Hi.... again? lol

[mustangfu]

So, I was on here a few months ago back before my plans to buy an Explorer went down the toilet lol. But here I am again! This time, I'm looking to pick this up on Friday: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/2178550486.html

Now, for introduction's sake, my name is Will. I'm 21, a husband/father/IT guy who's about to join the Marine Corps after working my ass off to lose 55 pounds. My hands-on experience with Explorers is little, but I have a relatively good knowledge of car mechanics in general.

Anyway, I am going to be on here a lot when I get the Explorer, so expect another active member! First, though, I was hoping to get some advice about the model in particular I linked to. Through the VIN, the engine code is E so I believe that is the 4.0 SOHC v6. Any common issues as far as the motor is concerned? Are all the SOHC mated to a 5-speed auto?

For history of the vehicle, the dealership purchased the truck from the original owner (an older man) who kept it in the garage for most of it's life, and they swear up and down the back has never even been sat in before. I don't know what all recalls are on the truck, much less what they did to it when they got it in, but it seems pretty sound mechanical condition (I'll look at it in a more detailed manner on Friday in the daylight).

Anyway, any advice and camaraderie is much appreciated, as I don't like going into a car purchase unarmed and uneducated.

Thanks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum!

 

[mustangfu]

Thanks! I've snooped around and this site seems about as friendly and cool as it gets, so I'm glad to be in good company.

 

[sean99]

Welcome, read up on these issues:

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

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174202

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194453

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165429

The price is a little high...Try to get it for $3.5k, i wouldnt go more than $4K out the door.
Tell them you found a nice Limited for 4K, but you will take the sport for $3.5

 

[willzilla]

Looks nice... But yeah.... $3.5k as above sounds like more what you should aim for... For reference, I paid $3k for mine, 100k miles, AWD, 5.0, XLT, 2000

 

[Joe Dirt]

Welcome!

Thanks in advance for your service!

That's a nice, clean Ex. I'm sure they gave him about $2k for it, so I'd agree, nothing over $3,500 OTD. They sell the rig, and make some money.

 

[sean99]

I would call them up and offer $3.5 out the door...Tell them you have a few more trucks to look at, and you don't have time for a numbers game.
If they will do 3.5 then can pick it up right away...They'll do it

 

[mustangfu]

So, I went in today and drove it. AMAZING, perfect condition. All documented work (it was bought and regularly serviced at that dealership) was shown and I even was offered a chance to talk to the original owner on the phone (local friend of the owner's?).

Anyway, I saw their cost sheet. The guy traded it in on an '11 Explorer and they gave him 3550 for his trade-in. Total cost in the truck is 3900-ish, and I've got them at 4600 OTD, I just gotta make the call. I need to make it soon though, I personally saw 2 couples walk in asking about it as I was doing paperwork on it, and they said they've gotten 15 phone calls just today about it.

It really is immaculate and absolutely everything works. I asked about the timing chains and that's when they pulled out the service record for it. Oil changed every 5,000 miles, brand new tires again and again... apparently the owner garage-kept it and only drove it so as to keep his Town Car clean.

I'm about 99% sure I'm just gonna go for it tomorrow morning ><

 

[sean99]

That sounds really good...See if they will give you a good warranty on it for no extra, since its so nice.
Whats a few hundred extra anyway, if it makes you happy, get it!

 

[mustangfu]

That's what I'm thinking too. Plus, I've never seen an explorer sport (not that I have much experience in them) with power seat, 6-disc changer, roof rack, and even a spoiler on the back top lol.