Shopping for a used Explorer - Advice needed!

[RickAKATed10]

Hi everyone, my name is Rick. I've been in the market now for a used 4x4 since the weather in the area started to take a turn. I live in the Midwest, where we get pretty bad lake effect snow. Over the summer I bought a Mustang and I'm trying to avoid driving it through the winter. That's what brings me here. I joined, in hopes, that the enthusiast community could give me some sound advice about what might sound like a decent deal or something I should walk away from. Perhaps also tell me a few things I need to check for, like problem areas.

Well here goes... I found a 2000 Sport 4x4 and the listing reads like so:

alloy wheels
clean under the hood
no service lights on
clean tittle
cd player
good tires
good brakes
no body damage
engine is silent
ice cold a/c
heat
no leaks
clean interior
well maintained
4x4
dependable
160,000 miles
$2,100 obo
no reasonable offer will be turned down
serious calls only
i have a car fax

They also included pictures:

I looked up the Explorer on KBB and in good condition, private party, it should sell for $2,883. My budget is a little flexible, but it's around $1,500. So, what do you guys think? I truly appreciate any help and I look forward to reading your responses.

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you're serious about it, I'd call. It's probably not going to last too long with weather changing up here. It sounds like it's definitely worth a look, but I'd budget about $25 to put into it for nitpick parts or sensors this winter. If the trans is good and no rattles on startup or idle, I'd make an offer in it if it fits your needs. Make sure you check the 4x4...

 

[RickAKATed10]

If you're serious about it, I'd call. It's probably not going to last too long with weather changing up here. It sounds like it's definitely worth a look, but I'd budget about $25 to put into it for nitpick parts or sensors this winter. If the trans is good and no rattles on startup or idle, I'd make an offer in it if it fits your needs. Make sure you check the 4x4...

Thank you for your help Joe. I've been texting with the seller actually. He seems to be openly giving me any detail I've asked him. He's had it for 2 months now and hasn't done any maintenance or repairs and claims it would make it through the winter just fine.

What would you offer if, after seeing it and driving it, everything checks out?

 

[RickAKATed10]

I'll add, I did an AutoCheck report and found a few interesting pieces of information. I thought I'd share.

There were 3 previous owners.
It was auctioned on 03/14/2000 and again on 05/02/2011.
It has had a duplicate title on 09/15/2009 and corrected title on 04/22/2010 and reported as a FLEET/LEASE vehicle.
It failed emission testing on 05/03/2005 and then passed it on 06/16/2005.

Should I be worried about any of this? 1 plus, I guess is that it's been locally owned.

 

[RickAKATed10]

Well that one didn't quite work out. It wasn't how I imagined it. The check engine and air bag lights were both on and it seemed to have a significant vibration when accelerating up hill. I walked away.

I'm looking at this one now. Again, any help would be great. My only gripe with it is the high-ish mileage and that it's a 4x2.

1998 FORD EXPLORER - $1300
Check The KBB PRICE IS way below (which isn't true!)
clean title
willing to negotiate
NEWER TIRES
CLEAN TRUCK
2 DOOR
4X2
power windows
power doors
transmission shifts nice
160,000 miles

So how bought this one guys? Would it be good for a midwest winter?

 

[Joe Dirt]

I had a 4x2 sport, it wasn't bad, but if you want a 4x4, don't get it, because you will have a hard time selling it. It looks like a stripper too, it will be very spartan inside.

Look at the 4-doors as well, there are more around to pick from.

I hate when sellers put out "no CEL or service lights on" and then you see it, and the ABS light is on, as well as the CEL. Idiots. He wanted to dump it because he knows something is wrong with it.

 

[RickAKATed10]

I had a 4x2 sport, it wasn't bad, but if you want a 4x4, don't get it, because you will have a hard time selling it. It looks like a stripper too, it will be very spartan inside.

Look at the 4-doors as well, there are more around to pick from.

I hate when sellers put out "no CEL or service lights on" and then you see it, and the ABS light is on, as well as the CEL. Idiots. He wanted to dump it because he knows something is wrong with it.

Thanks for the advice. I won't settle. I'll keep searching for a 4x4.

And I'm with you on that. It's frustrating because I took time out of my day after work to go look at it. Very disappointing.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Don't be afraid to look on Autotrader, seems to be a better quality of vehicles on there lately. A lot of older owners don't like Craigslist and they have some nice vehicles.

 

[RickAKATed10]

Yeah, I've been looking on there too. Thanks for the tip though.

 

[RickAKATed10]

Still looking for advice...

Here's another. Looking at it tonight.

1997 Black Ford Explorer Sport 4x4
150k miles
4.0 ltr
$1900.00 obo.

The following information I got via texting the owner.
Bit of rust on inside door
Clean interior
CEL comes on and goes off
Only half of the dash has lights when you turn on the headlights.
Passes emissions test
Used tires purchased 6 months ago
May need an alignment
Clean title
No shaking or vibrating
Starts right up
Recently replaced upper and lower ball joints and balancers

We'll see how it goes.