Buying a 2002 ST

[macmac]

I am a want a be owner! I am looking at an 2002 ST with 155000 miles. Anything I should be looking for that may cause a concern with so many miles? I know leaking oil and such but what about other stuff with a Sports Trac?
Thanks!

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Suspension and ball joints, control arms, listen to the motor carefully for a rattle to see if the tensioners are going.

 

[Blake A]

i second checking the suspension. i just spent over $1100 on ball joints, control arms, and tie rods. they were beyond shot.

 

[macmac]

how do you check those? Do you crawl under and give a shack or listen for pops?
Thanks for the info.!

 

[ncranchero]

That's a good many miles......Ball joints, control arms, and tie rods are good suggestions but timing chain tensioner noise and poorly maintained transmissions will run you 3 times that to fix. See if you can buy a good drivetrain/mechanical warranty for $12-1500 and go worry free.

 

[Blake A]

Jack up the front end and grab the top and bottom of your tire and see if you can wiggle it. Then with the front end up put a pry bar under the tire and see if it moves up and down freely, be sure not to thrust it though don't want it possibly bouncing off your jack stands.

 

[macmac]

Thanks all! I think I will stay away from this one and look for one not so....well used! I have several others that I am looking at but a little outside my sons price range! Looks like Dad will have to make him a loan...

 

[Blake A]

Good Luck! From experience id say spending a little more on one in better condition is well worth it. You never know what could go wrong, or the mantenance done on a vehicle with high miles.