UK Explorer owners, Help!

[EmmaJane]

Hi there
I've just bought a ford explorer on eBay! I've only seen pics but am going to look at it at the weekend and can back out of the deal if it's no good. I've not had one of these before but love the look of them. I'm thinking I would like to convert it to LPG, what do you think?
It's a 1998 S reg 4.0 v6 with 87000 on the clock...
Many thanks any comments will be much appreciated..

 

[EmmaJane]

Ps the price is £560 is that reasonable?

Update..
I've just done a vehicle check and it come up as Having done
42,792 miles recorded on 25 May 2001
And 4 owners up to now.
So I'm thinking that the current mileage of 87000 is either around the clock or wrong?
If it did 14,000 a year from new it would now be 196000 so what do people think?
It's just passed the mot (taken by the dealer on my request & £75 from me to pay for it)

Any advice would be most welcome please..
Many thanks

 

[janolsson]

Hi Emma
£560 i would say is a cheap price for a decent example or on the money for one that either needs a lot of little things sorting or one or two major things sorted.
I would also wonder why you got charged £75 for the MOT as the vosa fee is £55.
When it is first started from cold does it rattle?
Does it rattle at 2500 rpm or even at all rpm?
LPG can be fitted from anywhere between £800 and £2000 depending on the system and who does it. Many ex's have run lpg successfully tho if set up wrong they can throw a management light for lean running. Also make sure it is a multipoint as the single point systems are not suitable for the ex and end up with the air box in bits.

Hopefully you have a good en that is a bargain. If its a lemon then consider it a lesson and spend a little more on a good en rather than let it put you off the car.

I bought mine for £364 with known chain rattle and fixed it myself with much effort. In 2 years since i have changed an exhaust, ball joint and 2 tyres!!! aside from oil and filter services. So these things don't have to cost a fortune to keep on the road.
good luck

 

[janolsson]

Oh on the mileage
You can check the MOT history of the vehicle on the DVLA website and that will list the miles, pass/fail, advisories et al.
40 odd thousand miles in 10 years is not unrealistic as a lot of ex's were/are second cars in a household and may only been used for trip to the supermarket with the whole family or to tow the horse box twice a year

 

[dezufo]

Hi, EJ
I agree with jan the price is reasonable as a trade in price would be £300 ish.
Just had my MOT done at local ford dealer for £40.
As for the mileage it could well be genuine e.g. had my '98 model 8yrs and only done 14k (used for taking dogs to competitions/shows) now showing 71k, previous owners did 58k in 6yrs.
Just had my multipoint LPG done for £950 at a 1day fit place, actually took 1 1/2 days, there are a few indicators that it was a rushed job, still early days with it but it appears to be running well.
TIP! when ever it is likely to be jacked up or on a ramp turn the self levelling suspension OFF it will save you alot of hassle.

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

i see your london based, me too, i could go with you on this to check it out

 

[EmmaJane]

Thank you

Thank you very much for your input. Much appreciated.
I'm going to look at it this afternoon in bushey Heath so if you are free to come that would be brilliant!

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

unfortantly i havnt got the time today, but from sunday and on i have

 

[EmmaJane]

Ok no probs and thanks very much for the offer. I'm needing to go today but will let you know what happens!

 

[EmmaJane]

Hi

unfortantly i havnt got the time today, but from sunday and on i have

I bought it!
Would you be free to have a look at it today to tell me what you think? It's needing some TLC but it may have some bigger problems. The radio etc isn't working either but I guess that's not a problem. How would you feel about meeting us at Ikea in Croyden about 2-2.30? Our kids are looking forward to a ride in it so they could play in the ball park while we look at the car? It would be brilliant to get an expert opinion as to if its worth keeping or not?

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

sorry i didnt responde yesterday, my email notification didnt come through about this post so obviously iv missed that, im still free upto the weekend, although i have got some things to try and fix on mine in this weather aswell lol

 

[EmmaJane]

Hi

sorry i didnt responde yesterday, my email notification didnt come through about this post so obviously iv missed that, im still free upto the weekend, although i have got some things to try and fix on mine in this weather aswell lol

Hi there
No problem, are you free at all tomorrow? (Thurs) i can drive in your direction.

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

yes im free tommrow, from which area are you coming from? ikea is only 10min from me to give you an idea.

 

[EmmaJane]

Today

yes im free tommrow, from which area are you coming from? ikea is only 10min from me to give you an idea.

Hi I'm in tooting so should I come to you or meet at ikea?

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

we can meet at ikea, what time would you like to be there

 

[EmmaJane]

we can meet at ikea, what time would you like to be there

I don't really mind, if its after school I will bring the kids & put them in the ball park. I could be there for 4pm. Is that ok or would you prefer earlier.

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

I don't really mind, if its after school I will bring the kids & put them in the ball park. I could be there for 4pm. Is that ok or would you prefer earlier.

that will be fine, ill see you there at 4pm

 

[EmmaJane]

that will be fine, ill see you there at 4pm

Fantastic thank you see you at 4
Should I message you my mobile so we can find each other?

 

[janolsson]

Fantastic thank you see you at 4
Should I message you my mobile so we can find each other?

I'm guessing you'll be the only ex in the carpark

 

[SB98UKexplorer]

i got there first lol, we did meet up and have a look over the ex, as you said jan it had too many faults and wouldv cost alot to get it right then comparing a ex with lpg allready fitted