New from Minnesota....help!!!!

[04svt]

I do not currently own an explorer. I am looking at one tonight. It is a 1997 4.0 sohc with only 50,000 miles!!! It seems to be in good condition. The seller is an older guy who doesnt drive much and is the original owner. He wants $5,900 for it. Just wondering if this is too much or if there are any common problems I should look at for this vehicle.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome do u got pics of the 97 that u might be getting

 

[sport97]

Weak point on the early SOHC was the timing chain. Listen for it to rattle at start up, and around 3k. Check for rust on the rockers, shackles, and in the area in front of the rear fenders. Other than that, mainly the normal stuff when buying a car, like check fluids, how it drives(steering, brakes, shocks) and how it shifts.

With all being said 5900 seems high, see if you can talk him down some, but if you feel comfortable, its your call, low mileage 2nd gens are hard to find. I also have a 97 SOHC. I bought mine 2 1/2 years ago with 50k, I paid 3500. Mine is a 2 door, and had some rust issues, and needed tires.

 

[Baddecision93]

That definitely seems on the high side but maintenance is worth paying for...if he has maintenance records that makes it worth a lot more.

Do you know this guy personally? One owners, especially ones you know personally, always take a little of the uncertainty away.

If he's looking to get a premium that's one thing but he may just not know what it's worth and aimed high. If I were you I would research the private party value on kbb.com & see what it says. From personal experience KBB values things a little high but if you bring him the printout of the value he might either be inclined to justify why his is worth so much (service records, new parts, etc) or maybe even work down his price.

Good luck! Be sure to stay on this site if you get it, you'll get the itch to mod it in no time

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The mileage is low but the price is high.