Thinking about buyng a 99 Explorer to replace my 96

[lorelei2011]

http://www.usednanaimo.com/classified-ad/1999-Ford-explorer_18631548
Looking at possibly purchasing this explorer for myself and giving my 96 to my boyfriend to drive. This one is a 99 2dr sport with 159k on it the asking price is $3500 just had a new transmission put in and it looks like it's been towed behind a motor-home at least part of it life due to the tow hookup on the front of it.

What do you guys think is it worth the price I'm in Canada and Explorer's are really expensive where I live and this one is really clean and I've always wanted a 2dr sport. You can find 96 like mine and the people are asking the same price as this mind you i'd never pay that for a 96 but I really like this 99 and it's got almost 100,000 less then my current explorer

 

[koda2000]

STOP! The vehicle appears to be very clean. Price is a bit on the high side, but about average for a dealer. The only problem (and it's a big one) is the engine. A 4.0L SOHC with that many miles... I'd run away. These engines are notorious for timing chain problems, which are a very expensive and complicated to fix.

 

[2TimingTom]

^^seriously? Overreact much?

Not all SOHC motors will blow up because of timing chain issues.

 

[Vic_Ferrari2002]

If koda2000 throws up a warning like this, I would seriously investigate the motor before purchasing the vehicle.

 

[koda2000]

If koda2000 throws up a warning like this, I would seriously investigate the motor before purchasing the vehicle.

hey, she wanted an opinion. that's mine, and it's based on my personal experience and the fact that the early SOHC's have a known history of timing chain cassette and tensioner problems. not to mention intake manifold o-ring vacuum leaks (granted not that big of a deal) plus not having the worlds strongest transmissions. maybe not all 4.0L SOHC's have timing chain problems, but a awful lot of them do. i know i got burned on mine because i didn't know any better and didn't do my homework. now i wouldn't have one at any price, let alone one w/160K and an unknown service history. if you must have a V6, the OHV is a better choice from a reliability standpoint (and they have their own problems).

my advice: do the research and make an informed decision. if you're gonna test drive it. make sure the motor is stone cold before you start it.

 

[2TimingTom]

It has less than 100,000 miles. And if it was towed behind a motorhome, the engine has less miles on it.

 

[koda2000]

It has less than 100,000 miles. And if it was towed behind a motorhome, the engine has less miles on it.

you're assuming she's talking kilometers (and being in Canada, maybe she is). who knows if it was towed many kilometers behind a motor home? then again, if it was towed incorrectly that could be what killed the tranny.

you may not agree with me, but you can't argue with my logic. be as informed as possible when buying a 14 year old vehicle. that's what this forum is for.

 

[inkjunkie]

you're assuming she's taking kilometers (and being in Canada, maybe she is). who knows if it was towed many kilometers behind a motor home? then again, if it was towed incorrectly that could be what killed the tranny.

you may not agree with me, but you can't argue with my logic. be as informed as possible when buying a 14 year old vehicle. that's what this forum is for.

She is asking for OPINIONS and that is exactly what you gave her....We have a 99 with 175k on it. Runs well, motor, SOHC, is a bit noisy, has been since we owned it. IF I had my way I would have kept our old one, a 91, but it was just too tired......

 

[2TimingTom]

you're assuming she's taking kilometers (and being in Canada, maybe she is).

I know she's talking kilometers. Did you click the link?

 

[koda2000]

I know she's talking kilometers. Did you click the link?

yes i did click the link, but i wasn't thinking kilometers (just another ignorant American i guess). so it has 98,798.02 miles on it. logic still holding...

 

[Vic_Ferrari2002]

It has less than 100,000 miles. And if it was towed behind a motorhome, the engine has less miles on it.

It has 159k, which is 100k less then her 96.