Buying another Ex...Good Deal?

[tsilney]

Hi,
I found a 1997 Eddie Baurer V8 explorer for 1900 dollars. Truck has 163000 miles on it. It is missing a side mirror and has a minor dent. Going to test drive it tomorrow. Seems like a good deal. if I drives good I think it is a good deal....any thoughts??? Is there anything major to look for that can go bad?
Mine has 113000 miles on it and runs perfect.... It is for my mom. I have had mine since 2002 with really no issues so I though this would be good for her.

Thanks

 

[Joe Dirt]

1900 for a V8 Eddie Bauer isn't bad. If there is any rust or anything (look in the rear lower door jambs) I'd talk him down farther, but the drivetrain should be strong yet.

Check the wheel bearings, brakes, and shocks. Use that as ammunition to talk down as those would be the 3 things that could cost you money right away.

 

[tsilney]

I was gong to do that. Check the front suspension out and shocks. I am hoping to get it for 1600. I will let you know.

Thanks

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you know anyone with a scanner, borrow it- run the codes.

Take a screwdriver and use it as a mechanic's stethoscope to check the bearings on the accessories when running- alternator, power steering, A/C, tensioner, etc...

Stuff in question of going always lowers the price...

 

[tsilney]

If you know anyone with a scanner, borrow it- run the codes.

Take a screwdriver and use it as a mechanic's stethoscope to check the bearings on the accessories when running- alternator, power steering, A/C, tensioner, etc...

Stuff in question of going always lowers the price...

I checked it out. It was junk. Needed front wheel bearings, had no antifreeze in it, no a/c, exhaust leak, O2 sensors were setting a code, leaking rear window, needed 4 new tires, shocks blown, ball joints terrible, and the inside was crappy......anyway, I offered 900 and he said no. Will not go lower than 1900. I told him good luck. Thanks for all the info though.

 

[Rooster-Alpha]

<quote>I checked it out. It was junk. Needed front wheel bearings, had no antifreeze in it, no a/c, exhaust leak, O2 sensors were setting a code, leaking rear window, needed 4 new tires, shocks blown, ball joints terrible, and the inside was crappy......anyway, I offered 900 and he said no. Will not go lower than 1900. I told him good luck. Thanks for all the info though.</quote>

That's crazy. The truck is over 10 years old has all that wrong with it and the dude wants 1900?!?!? I feel sorry for the person who actually buys it not knowing any better. You know that'll happen. ripoff.

 

[Joe Dirt]

There ya go.

I don't know why people do that- let alone get offended when you offer them what it's really worth.

 

[tsilney]

The best part about the whole thing was when I called he told me it ran perfect. Only needed a mirror and had rip on the center console. I had to drive 40 mins. to look at crap. I feel bad for the person who buys it.

 

[sport97]

It seems like whenever you find a good deal its almost always too good to be true. This same thing happened to me last year when looking at a car. He said it was really clean. I show up, it has a broken motor mount, the oil is rusty, the CEL is on, the interior smells awful and when i climbed under the car i found a tow hook still jammed into a hole. I assume it was flooded making the oil rusty orange and the interior smelly. People just try and rip people off who don't know any better. Something will eventually come around that will be perfect for you, key is to be constantly on the lookout, the good ones go fast.