Should I just trade it in now?

[basenjib123]

Well, I bought a 2002 4.0, 3.73, EB, 67K, great condition, etc. a few weeks ago. We really like this vehicle but I cannot afford the major transmission failures, etc. I have heard that this 02 model is basically a P.O.S. ...Do you think I should just trade it in now and get the most I can for it? Thanks and MERRY CHRISTMAS!! ... Joe.

 

[IAmTodd]

Most bugs should be worked out of it by now. Ours has been trouble free for a while except the rear diff. Which was replaced not too long ago. My parents looked into trading it in, but its worth nothing, so they're just going to run it. If you like it, I say keep it. What was the build date on it? Should be on the sticker on the drivers door.

 

[basenjib123]

Hello, thanks for the response. I just checked the sticker on the door..date reads "10/01" ...is that good or bad? Thanks again, Joe.

 

[NHale623]

Are you having transmission problems now? Are you expecting a major transmission problem?

 

[basenjib123]

No problems ...YET

No, right now everything seems fine. So I do not have transmission problems. I guess I am expecting them based on everything I have read and or heard.

 

[NHale623]

If go by what you find here, every Explorer clunks in the front end, has a transmission that won't go into reverse, a transfer case that won't go into 4WD, won't idle, and has a vacuum leak.

Generally speaking, you won't read much here that's good because people ask questions when something is broke. Don't know too many who ask questions when things are going good.

Do the regular maintenance schedule for the truck, don't abuse it, and it will be fine.

 

[Abom]

Generally speaking, you won't read much here that's good because people ask questions when something is broke. Don't know too many who ask questions when things are going good.

Do the regular maintenance schedule for the truck, don't abuse it, and it will be fine.

Quoted for effect, this is VERY true !

 

[IAmTodd]

Your 10/01 build date shows that it was an early model. Ours was an early model as well. They seem to be the most problematic. Like I said above, at 54,000 miles, ours is problem free. Right now that is. Other than it needing new rear rotors, which is to be expected.

And what NHale623 said is very true. I've been looking for a Saab for quite some time. Some things mentioned in those forums makes me very scared about buying them, turbo failures, complete engine failure before 50k. But for the most part, they will run past 200k with very few problems. Just seems to be luck, and how well the vehicle was cared for before you purchased it.

Pretty much any problem you come across we can help you here. And don't be afraid to give it the beans every now and again! They cruise at 110 nicely

 

[gforceman]

i have an 2003 eddie 4.0 with 180,000 still runs GREAT tranny still shifts good engine running very good , again do regular maint ( oil , trans fluid changes) and NO burnouts , only prob i have now is a tempature problem and the infamouse light rear wine . ill live with it .

 

[Joe Dirt]

NHale is right- people generally look for fixes to problems on forums. I would think this way:

Should I trade a maybe well-built-on-Wednesday-morning '02 for a frantically-built-on-friday-afternoon '03+? You might just get something a lot worse.

I wouldn't be afraid of it. Maintain it, and roll with it.

 

[ericautopart]

I'm sure he feels better now 3 yrs later.

 

[basenjib123]

Its in the shop right now for a rebuilt transmission! Oh and I put a grand total of 15k miles on this thing in 3 years.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I'm sure he feels better now 3 yrs later.

DOH!

I replied to the new post- didn't even see that...