Hi all from a n00b

[Speedydannyboy]

Hi all, I've recently sold my old landy and have been looking for a new car. A while back I stumbled across an explorer on eBay, and since then I can think of nothing else I want to own!

This brings me to my questions... How much should I expect to pay for one? I've told the mrs that I'll spend around £1000 but I'm sure I could stretch that a bit! I've seen a blue V-reg one locally for £1600, is that too much? I haven't tested it yet so can't tell you much more.

What should I look for in one? I know the timing chains are an issue. If they don't rattle should I bother fitting the revised kit or wait til I get a rattle? I can't afford another money pit!!

Thanks for your time guys, hopefully I'll be joining you soon as a proud owner!

 

[janolsson]

Welcome
I've not long had my ex but i bought mine with the chains in a mess.
When you look at this one make sure it's cold when you first start it, that way you can look for the signs of the start up rattle problem. If it has only a short rattle time this is relatively easy to sort by all accounts. Check the lower ball joints, these are a consumable but cheap to replace. Upper control arm ball joints do go but are attached to the arm so more costly to fix. Look for sagging rear end, over bouncy ride, as this could indicate problems with the air assisted rear susp. other than those do the usual checks on leaks, gearbox performance windows, switches etc. Oh and the handbrake won't work properly till you've adjusted it!
It make be worth a quick phone call to Justin at Explorer parts UK (on ebay) he may give you some good advice and or have a vehicle for you.

 

[boots]

Welcome

Hi,

Welcome to the forum. I have forwarded a pm to you.


All the best


Boots

 

[Speedydannyboy]

Thanks guys! I have emailed Justin a few times before, he seems really helpful, I'm currently waiting for him to send me some pics.

I've just taken the ex I mentioned out for a drive. I'm even more in love now! Such a lovely drive! The car seemed to have now issues at all and 12 months MOT and 6 months tax. He wouldn't move on the price though which is gutting! It did have a rather sparse service history and seems to be due a service. Anyone know how much a service kit is for one of these?

 

[blueka]

How many miles has it done? Servcing it isn't that bad really unless you wanna do a full service.. then it might cost a bit... but it's still worth getting one...


Si

 

[Speedydannyboy]

How many miles has it done? Servcing it isn't that bad really unless you wanna do a full service.. then it might cost a bit... but it's still worth getting one...


Si

63000 miles a couple of MOTs to prove it, seems to be correct, looks as though it has hardly been sat in. Stereo doesn't work though nor do the courtesy lights!?

I'm thinking oil, filters and plugs change. Only need the bits, I can bung it to my mate to fit!

 

[blueka]

I think at 60k it's meant to have the tranny and diffs serviced aswell.... did you get it then?

hope it works out for you

you should bring it to Ford Fair on sunday


Si

 

[Speedydannyboy]

I haven't bought it... Yet... It took a lot of willpower! Sounds like it could work out quite expensive though if that's the case with the servicing. I guess I'll just hangfire and wait until the right one comes along!

Thanks for your help guys, you've been brilliant