New here: What's the lifespan of a '95 XLT?

[Dave Muscato]

This is my first post, and despite what my signature says, I don't have an Explorer - yet. I'm probably going to buy one tomorrow. I've test-driven a few, and decided that I think they're great, and Dennis (the car salesman I always go to) found me a good deal on a 1995 black XLT. It has all the features I want - CD changer, cold air, power driver's seat, LOTS of cargo room (I'm a musician and carry a lot of gear), and it drives great. It has 90,000 miles on it. I don't really know anything about Fords; I've never owned one. I need a car to last me several years. I'm good on my cars, and this one specifically is in TERRIFIC shape - it looks BRAND SPANKIN' NEW, no kidding. I know that car dealerships clean and detail their used cars to make them look newer, but whoever owned this car before took excellent care of it. It's never been off-road, either.
My question is - How long can I expect this car to last me? Assume I take very good care of it, always get the oil changed and the thing tuned up, etc. I test drove a '94 XL today with 377,4xx miles on it today and was pretty impressed. Do all Fords hold up like that? If so, I'm definitely getting it! I can get it for $8,000. Do you think that's a fair deal? I've bought several cars from this guy and although I know nothing about Fords, he's one of those few-and-far-between car salesmen that I trust, and I don't he'd try to pull one over on me.
Thanks for your input, everybody, and I apologize for the length of this post!!

 

[Jason_25]

No all Fords don't hold up like explorers. Ever driven a tempo?

Seriously though, expect the ball joints and transmission to fail soon. Those will be your big things. Also, you will probably run into minor things such as emissions controls and sensors. Overall, the vehicle should last you a long time though.

 

[espnfreak]

Seems like a pretty nice deal. In general, like any other car, explorer requires some maintenance, but should last quite some time

 

[Mbrooks420]

Check the tranny fluid. If it is old looking you will prob. need a replacement tranny in the near future. With 90k tho it may have already been changed.

 

[EliteConcept]

maybe you could tell them you want the tranny fluid and filter changed before you buy it.

 

[RedBeard]

I bought my 96 with 90K on it and my tranny (knock on wood) seems to be doing fine. I've changed every single fluid on the truck along with new shocks, tires, exhaust, and next week I get to take it to the dealer for a recall on front sway bar links. Just love on it every now and then... I see some pretty sweet 91-94 models on the road, too.

-RB

 

[alphabets13]

i got a 96 xlt in february w/ 86,000 on it and 2 mos. ago the tranny went. all i have to say is thank god for the warranty. get one, i strongly suggest

 

[Mbrooks420]

yeah I forgot to mention it . I purchased a 36,000 mile 3 year warranty from Guardian. It cost $836.00. They cover a lot for a used car warranty. I have well over $3,500 worth of repair. The cover the power options and ABS system as well. A 50 dollar deductable applies. Covers Balljoints, which is good.

 

[NoBoundaries]

To say the least, the Explorer is a great vehicle.

The cost of buying one, maintenance and longevity can seldom be matched. Its notorious weakness is the transmission, but they got better over time. Even then, I don't think it is bad as most people make it out to be. The transmission on many vehicles is usually the most neglected part. People change their oil in the engine and replace the filter; however, the tranny is overlooked.

If you treat it right and take care of it, all parts and the Explorer will last you a VERY long time. My '96 has over 123,000 miles with all its original parts (aside from a new GEM and multifunction switch (search for "notorious wiper problem") some sensors and a rear side window (duh!)). The tranny and engine are in great shape and everything is running like new for me (granted this truck has been a part of the family since it was new).

You'll never know with 100% assurance how the previous owner maintained the vehicle unless meticulous records were kept. At worse, you may expect a transmission job in the future, but know after that that once it's done, it's up to you to maintain it and if you do, you really won't have to worry for a long time.

Treat it right and its durability will surprise you.