 16 around town.

Thank you! I don't drive much or if I can help it, so I am not overly concerned w/gas mileage. I have a little teg now and the gas mileage is prolly about the same except I wouldn't have to fill as often.

I was more concerned with reliability and if there are any known defects with that year. I couldn't remember if it was the 2000 and prior that had roll problems or not. I'm pretty sure 2002 year had made adjustments for that. Also, does it matter this was a fleet car, this guy had as company car and then bought from co for girlfriend?

 

[carlover]

There is a wealth of information on this site for all years of the explorer.

 

[Glen4X4]

There is a wealth of information on this site for all years of the explorer.

Agreed.

Enjoy the site and Welcome To The Forum!

 

[coled43]

I have a 2002 XLS that had 60,000 when we got it a year ago. I would call it a safe, reliable and even comfortable car. You mentioned that you are used to a smaller car and like to Zip around a lot. I think you would find it has decreased visibility and a very wide turning radius, so you might not like the way the it drives. I find this compared to driving my 99 explorer. At that year and milage, you will also likely need to do a good amount of repairs compared to a passanger car of the same age. I would say drive it enough to see if you like it and understand that you will need to spend money to keep it up.

 

[Thelt]

The 2002s are supposed to have more problems but mine has been trouble free for the most part. It is a good SUV to buy if you are transitioning from a car because it handles and rides better than most SUVs. It biased more towards highway performance than off road ability which results in a a more car like vehicle.

 

[clueless1]

I have a 2002 XLS that had 60,000 when we got it a year ago. I would call it a safe, reliable and even comfortable car. You mentioned that you are used to a smaller car and like to Zip around a lot. I think you would find it has decreased visibility and a very wide turning radius, so you might not like the way the it drives. I find this compared to driving my 99 explorer. At that year and milage, you will also likely need to do a good amount of repairs compared to a passanger car of the same age. I would say drive it enough to see if you like it and understand that you will need to spend money to keep it up.

I drove it yesterday on freeway. I noted a bit of hesitation and then what seemed to be a winding noise is the best way I can describe it at higher speeds 60-70mph. I'm not good at articulating but it was tho the car needed or wanted to shift into higher gear if that makes sense. That concerns. The owner told me she heard what I am talking about but she said to her knowledge it had always been that way. She's happy for me to take to a mechanic but I don't have one I trust.

Other than that I found it quite comfortable ride. A bit of a blind spot I would have to get used to, but it had a surprisingly good turning radius.

You scare we with the repair part tho. The car was a company car for her boyfriend so he had all the maintence and everything done since it was free. He bought the car from the company last Nov. for his girlfriend. At that time he had them do all the maintence work required for the mileage etc. Since then she has changed the oil every 5000 miles. So what kind of repairs are you thinking of? I don't have money or ability to put into repairs. I just need to have a safe reliable car that can go 200 miles without any problems as well as nipping around town ocassionally.

Thank you very much all for your responses!! (except the mean ugly person)

 

[clueless1]

The 2002s are supposed to have more problems but mine has been trouble free for the most part. It is a good SUV to buy if you are transitioning from a car because it handles and rides better than most SUVs. It biased more towards highway performance than off road ability which results in a a more car like vehicle.

Oh, no offroading for me I can assure you!

I do find it a comfortable ride. Is $7k a good price?

 

[clueless1]

Agreed.

Enjoy the site and Welcome To The Forum!

Thank you and thank you for the link!!

 

[coled43]

Sounds like you like it after driving it. $7000 is a little under the trade-in value. The retail would be closer to $10000, assuming that it is 4WD, if not a little less. So, you could get it for a good price, but keep in mind that it will cost more to maintain than other cars. Parts like wheel bearings, front end, suspension, brakes, etc. tend to wear out around that milage in my experience, which is earlier than they should. That is not to say that it would be unreliable, as long as you make the needed repairs. If you understand what repairs are needed and how much the parts and labor should cost, you won't need to leave it up to trusting a mechanic. That is where this forum is a big help.
That being said the noise you are hearing could be a costly problem. Some of these explorers are known to have problems with the rear end gears. The noise could also be a wheel bearing which is not as bad. If the noise changes when your steer one way or the other it would indicate a wheel bearing. A ford dealer might be the best place to have the rear end checked out. I would suggest having it checked before you decide. Search around the forum for more information. Good luck.

 

[clueless1]

Sounds like you like it after driving it. $7000 is a little under the trade-in value. The retail would be closer to $10000, assuming that it is 4WD, if not a little less. So, you could get it for a good price, but keep in mind that it will cost more to maintain than other cars. Parts like wheel bearings, front end, suspension, brakes, etc. tend to wear out around that milage in my experience, which is earlier than they should. That is not to say that it would be unreliable, as long as you make the needed repairs. If you understand what repairs are needed and how much the parts and labor should cost, you won't need to leave it up to trusting a mechanic. That is where this forum is a big help.
That being said the noise you are hearing could be a costly problem. Some of these explorers are known to have problems with the rear end gears. The noise could also be a wheel bearing which is not as bad. If the noise changes when your steer one way or the other it would indicate a wheel bearing. A ford dealer might be the best place to have the rear end checked out. I would suggest having it checked before you decide. Search around the forum for more information. Good luck.

Thank you. I'm trying to do that! AAA has a care service special for $29.99 that will change oil/filter, test battery, brake inspection, tire rotation if needed and 38 point vehicle maintenance inspection. I mentioned to the independent AAA repair shopperson about this allegeded noise and he said whilst not included, he would have one of his guys take it out and see if he hears it or not. I also called Buerge Ford dealer and they won't take it out for the noise, that would be extra and he couldn't really answer if it is normal. I further found a blog that basically said their service dept is horrible and a total ripoff. So I'll stick my little independent person.

While I am grateful for all your input, you're making me nervous about repairs!! And btw it is 2WD not 4WD which is why they are selling. Moving to where there are weather issues which is a nonissue in sunny so cal.