Wanted Should I buy it???

[JHarperEMS]

Hello all and thanks for taking the time to glance at my first post. I have a chance to buy a 1998 Ford Explorer Sport, v6 5speed. It has a 145K on and it is starting to show. The gentleman that is selling it stated that the clutch was replaced 2 years ago. It has some minor issues with the body and over all condition. The two issues that worry me the most are the Power steering leak, which appears to be only minor, but the power steering whines on hard turns. Additionally it has a rear main seal leak. There is a decent bit of oil/PS fluid on the undercarriage so I can't tell if those are the only two leaks. The gentlmean had a mat under the truck to protect his drive way, and it did not have much if any oil on it. There is also some play in the steering wheel, not much, just floats a bit while cruizing at a steady pace. Everything else is just minor body stuff. The back glass does not upen due "damaged hing" and sounds like it has air coming in from around it when its driven. NO check engine lights.

Price: $1500 Negotiable

My delima is; I need this car for a dialy driver for school and work, as right now my wife and I are down to only our 2010 Focus. I do not, however, want to or have the "go-ahead" from the wife to sink a lot of money into the mechanics of this vehicle. I am concerned about the RMS leak, the power steering seems like not so much a major issue. A RMS isn't very expensive but paying the labor for that job or doing it myself seems like a HUGE pain in the neck. I figured I would as the experts, is the truck worth obtaining? It still seems like a decent deal for the way it drives and run for the money, but I'm not sold on the mechanical condition just yet. Your input would be appreciated.

 

[Blue91Ex]

i would say have the owner take it to a shop and get a quote on the RMS leak, and then use it to bargain, get it super super cheap, like under 1k. Im not sure what to tell you for the power steering leak, mine had a leak before i bought it but it seemed to stop on its own before i purchased it, hasnt leaked since as far as i can tell..

 

[obie]

Is it the OHV engine or the OHC?

Is it possible to tell where the PS leak is coming from? If it's not coming from a crack in the rack, or a seal where it would be leaking into the boots, then it wouldn't be all that expensive to repair. New fittings and tubes and hoses can be had or done for you for cheap. The PS pump isn't too expensive to replace either, but since it's a Ford, it'll make noise again, which isn't usually a big deal.

And RMS leaks are a major PITA, but as long as you remember to check and fill the oil once a week, it doesn't really hurt as long as it's not gushing. Yes, debris can get in and wear the seal faster or even start wearing the crank end, but if you can fix it within a year or so, you should probably be fine.

And hey, leaking oil helps protect against rust

I would jump on a 5 speed sport, those are super rare around me. But see if you can get him down to a grand, at least 1250. Can you post some pictures too?

 

[Blue91Ex]

that it does. lol, i cleaned some of the grease from my PS leak and found shiny bare frame metal under it lol..

 

[JHarperEMS]

Looks like I'm making the deal for it at $1300. I drove some real crap over the last few days and high priced crap at that. I will post some pictures when I get it tomorrow evening. I'm looking forward to getting it back in shape and hope I can get some good information from the forum! Thanks for your help.