decodancer
New Member
- Joined
- November 6, 2011
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Armonk NY
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1997 Ford Explorer
OK, I did everything wrong but I really want to keep my Explorer. I had a perfect running mini-van but needed a vehicle that could pull my 3700 pound trailer. I'm going to be workamping (living in the camper while working at campgrounds) starting in June so a reliable vehicle is an absolute must. Guess I should add that I'm a 51 year old female, very handy with tools but not familiar with todays computerized vehicles. I purchased a 1997 6 cyl. 4 wheel drive explorer on E-bay for $3200. Only had 70,000 miles on it and a clean carfax report. One owner, A NYC goverment agency. I figured at least they kept up with the maintainence. Paid cash and took the car to my regular mechanic a week later because the 4 wheel light kept coming on. Turns out there was no driveshaft, broken spring clip and shock, and the running board was totally rusted out under the sparkling new paint job. He told me I could do better and to return the car. This explorer had been duel fuel and I had asked the seller remove the tanks for more room so he said he could not take it back. I consulted another mechanic who does work on the side and he quoted me $1000 to repair everything. The seller refunded that amount and everyone was happy. Long story short, that was only the tip of the iceburg. Compression problems, check engine light was dissengaged, driveshaft won't fit because of front end damage, and now the transmission is hesitating when shifting between 2nd and 3rd. The mechanic adjusted the bands and changed the fluid but it is only marginally better. I also hear a sound like someone banging on the hood after turning the car off sometimes. I've already spent well over the $1000 even with the (discounted?) labor of $70 an hour. The car runs great but now I don't know whether to put the money in for the tranny. Any advice would be helpful.