Looking at an 02

[Explorer914]

Hi all im looking at buying an 02 xlt with 130k.. Can someone please tell what i should look out for on these? i hear that the transmissions go out real quick/or give problems, i also heard it was a sealed tranny?? i only test drove the truck around city streets and it drove fine...trans seemed like it stuttered but not bad and barely noticeable...so can any1 tell me what to inspect on it b4 i buy it


thanks

 

[dannyb420]

The trannys have been known to have issues, I wouldnt say go bad, but have issues. There were some TSB's for the fluid and for the solenoid packs. Some things to look for:

When you shift from park to reverse does it shift hard or jerk into gear?
check the rear lift gate hinges for cracking
when you drive it slowly does it make any noises like clicking or squeeking? (with 130kmiles I am sure it will squeek a little)
check the differential for any signs of leaking.
take it on the highway and listen for some whining from the rear end or from the front hubs

Those are just a few things to look for...how much are they aksiong for it?

 

[bkl94gt]

I'd second what dannyb420 says. I've had nothing but trouble with my 02 (junk in my opinion). Here is a list of what I've had to deal with: At 6 weeks old, new rear diff (warranty). Replaced both real coils @ 40K (not under warranty). Rear glass hinge broke, both sides replaced (warranty recall). Front diff pinion seal leaked and had to be replaced (not under warranty). Evap leak, replaced cap and Evap valve near gas tank (not under warranty). All four wheel bearings replaced (not under warranty). Rebuild rear diff at 80K (not under warranty). Parking brake shoes replace (not under warranty). And now I have a motor issue (bad skip) and can't pinpoint the problem. I've replaced one coil (dealer narrowed it down to one cylinder) but that didn't resolve the problem.

The 02's and 03's have issues and in my opinion.

 

[Explorer914]

how much are they aksiong for it?

4795 but offered 4300 guy said he will take it

 

[dannyb420]

I think you could get one with lower miles for that price, just my opinion though, I am seeing some 04's and 05's going for 7 and 8. I know its much more then 4300 but may be worth it. Brakes and shocks wear out, its expected, its the tranny, rear end, and motor issues you need to look out for, they can be costly.

 

[vp6799]

I have an 02 w/4.0 V6. I have had no real big problems with it. I tow about 4-5 times per month with it. The trailer is 6.5' X 14' with all sorts of diff load on it, from quads to furniture and even mulch.

Bought it 2.5 years ago with about 72,000 and now it has 119,000 on it. It has been an awesome truck, but I don't beat on it or race it either. I have my lifted jeep and quad to beat on.

The only things i've replace is the pass rear wheel bearing (hub) and the drivers front wheel bearing (hub).

The only other thing that has to be done to it is the rear timing chain guide/tensioner. It's a little noisy.

 

[Druidrv]

Stay away from the 02's. too many big money problems. I bought mine new and have had every know issue to happen. From the trans to rear end to 4X4 control module. We have never towed with it or beat on it. I have been a ford man all my life, owing a 95 f-150 w/ over 200k, but now I would have to rethink my position on Ford. If you got a trouble free one, count your blessings.

 

[rocket2ya]

:thumbdwn: i have an 02 mounty with 104k on it. 4.6 v8. i bought it for 3250 because there was a known transmission issue when i purchased it. well about a week into i had everything bad happen to it. rebuilt tranny(2500) new tires(800) all new brakes and bearings (1200) and now the damn engine is knockin like crazy( 1300 new engine with 29k on it, 500 install) and i still havent even got it back yet. in my opinion 02's are pieces of crap. so for now im stuck drivin my beater truck. and i think it only blue books out at 7500

 

[GeraldArrghFord]

Run, run away!

The same for me...

Front and rear hub bearings, coil springs. Rear diff has been serviced. AND NOW THE BIGGIE ...

Transmission is junk as of today!!
Only 83,000 miles.

 

[ArrowEric]

I have a 02' Sport with 199k...just bought it at the dealer I work at for $2600. I managed to find a business card from the former owner so I called him and asked how the truck worked out for him.......He said he wished he had kept it and that it was trouble free for the extent of his driving it...guess there are good 02's out there

 

[jrford]

I wonder if its Plant related, where were they built and when? Should be on the Windshield, and door tag. I have no idea, just guessing. . . .

 

[STWANNABE]

I am looking at an 03 with 130K miles for $6900. I thought it was a good deal but now i am rethinking looking at some of these postings. Found an 01 with 85K miles for $8900 maybe that might be the way to go huh? Only thing is its black and hard to keep clean.

 

[vp6799]

I've had no big problems with mine. Everything is great. The biggest thing i've replaced is 1 wheel bearing, but you gotta expect it with 119,000 miles.

I don't race it or anything, but I do tow with it allot. I've got a 6.5' X 14' trailer that I use to haul scrap metal to a place about 15 miles away. The trailer is usually fully loaded and sometimes overloaded. The max GVWR is 2990 with a load capacity of 2300lbs. Plus I also use that trailer to tow the quads when we go riding. I have to drive off road for about 1/2-3/4 mile to park.

I guess there's good ones and bad ones..........

Anyone wanna buy mine......It's gonna get traded in for an expedition...LOL

J/k