Soliciting purchase help

[bwhitsonjr]

So it's like this. I'm selling my current vehicle and possibly purchasing an 01 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Here is the listing:

http://www.sonicautomotive.com/used...ort+Trac-edf78f940a0e0a6b59f47cebce84c19e.htm

I would appreciate any and all comments, feedback, past experience. The only thing scaring me about this vehiclseis the tranny. I've been reading about that all night. Otherwise me thinks this will be a good vehicle. It's a cash sale. I'm paying $4991 plus tt&l. Comes out to an even $5650.

I also should point out when you check on the carfax report, it was a one-owner who when I looked at the service record had the vehicle mostly serviced at the dealer. The tranny was service (fluid changed) at 30k, 60k, and then after that they could've gone somewhere else but it's not on the report. So is there a chance it hasn't been done in around 70k? I don't know? This is one of those would I just leave it alone? Or would I just go ahead and do a flush? You know how that story goes for some...

I have someone who is waiting on the other end of the phone to buy mine and I don't want to turn loose until I get some good feedback!

Thanks guys!

 

[sickwilly]

Don't do a flush. For less that you would pay for a flush get a miti-vac fluid extractor. Start sucking out 2-3 quarts of tranny fluid with every oil change. Once the fluid looks nice and clean then consider dropping the pan and doing the filter.

Never do a flush on an older tranny.

Tuck looks clean. I like it.

 

[Paul Fithian]

Nice looking truck, but I think it is overpriced.

I agree with Sickwilly on the transmission. If the fluid is clean, no codes, and it drives well, leave it alone.

Why are the seats gray in a tan interior?

It is very similar to my 2001, but I have 268,000 miles on it. Runs perfect.

 

[koda2000]

I bought my '01 ST for $1000 as a non-runner (fuel pump) with 184k on it. It also needed 4 tires, a windshield (and it turned out a rear differential). I like the utility of the vehicle, but I had to make a long list of repairs and perform maintenance, which the PO never performed (apparently since the truck was new). I figure I'm currently into it for around $2700-$3000 total with a months worth of my free labor. At some point in the future it's probably going to need a reman engine as the timing chains have begun to rattle.

I'd be less concerned about the transmission than the engine. The 4.0L SOHC engines are know for timing chain problems, due to poor cassette design, and no amount of maintenance can prevent the eventual problems and failure. Body mounts also fail due to poor design and always need to be replaced. Most replace them with Prothane bushings, as OE bushings are ridiculously expensive.

No way would I pay near $6k for a 2001 ST, no matter how nice it looks. BTW I don't see it on the link you provided. Only a bunch of other vehicles.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

That would be a bargain around here, unless the miles are extremely high. I don't see the truck in the link either.