Buying advice - 97 4.0 Soch advice

[lilbilly]

So a neighbor of mine has a 97 Explorer that he is selling - here are the details that he states:
He bought it brand new.
It has 177k miles on it, but the motor was replaced by Ford on recall at 83k due to the timing chain jumping off and killing the motor.

I guess that's my biggest concern. Is there a concern of this happening again? I did some reading about it, and it seems it was pretty common. Were the parts replaced with something not faulty?

Other than that, it's spotless. He always takes care of his stuff. The interior is clean. It's 4x4, with leather, CD changer, car phone, tow package, new tires, etc.

He's asking $3900 but I'd be aiming for $3500 at most.

Was hoping you Ford Explorer pros could tell me your thoughts??

 

[dustinjorge]

Kelly Blue Book puts that truck at $3k max for excellent condition, so I'd prob shoot for a lower price.

If the timing chain tensioner has been replaced that's a plus. I don't have the SOHC but here's the TSB on that fix:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163298

 

[lilbilly]

Kelly Blue Book puts that truck at $3k max for excellent condition, so I'd prob shoot for a lower price.

If the timing chain tensioner has been replaced that's a plus. I don't have the SOHC but here's the TSB on that fix:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163298

I ran it, and it came back at 3500 I think, but that's varies on options etc... I'll keep that in mind.

Is it worth it paying top dollar for a 16 year old truck?

 

[lilbilly]

After thinking about it, I got the higher value because I ran it at 90k miles rather than 177k.

So if top dollar at 177k is $3000, would you pay more for a spotless truck with paperwork to show for service and the new motor replacement?

 

[koda2000]

JMHO - i wouldn't pay that much for it if it was the most perfect '97 in the world. it's just too old. even if the motor was replaced, it's still not a desirable motor and the rest of the truck still has 177K on it. it's now pushing 17 years old and parts like rubber, foam and plastic aren't designed to last that long. you don't say what part of country you live in, but if you live somewhere they salt the roads in winter, then rust is a major consideration. values do vary by region, but $2,000 would be my limit and, at that, i'd feel like i was overpaying. besides, buying used vehicles from friends, family or neighbors is never a good idea.

 

[lilbilly]

thanks for the advice guys... I appreciate it. I drove it last night, ran great, didn't notice any hesitation or winding up while shifting gears.

Overall though, I just wasn't super impressed. Not really for any specific reason, but to pay top dollar for a vehicle, I didn't feel it. Very clean, well maintained truck.... but I didn't have the feeling that I wanted it for $3k.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site

 

[1998Exp]

I have always trusted Edmunds.com. Their price for this model in excellent condition and 177K mileage is also around $3500, but that's when buying from a dealer. They estimate a private party transaction price at $2300. These numbers depend somewhat on location. If it's really, really in great shape, not a rusty spot anywhere, all accessories work perfectly, new tires, etc., etc., and you have no concerns whatsoever about that SOHC engine, perhaps it's worth a bit more. Good luck!

thanks for the advice guys... I appreciate it. I drove it last night, ran great, didn't notice any hesitation or winding up while shifting gears.

Overall though, I just wasn't super impressed. Not really for any specific reason, but to pay top dollar for a vehicle, I didn't feel it. Very clean, well maintained truck.... but I didn't have the feeling that I wanted it for $3k.