KAW
New Member
- Joined
- July 26, 2013
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Denver, CO
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2000 Explorer
Hello All, I think this site just saved me $30,000. I have a 2000 Explorer Eddie Bauer that I bought new. Well almost, it was the manager's demo (and so had everything on it) and the new models were coming in, so I got a bargain on what was my first new car.
I've had good luck and no major problems, but after 13 years, a few nagging problems were popping up. Front R & L automatic door locks were malfunctioning (a seemingly minor problem, but a major pain after you've grown used to the convenience). The ventilation fan grew a mind of its own and began working on and off. I'd started looking at new SUVs and couldn't touch anything equivalent for less than $30K, Likely $40K to get the most desirable new features . My Explorer is under 100K miles and running great, but its value is down to $6 to $8000, and I'd have to fix the problems to get that.
I haven't done much of my own auto work since college (30 years ago) and I wasn't sure what I'd have to spend on repairs, but could imagine it being a significant portion of the car's worth. So a rock and a hard place situation. Looking at new cars is always tempting, but in truth I wouldn't gain that much over a car that I like and I own. It's likely got good deal of life in it, so while the market value is only several $K, I could get another 5 years out of it which is worth a lot more.
Wondering how difficult it would be to fix the locks, I did a search and came upon this site which had several threads on the matter (apparently a common problem) and several detailed descriptions of the fix, photos and all.
Motivated by the graciously shared information, and indications that it was not beyond my capabilities, I dug in. An hour later the drivers side was fixed. I'll get at the passenger side by tomorrow. With some free diagnosis and discounted repair coupons for the service center, a new fan was installed for $160.
So, I'll be keeping the 30 or 40 grand, and proudly riding out the useful life of my Explorer. With a few bucks, some elbow grease, and the helpful advice available on this site, I'm looking forward to a few improvements and updating the looks of what I still think of as my "new" car.
I want to thank those who share their expertise, as well as those who share their foibles and follies (also educational). It's a great thing to have immediate access to so much information, and my hat's off to those who take the time and effort to put it there for the benefit of others. My Thanks,
KAW
I've had good luck and no major problems, but after 13 years, a few nagging problems were popping up. Front R & L automatic door locks were malfunctioning (a seemingly minor problem, but a major pain after you've grown used to the convenience). The ventilation fan grew a mind of its own and began working on and off. I'd started looking at new SUVs and couldn't touch anything equivalent for less than $30K, Likely $40K to get the most desirable new features . My Explorer is under 100K miles and running great, but its value is down to $6 to $8000, and I'd have to fix the problems to get that.
I haven't done much of my own auto work since college (30 years ago) and I wasn't sure what I'd have to spend on repairs, but could imagine it being a significant portion of the car's worth. So a rock and a hard place situation. Looking at new cars is always tempting, but in truth I wouldn't gain that much over a car that I like and I own. It's likely got good deal of life in it, so while the market value is only several $K, I could get another 5 years out of it which is worth a lot more.
Wondering how difficult it would be to fix the locks, I did a search and came upon this site which had several threads on the matter (apparently a common problem) and several detailed descriptions of the fix, photos and all.
Motivated by the graciously shared information, and indications that it was not beyond my capabilities, I dug in. An hour later the drivers side was fixed. I'll get at the passenger side by tomorrow. With some free diagnosis and discounted repair coupons for the service center, a new fan was installed for $160.
So, I'll be keeping the 30 or 40 grand, and proudly riding out the useful life of my Explorer. With a few bucks, some elbow grease, and the helpful advice available on this site, I'm looking forward to a few improvements and updating the looks of what I still think of as my "new" car.
I want to thank those who share their expertise, as well as those who share their foibles and follies (also educational). It's a great thing to have immediate access to so much information, and my hat's off to those who take the time and effort to put it there for the benefit of others. My Thanks,
KAW
