New Guy and Looking

[TreySC]

New guy here from South Carolina and in the market for a new vehicle. In my endless browsing of craigslist I came across an ad for an '05 Mountaineer that caught my eye. I have a few questions about the trucks in general and have found forums are usually the best place to get those answers.

Here is the ad http://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/5225292895.html

For those that don't want to click it's a V8 AWD leather 3rd row 179K miles he is asking $3500.00

My questions. Is there anything that commonly goes wrong I should look for? What kid of mileage are you guys getting with similar setups? I texted a bit with the guy last night and he said he was getting 20 around town, but sites like KBB, edmunds, and car gurus say it should be getting 13-14 city.
Lastly do you think this is really a good deal or someone trying to get rid of his problem?


Thanks in advance for your help

 

[funfool]

That is a pretty bullet proof setup. Silly strong 8.8 rear end, 5 speed automatic with over drive.
Automatic 4x4, you will be in 2 wheel drive, if the computer senses the rear wheels turning faster then the front wheels, it sends power to the front wheels.
But you still have options for 4x4 low/high
The 302 motor has been around forever and a solid motor, will run up to 300k easy, with maintenance.
The fuel mpg will depend on the tire and gear ratio combo. He is probably stretching at 20. But it probably has a digital read out info center to give you real time fuel mileage.
Does not say what electric options it has, the mercs are usually pretty blessed in this area.

That is a solid 4x4 rig, miles are not to terrible. $5k might be a average price for it ... for some reason they really do not hold value that well.
Is a awesome little secret, if you are looking for a cheap dependable 4x4.
But yeah, if in good shape as it looks, $3.500 is a decent deal.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Find out what the fault codes are since he said that there was a check engine light. Find out if there's a flashing O/D light. You don't want to take something with transmission issues. A lot of things could throw a code such as a loose gas cap.

 

[Gilbert G. Jr.]

Welcome from Costa Mesa, California!

 

[Mike65]

Welcome.