Might be getting an '01 Exploder Sport

[Nuckinfoob]

Any things I should look out for? According the current owner it's had the ball joints/tie rods done in the last year. It's pretty well loaded and has just short of about 140k on it.

Any important gremlins I should really check out prior to purchasing other than the routine stuff?

This will be my 2nd exploder, I liked the first one a lot it was reliable while I owned it so I think another one is a solid investment this time around.

Especially if I can get it for under 3k.

Thanks

 

[sjr033]

My Sport has been pretty worry free. I have only done the usually upkeep over the years. Ball joints, tie rods, brakes.

 

[Nuckinfoob]

How often are the ball joints and tie rods an issue? Not exactly a cheap fix, if its needed every year or 2.

 

[Nuckinfoob]

Also, if I can snag it for a bit under $3k is that a good deal? He's asking $3500, so I'm offering $2700 cash in hand. I might compromise at $3k at the most hopefully.

But at $2700 it'd leave me the extra $$ for an oil change, trans fluid/filter, 4x4 service and maybe a few other things it might need like tires down the line or a/c recharged right now.

 

[sjr033]

I bought mine 4 years ago with 62k on it. Now it has 102k. I just did the ball joints/tie rods last year. It was the first time they were done.

 

[ThePhoenix]

watch out for body mount bushings...do a sharp turn and listen for a bang in the back. Ford put crappy body mounts bushings on them and they wear out, causing teh body to actually separate slightly from the frame

not a huge issue, just annoying and difficult to repair