Let me know what you think...

[roaldd]

Hi, i just took my 93 xlt off island to get the sunroof checked and a general overview of it and was told that it needs 2500 dollars of repair to the front end. the engine runs like a dream, everything else is really nice on it. i have a couple of friends with a bronco II and a ranger. they both want to do 4.0L swaps. i want to sell it to them as a parts truck for the axles, engine, and whatever else they want. but i don't want to sell it as something someone would drive. how much is it worth?

 

[LBarr2002]

What did they say is wrong with the front end? If you didn't take it to them for front end work then you must not have noticed anything wrong?

 

[justin146]

I dont see what on the front end could be worth $2500.

 

[mrboyle]

You could rebuild the entire front suspension (ie. axles, gears, ball joints, bearings, etc..) for less than $2500! I'd get a second opinnion.

 

[Copespitter]

Sounds like the mechanic/service writer scared you. The car industry is notorious for ripping people off so I would get a second and third opinion.
Explorers are cheap so your not going to get much. I would say around $1,000 max for a parts vehicle.

 

[roaldd]

thanks guys. $2500 did seem like a little much. it has 132K on it. it was wobbling a little at speeds. there was apparently some rubber bushings cracking, ball joints... that is about all i know. would it be better to get a 06 2wd regular cab ranger xl? or fix this guy. a couple years ago the same thing had to be done to the front end, the sunroof is waterfalling water on my passenger seat and soaking the headliner, but that is about it.

 

[410Fortune]

The radius arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, calipers, rotors, sway bar bushings, brake pads, shocks and springs wont even come to half that $2500.

 

[roaldd]

is that with labor included? im not allowed to do it by myself.

What do you think about this though:

fix this and continue to try and make it cool (it is not that bad) or get an 06 ranger 2wd (with a cheaper trim level) and probably regular cab

 

[LBarr2002]

There is no way I would ever pay $2500 to fix a first gen explorer. Get another opinion, fix it yourself, or get rid of it.

 

[exploderlepracy]

cut your loses and never buy one again theyre never ending money suck holes.

 

[ma96782]

Hi there,

I'm in Wasington too.........I just got an Explorer XLT 4dr, in Oregon..........really clean (as compared to others I've seen in the lots) '94, w/ 137K, 4x4, 4.0 ohv for $3500. I see them advertized in those free car magazines (p/u at Blockbuster, Wal Mart, food store)........they go for anywhere bwt $2995-4000.

At any rate........$2500 does sound high for repairs (get a 2nd opinion)......though, IF you aren't able to do your own repairs, I can see your logic.

As for a parts vehicle.........get what you can.

But being as we pay 8% in taxes......I'd use it as a trade in vehicle......that way, whatever you get in trade will be deducted from the price of the (new) vehicle and be taxed at that 8% rate. Check with the Washington Tax people first, to make sure about this strategy. When I bought my vehicle in OR I didn't have a trade in and of course OR has NO SALES TAX.

Aloha, Mark

PS.........Yes, folks..........when I registered my vehicle in WA I had to pay the 8% tax on the sale price of the vehicle.

 

[snocross1985]

is that with labor included? im not allowed to do it by myself.

Can I ask why you aren't allowed? Learning to work on vehicles is one of the best things for any new driver. Helps you to save mucho $$$ as well.

 

[alexefron]

get a written estimate on the repairs, and come post exactly what it says needs to be replaced, and the estimated cost on everything.

 

[roaldd]

i think i might drive it for a little while longer, and not do anything to the front end, then sell it as a parts truck to my friends, then get a compact truck. i agree that it is not worth 2500 for fixing. i think that that quote included labor. my parents would pay for the new truck so that is not the issue for me. any comments on compact trucks? it would be 2wd (i hate that 2wd feeling: insuperiority), and it would be 05 or 06. tacoma? ranger? thanks

 

[roaldd]

snocross1985: im not allowed because if i do something wrong than i can kill other people on the road and/or myself. that is what my parents are afraid of.

Alexefron: that is a great idea. i should get that.

ma96782 and LBar2002: sounds like you got a deal! i agree, paying what i could buy it for in repairs is a bad idea.

exploderlepracy: lol (gas sucks i know)

thanks for the opinions.