Tell me why I shouldn't

[429CJ-3X2]

Tell me why I shouldn't (or should) buy this truck!! You know, besides why do I need 2. Local craigslist ad. 4 miles away. He's dropped the price $800 in the last week to 10 days. He's asking $4000.

2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD - $4000

Title is clean and clear. The truck has 248,000 well maintained, with receipts to prove it, highway miles on it. It's not perfect but runs, drives, and rides like it has half that many miles on it. If you're looking for perfect go buy a new truck. If you want a warranty go spend a lot more money and buy one from a dealer. I've owned it for over 7 years and have used it as my daily driver the entire time. I've considered keeping it as a spare vehicle when I get my new truck but don't really need another one sitting in the drive way at this time.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

How much is he asking for it ??? $800, buy it now and don't bother looking back. JMO.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Sorry, I didn't notice the price wasn't in the body of the ad. He's asking $4000. Original post edited to add price.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Check it out and if it's half decent offer $3,500, He's dropped the price a lot recently. He's ready to sale quick but seriously check everything out, nitpick about little things that'll ad up if need repaired, this helps lower the price.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Just edited the op to add "2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD". I keep noticing details in the heading, but not in the body of the ad. Sorry. I think it's all there now.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

I responded to the ad, telling him I don't need the truck anymore than he does, but might be interested in a 2nd ST if the truck and price were right. Here's the seller's response -

[

I]Everything does work on the truck. As for my price being right, in the last 6 months to a year I've replaced all 4 catalytic converters, front brake pads and rotors, left front hub bearing, water pump and serpentine belt, front tires were replaced last August and rear tires 3-4 weeks ago. In addition to that in the last 2 years or so it's had the front differential pinion seal replaced, both front axle seals, either both lower or both upper ball joints (I apologize but I can't remember which off the top of my head and don't have the paperwork in front of me at the moment), the CV type joint on the front driveshaft that runs between the transfer case and the front differential, and the transmission which currently has approximately 85,000 give or take miles on it. It does go through one quart of oil between oil changes, which I do every 4,000 miles or so using the high mileage semi-synthetic blend. The windshield is cracked about 3/4's of the way across, below the dash line, from a rock chip. There had been a small power steering fluid leak but after adding Lucas Oil Products power steering stop leak to the system it doesn't appear to be an issue at this time. The drivers side door lock switch has never unlocked the doors since I've owned it, I put a new switch in but it didn't fix it and since the truck has factory keyless entry I've honestly never worried about it. The factory foglights work but I think the switch is starting to go bad as the light indicator occasionally quits working and both foglights go out when that happens. I changed the spark plugs (with platinum replacements) at about 155,000 miles so it's close to time per recommended maintenance schedule for those to be replaced. At that time I also replaced the plugs wires and had to replace the combination ignition module/coil pack as it was causing a cylinder misfire issue. The right front hub bearing was replaced with somewhere around 175,000 miles on it. If after knowing all of this information you don't feel my asking price ($4000) is fair then I wish you luck in your search should you decide to get another Sport Trac. Thank you for responding to my post.[/I]

Sounds like he's taken care of a lot of the common issues, many of them fairly recently. I can't figure out if I'm trying to talk myself into or out of buying it.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Check it out and do a thorough inspection of the drivetrain with a road test and sitting still just idling, let it idle for a good twenty minutes before the test drive to see if it'll overheat or any leaks might appear before the road test. It's on the mid to higher side of the used value with mileage and probably gonna need an engine overhaul soon (oil leak, miles and tensioners/ oil pump problems). Just some things to think about.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Thanks for your input. I've decided to pass on it for now, I think. I like the idea of a second Sport Trac (if one is good, two is better, right?), but I really can't justify it. We're hanging onto my very tired '94 Explorer for my wife to drive on days she needs 4WD, which is very seldom. It would be gone in a flash if I bought another ST. I should be looking to replace the Explorer and her '96 Aerostar with 1 4WD/AWD vehicle. I don't think she'll go for a ST!