Can't find the info ?

[Peter Sharp]

Hi,

I have looked at the FAQ section, used the Search button and looked at the tips page but, still can not find the info I'm looking for....can you help a noobie

Can anyone point me in the direction of a generic guide to "What to look for" when buying used X ?

I'll be looking at (V6 SOHC 5spd) 1999/2000/2001 Northface (Is this Limited in US ?) or XLT and would like to know if there are any specific areas which, I should look out for.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Peter Sharp]

btw, the last X I bought, I did without doing any research and had no problems but, now I want to learn about them this time around

 

[-=c=-]

try this link Peter...it isn't specific to explorers but should help for buying anything used like the X.

http://4wheeldrive.about.com/od/buysellcartrucksuvonline/bb/bbuyingnewused.htm

 

[IN THE STICKS]

Pete have a look here at the Parkers site http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/u...del_id=251&fueltype=&months=&spare1=&spare2=#

When I bought my North Face earlier this year I found it helpful to get an idea of what had gone wrong on other owners cars over in the UK . Top gear magazine did a 2 page article on buying a used North Face back in either August or September of this year , it probably doesn't tell you much you dont already know (being an ex owner), but I did give a good background on the model . Things you might want to look for are , check the wheels because every North Face I looked at the laquer was damaged on the alloy (not the end of the world )make sure all of the electrics work , it's easy to forget to check the electric seats move in all of the directions . Ball joints are another week point , and just check that all of the interior trim is where it should be ,and that a previous owners kid hasn't kicked it to bits .And perhaps another thing that you could use to get a bit of money off is have the spark plugs been replaced? Ford wanted about £12 a plug (£40 all in from Ebay)they aren't ment to be replaced until 60k but I had mine done at 50k and they were knackered !.Apart from the obvious like have the tyres and brakes got plenty of meat on them and does it switch into 4x4 Ok I don't remember too many major problems .
Happy hunting
Dave

Do these pictures bring back memories ? http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/FORD/6534.jpg
http://www.showoffyourcar.com/cars/FORD/6648.jpg

 

[Crankcase]

I dont think there is a 5 speed Northface Uk Explorer.

 

[Peter Sharp]

Thanks for the tips and info guys

Crankcase, I thought the pre 98 x's were 4spd and the 99on were 5spd's here in the UK http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/specs/data.aspx?model_id=251&id=17559 I'm not saying that Parkers can't be wrong (like in the photo) but, this was my understanding.

 

[Crankcase]

Ah...I was thinking you meant 5 spd Manual transmission.

Yeah, the SOHC models come with 5 spd Auto in the UK.

 

[Peter Sharp]

Cool

We only got Auto's in the UK.

 

[jimbo74]

you guys also have a center console mounted shifter unlike the US one on the steering column

 

[IN THE STICKS]

you guys also have a center console mounted shifter unlike the US one on the steering column

yeah and £3.80 a gallon for Petrol (gas) /$7.22

Good old Tony Blair

 

[jimbo74]

its liek $2.75 for gas here for the good stuff and they make it here!

 

[off-road97Xplor]

Heres my 2 cents on what you should look for, TRANSMISSION, definetly take it for a test drive before you buy it. Make sure its going through all the gears smoothly, that it doesnt skip 2nd to third, that it doesnt feel like its stuck and over revving in any gears . etc.
This could cost you $1200 to replace another tranny and Xplorers are notorious for there transmissions. Then just the usual stuff, when you start it listen to pinging (piston) and make sure theres not alot of smoke. That would mean its running rich and it probally ruined the catacalytic converters. Or worse, cracked head.

How this helped.
97Xplorer