Please help need help picking explorer

[socialite]

hello all i am new to the forum and i am looking to buy and explorer before going back to college this january the one i am looking at currently is 2002 ford explorer xls 4.0l v6 it has 98570 miles its only $6,981. i really like it but i am a little nervous about the purchase and the price seems very low so i am wondering could something be wrong i test drove it and it was a very quiet and smooth ride and also very clean on the interior and exterior so please someone give me some feedback thanks in advance here is the link to it and there are photos in the link

http://www.treadwellford.com/index....lUsed&InventoryID=16384694&inventorytype=Used

 

[tipdrill]

2002 was the first year for the 3rd generation. because of this they typically have more problems. i have seen posts before from people who say that 2002 is a year to stay away from. im sure they will pop in at some point with more information.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! It doesn't have 4WD or a leather interior, so you save right there. Check the vin with car fax or something like this to see what comes up. The 2002 has no transmission dipstick. Have the computer scanned to see if there are any stored codes.

 

[Tbars4]

....welcome here...
...christmas eve is going to be a tough time to get answers but i'll try till someone else chimes in...
...the price according to kelly blue book is about right and if it were in excellent shape, it would be 8700.00...the only thing i know is that the sohc motor had a timing chain problem but i believe that was the 2000-2001 models only...i hope this helps...

 

[socialite]

thank you guys so much for responding so quickly

 

[steventadams]

The timing chain issue was pretty much taken care of by 2002 so you shouldn't worry about that.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194199&highlight=2002+problems

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173103&highlight=2002+problems

Those are two threads that discuss the 2002 model year, it seems that some people love it and some not so much.

And no matter what you choose, get the best extended warranty you can afford because sometimes there is no telling when things will go bad with a used car. For all you know the transmission is about to take a dump a week after you buy it...

 

[Tbars4]

...i would second his suggestion especially if you think the price is cheap...the extended warranty would be a great thing to have and well worth the cost for piece of mind...

 

[Benji-Man]

I have loved my 01 XLT/ control trac since purchased in 12/20/01 I just made My LAST Payment on the 18th SHE ALL MINE !!!! Whatever choice you make there are VERY knowledgable people here that have always been more than willing to help. Every Issue I have ever seen/smelled/felt/delt with has already been addessed and pointed to a fix. Its like a team of techs, alot probably are, working for you,all you have to do it turn the wrench
THIS SITE IS AWESOME ! I want to personally thank all of the long timers that have taking the time to post/explain/ and taken and posted pics to help. Can't forget the Mods for keeping it CLEAN.

THANK YOU ALL ! HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

[Tbars4]

...well a very merry christmas to you too...

 

[socialite]

thanks guys i hope the help keeps coming

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

watch the...rear wheel berings(i think it is). I have seen several cases of these going bad.

 

[socialite]

ok thanks

 

[socialite]

well the strangest thing happened i told everyone that i have been looking to buy the explorer mentioned above but lately i have been out looking around cause you dont suppose to settle for the first thing you see so i have been looking and to no luck have a found one as nice as that one so today i was next door at a car lot that is next to the car lot where the explorer mentioned above is located and i was looking at some explorers over there so on my way to go look at other lots i slammed into and 03 black exporer behind me and it really wasnt dented by my car sure was so now i have to pay to fix this one so i think i am just going to wait for a while and if the 2002 mentioned above is still there once i fix this on i hit then i will get it maybe its a strange sign from god lol oh and does anyone have an idea of how much it may cost to have the dent removed from the explorer it is pretty large but there is no paint missing but my poor little focus has and ugly scar on it

 

[Tbars4]

...maybe it was a sign to buy the 2003 at a discounted, cause it's damaged price, and leave your little focus at that lot...:scratch:...

 

[socialite]

ok heres and update the repairs to the explorer came out to be 584 and i feel soooooo blessed that it was that cheap i am so relieved so now i am just waiting to go pick up my explorer i hope it is still there by the time i get every thing situated

 

[Thomas_1]

If you are going back to college as a student, one thing you might want to consider is the cost of gas for these monsters. I get about 12mpg in the city. If that's not a problem then the explorer's are a fun and great vehicle.

 

[socialite]

oh yeah that shouldnt be a prob for me my school is located in a city that is probably about 20 miles long lol but it is a very small city the largest thing in the city is the university of alabama

 

[socialite]

well unfortunately my explorer was sold before i had a chance to buy it so i might look into and expedition