Need a anwser fast! Should I buy a 96 XLT V8 with 104,000 miles

[rock13979]

Im thinking about buying a 96 Explorer AWD V8 with 104,000 miles. Im going to take a real good look at it this weekend. But from I can see th inside and outside is in great shape. It comes with running boards on it. They are asking $6,800.00 for it. What do you guys and gals think? What should I look out for? Is that to many miles for a V8 explorer?

 

[kvo]

Check with www.edmunds.com for the price of the vehicle. It's the real price not dealer or trade in price like Kelly's Blue Book.

Also check to see if the cam tensioner has been replaced (do a search here if you want more information).

Check the differential, transfer case, oil pan, etc. for any leaks. If there's a wet spot, then there is a leak.

Check the tires, brakes, alignment, hood should have the manufacturer sticker on it, otherwise, it means the front has been in an accident and the hood replaced. Check paint on the door and body, it should match exactly, if not, it was re-painted.

Look at the engine compartment to see if it's clean or oily and dirty.

If possible take it to a dealer or a shop for an inspection if you're not familiar with all items to look for.

Good luck.

 

[rpenner54]

That looks like a good deal to me! If it drove well and all that good jazz I would be all over that one! Its got a V8 for goodness sakes.

 

[Dannyboy]

Damn, I would buy one with a v8 for that price, Pete swapped a v8 in his 91 for almost 5 grand, Also I think a carfax.com report could be a good $20 bucks to spend, I wish I would have done that with my ex, probably wouldn't have bought it!!!!!!!

 

[coolchris]

dang go for it!! im looking for that exact explorer, i wish i could find such a deal. out here in cali they are going for more like 11 grand! lucky duck.

 

[01EB5.0]

WOW!!! WHat a deal. BUY IT! as long as it wasn;'t in a wreck. The V-8 did not have the cam tensioner problem and the V-8's drivetrain is more reliable then the transmission on the V=6 engines. The price sounds too good to be true, but if your sure it wasn;t wrecked or has major problems it should do you well. The things I would check is the ball joints. they are expensive. mIne wore out at 85K so if you hear clunks in front it may be that. but thats still a heck of a deal!

 

[01EB5.0]

I would also run a VIN check at www.carfax.com to be sure it hasn't had flooding or any other problems. Also make sure it has the V-8 logos on the side doors. sometimes I see places advertise the trucks as V-8's and they are really just V-6. Every stock V-8 has a V-8 logo behind each front tire

 

[RTStork]

I would worry more about the transmission than the motor. The 302 is an excellent motor. The reason I bought my 5.0 Explorer is that my father-in-law has a 86 Bronco 5.0 with 385,000 miles. Make sure the tranny's been taken care of and not abused. It will fail you long before the motor. If it checks out, buy that biatch!