New guy... looking at a '95 XLT

[Frankly]

I'll start with the short version & fill in the blanks as reqested:

First post. In my front yard is a '95 Ex XLT 4dr, 151k, 4.0, A/T, 4wd.

No leaks. Obvious signs of neglect (low fluids all around, air filter that's dirtier than my shopvac, front tires are down to the belts on the inner edge, etc). She won't idle steadily at all. I drove it less than 1/2 mile, but noticed immediately that it appears it has "automatic cruise control" - let off the go-pedal & she keeps right on going at speed until I brake.

Previous owner had an in-dash DVD, some bigass amp & sub installed (that may be causing probs?) Not too shabby looking, BTW, but needs paint on the roof & a good buffing.

Hypothetically, if I were considering buying it, what would I be getting? A headache? Maybe a steal? Anyone want to throw a number on it?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Frankly]

After reading through the threads here, I should add:

AC/heater fan doesn't work (thermostat? condenser lines are COLD, btw). Let's assume the plugs/wires are really old. I've been keeping a 7.3 diesel F250 alive for 15 years, so I've forgotten almost everything I thought I knew about gassers.

I intend to use this as a work truck - Fold down the rear seats & load in the tools. Can I simply add some HD shocks to compensate for the extra weight of my tools? Add-a-leaf springs out back? Don't bother?

Again, thanks.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Personally, I would look for a '96 & up. The '95 was a ******* year. The EEC is a one year only and is OBD I. The rear portion of the torsion bar mounts are welded to the frame not bolted to the frame. If you ever decided you want to lift it you will have to spend a lot of $$$$ to do so.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

Personally, I would look for a '96 & up. The '95 was a ******* year. The EEC is a one year only and is OBD I. The rear portion of the torsion bar mounts are welded to the frame not bolted to the frame. If you ever decided you want to lift it you will have to spend a lot of $$$$ to do so.

lol. "******* year", i love it.

i know a few people that have '95 explorers, and to tell you the truth, they have more problems then i do with my first generation. i know each case is different, but i feel that either the first generation or late second generations are the best. but i'm probably biased

good luck with it though

 

[Frankly]

Thanks for the quick replies, guys.
You both kinda make me want to avoid it, but I'm not "looking" for an Explorer (or any othr SUV, for that matter). I just think I might have a decent deal here - one that I can't pass up.

$500 for a running '95? Give me a reason NOT to jump on it. Heck, it'll cost more than that to put a clutch in my truck (wouldn't it?).

 

[Joe Dirt]

Hey!!!

I haven't had anything major go wrong with Snowball yet (knock on wood) been an awesome truck. Had to throw SOME '95-er props up!

 

[Donner]

Umm...

Thanks for the quick replies, guys.
You both kinda make me want to avoid it, but I'm not "looking" for an Explorer (or any othr SUV, for that matter). I just think I might have a decent deal here - one that I can't pass up.

$500 for a running '95? Give me a reason NOT to jump on it. Heck, it'll cost more than that to put a clutch in my truck (wouldn't it?).

You wanna listen to what this man says... For $500, I'll give you a reason: You just got the best advice on how to save yourself $500... and it was free. Buy the vehicle if you want to, but when the bottom falls out, don't say DW didn't warn you. And that $500 will blossom into $2500.00.

Fellow poster,

Donner

 

[Hartman]

I'm not sure why you're considering it, based on the information you gave us, unless you are offering $400 or something for it.

 

[Glen4X4]

The 95 isn't the greatest year but not too bad either. But for $500 I personally would go with it then if you run into major problems thats going to cost lots of $$$ then you can get rid or it or fix it. I too wanted to stay away from 95's but got a good deal on mine so I went with it but soon it's primarily going to be off-road more than on-road. Have a 96 Explorer and in some aspects I like it better.

 

[Hartman]

He's looking at 1k in maintenance repairs alone....and consider that this truck, even in good condition, is worth no more than $1700-1800.

 

[Donner]

Loans

Personally, I would look for a '96 & up. The '95 was a ******* year. The EEC is a one year only and is OBD I. The rear portion of the torsion bar mounts are welded to the frame not bolted to the frame. If you ever decided you want to lift it you will have to spend a lot of $$$$ to do so.

Will you be able to lend $$$$ to Frankly? He'll need it if he doesn't listen to you.

Look for the 96 Frankly...

 

[Glen4X4]

He's looking at 1k in maintenance repairs alone....and consider that this truck, even in good condition, is worth no more than $1700-1800.

Depends on what area your from as to what the truck is worth though too. I know my 95 around here is worth $3k.

 

[Glen4X4]

Will you be able to lend $$$$ to Frankly? He'll need it if he doesn't listen to you.

Look for the 96 Frankly...

Not necessarily. It also depends on how long its been mistreated. Even a brand new vehicle could run into a money pit. Buying a used vehicle is a chance no matter what year/make/model.

 

[Donner]

True, but in this case leave the vehicle alone (not all 95s), just this one. Has it been inspected for rust damage?