Looking at buying

[ecl]

Ive been recently searching for a new truck/suv since a fedex driver smashed into my blazer. Im use to the older bronco II and rangers but those just fit my family for the time being but Ive come across a 2002 Explorer. After looking on this site im intrested even more because you guys have made some awsome looking rigs. The one im looking at has 185k miles and is missing a couple of grill inserts but overall doesnt look to bad. The asking price is $2100, and I wanted to see what you guys thought about it. Its main task would be mostly just to tow a small trailer to take trash away and a main winter vehicle. I havent gone to look at the truck personally yet, still trying to see what the insurance companies are doing, but will if you guys think its worth it.
http://sandy.napsales.com/2002-Ford-Explorer-XLT-Sandy-UT/vd/14842949

 

[n2audio]

To me, the transmission would be the biggest concern by far.
I probably wouldn't have bought my aviator (at 136K) if it didn't have the new trans installed at 135k. Of course I was looking for a 5yr+ daily driver for my wife.
If it were a budget beater for me obviously my standards would be a little lower.

At that mileage (185) I figure at least SOME care was taken in terms of general maintenance or it wouldn't still be on the road, and I personally think engine manufacturing is so tight today that about all you have to do is change the oil on schedule and you can count on 200 and not be asking too much for 250-300.
But even good maintenance with ford's auto trans' seems to be about a 150k proposition. Beyond that it's borrowed time. A new trans would be quite a bit more expensive than the truck itself and a rebuilt wouldn't be much less.

Drive it plenty. Make it shift a lot -- up/down, fwd/rev. Find a good steep hill if you can and run it up/down a couple times.

FWIW - my bro in law bought an 02-03 new and drove it for close to 200k. Flawless maintenance, but never any trouble with engine/trans. Worst problem was an air compressor failure at ~180.

IMO - There are definitely keepers to be found at that mileage.

 

[ecl]

I know with regular maintenance cars can last a long time, my parents drive a 04 expedition with over 300k right now as a daily driver and go out town often with it. The trans was one of my main concerns so if I do test drive it I will look at into that closely.

If I were to purchase it, the lower grill inserts are missing any good places to buy some replacements. Doesnt have to be stock, just looking at the cost of it . Another plus is Ive already got the wifes approval, which is shocking cause she is very picky about cars even though she doesnt drive.

 

[broncojunkie]

The 02 and 03 models sure had their share of expensive problems. Rear-end trouble and rear timing chain issues. Both of these are expensive. The rear coil springs break (just replaced both mine...not cheap). Lots of smaller problems, too. Fuel evap leaks, wheel bearings, door ajar lights, and some others I'm forgetting. I love Fords and my 02 Explorer looks and drives nice, but it's had its share of issues.

Look up prices of rear diff rebuild/replacement. If the rear timing components fail, you are probably better off replacing the motor...VERY expensive.

I'm only talking about the 4.0 v6, so I can't vouch for the v8 awd. I've heard mostly good stuff about the tranny, though. One guy on here had one that had been slipping for a long time. Figured it was toast. Topped off the fluid and it was good as new. Iirc, it had been slipping for years.

 

[roush9799]

The V8's have very few problems and will run a long time.

 

[ecl]

Didnt get around to looking at this one before it sold but hopefully I can at least look at an 05 mountaineer v8 awd. has 217k miles but carfax shows vehicle was in for all services at dealer every 5k miles and all other major services down as well. Price is 2200.