Buying A Explorer/Mountaineer

[Maverick73]

Hey guys,

I want to get some information about the purchasing of a 1998-2001 Ford Explorer / Mercury Mountaineer, 5.0 V8. I'm trying to find something in good condition in the $3000-4500 price range, is this realistic? I've already looked at a couple both, were 98 Explorers one was $3500 98,000 miles, someone had backed into the passenger door, so that obviously would need to be fixed to look good. The second one I looked at was yesterday, I drove 60 miles each way to look at this one, the ad said good condition no mechanical issues or visual issues. I get there and look at it for no more than 10 minutes and left, it had scratches all over it as well as a few dings, and plenty of other issues. What's the deal here can't I find something cosmetic wise in close to excellent condition with less than 130,000 miles? It's becoming a PITA. Anything in real good shape around here seems to be $5500+ needless to say I'm disapointed in the condition of the ones I've inquired about thus far. Your insights would be appreciated.

 

[AMMO_HOOAH]

For your price range I'd say you're either going to get high mileage or kind of ruff. Keep looking though great deals are out there.

 

[Maverick73]

I found a 2000 Explorer XLT 5.0 V8 last night. 80,000 Miles Green exterior, tan leather interior, loaded sunroof etc...The price is $5500. I talked to a guy I know who's a dealer and goes to the auctions. He's telling me it's high priced for being a 2000 etc. I'd prefer to find one for less than $4500, but this guy doesn't sound like he's going to budge on the $5500. He says other people are interested. I would like input on this, what are you guys paying? Thanks

 

[11lariat]

I just paid $5600 for my 2000..very similar options/color/mileage to what you're looking at, so i don't think its *too* outrageous.

 

[metalmechanic]

Wait for gas to go up a bit more...then the V8 owners will be begging you to take it off their hands.

 

[Maverick73]

I just paid $5600 for my 2000..very similar options/color/mileage to what you're looking at, so i don't think its *too* outrageous.

How is yours condition wise interior/exterior scratches, dings etc...Any pictures of it?

 

[Maverick73]

I called about the Explorer for $5500, already sold. Now I"ll start looking at the dealer auctions.

 

[11lariat]

There are some dings and scratches, certainly not perfect but nothing unusual for an 8 year old vehicle. I can take a few pics tomorrow when I get home from work if it's still light out. Interior is just about perfect. The only visible wear is the a crease in the leather on the driver's seat. Good tires/brakes, all that good stuff. Good luck in your search!

 

[Maverick73]

Nothing good at the auction this week. Explorers weren't in great shape and all had high mileage. I was thinking about maybe, starting to look at the Explorer Sports, for gas mileage. But from what I heard 4dr V8 Explorer are geting 14/15, and the 2dr sports are geting around 15. If this information is accurate, then I guess I just stick with the V8 4drs.

 

[11lariat]

I've gotten 16-17 in my V8 the last few tankfuls with mixed back road/highway driving (not really any city here ), for what that's worth to you.

 

[AMMO_HOOAH]

I've gotten 16-17 in my V8 the last few tankfuls with mixed back road/highway driving (not really any city here ), for what that's worth to you.

I hate you .....

Nah just kidding, but I do hate the 5-8 mpg I'm getting atm lol.

 

[Convict1997]

I was in the same boat back in December. I had just sold my mustang and knew I wanted to get back into another explorer. I was all over traderonline.com, ebay, and craigslist. I would also cruise around the area to the used car lots and stopped at a lot of trucks on the side of the road. I looked at every explorer in the area. The prices I found were pretty consistent with what you're saying. I didn't want to spend more than $5000. Most of them that were less than $5000 were either in pretty rough shape or had about a million miles. I found the easiest thing for me to do was search traderonline.com for anything $6000 or less and then sort by mileage. I didn't really notice to much difference with the pricing between 4 doors and sports. It took about a month, but I finally found my 98 sport with 69K miles. They were asking $6000. I offered $4800 and was surprised when they took it. Just for reference, there was another 98 sport with the same options and mileage as mine at another dealer who was asking $7900.