ExploderSport88
New Member
- Joined
- March 22, 2025
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 3
- City, State
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2016 Ford Explorer Sport
I have a 2016 Ford Explorer Sport with the Gen1 3.5 Ecoboost. I bought it used back in December 2022 with way too many miles on it honestly (118k) but I really needed something AWD to get through mountain passes and onto locations for work and also have enough seating for the family that I am starting. The used and new car market was very inflated with COVID, the Microchip shortage and general high inflation. I paid a around 21k in financing through my credit union with an aftermarket warranty. I was assured by the family I bought it from that it was well taken care of and they had service history at the local Ford dealerships. About 10 months after buying it the water pump went out and unknown to me at the time. The internal water pump leaked coolant and bearing material into the engine, damaging the main rods and bearings( Ford House Diagnosis) they shop that did the water pump(Warranty job) did not flush the motor out well and metal shavings clogged up the oil screens to the Turbos and took out my Turbos before the next oil change about 3500miles later(Ford House Diagnosis). Ford Dealership offered me a new Engine at $18000 which was about what I owed on the car at the time a I knew right then I was hosed. They told me that my warranty only covers failure and that while that would cover the Turbos, I still needed a new engine but mine hadn't failed yet so I would have to pay full price out of pocket. I don't have that kind of money laying around so after arguing with them over what to do for months I finally had them replaced the Turbos with the aftermarket warranty ($3000) out of pocket. Which was a total ripoff. I took it home and being mechanically inclined I flushed the engine several times with liquid Molly and T6 and then filled it back up with T6. I have been able to drive it and just baby it since then, mostly relying on my project car and shhhbox to make up the difference. It has 147,000+ miles on it at this point and has A noticable (after pointing it out) light rod knock on the bottom end that's not immediately noticeable if you aren't listening for it and chain rattle on startup. I currently owe $14000 on it and the Blue Book is 7-9k ( Ive been offered 5-8k on trade) I've been trying my best to leave it parked and pay the balance down. This was overall one of the worst financial decisions I've ever made but I desperately needed a car with specific needs and did my best. I have racked my brain and consulted everyone I can think of. Here are my options as I see it. /A. Try to trade it in for 5-8k and roll over thousands of negative equity and most likely end up in a worse situation. /B. Attempt to rebuild the motor myself without a lift(5k in parts? ) /C.Buy a Reman and have it swapped (6-7k?) D.(Buy a Jasper or Gen2 HO Reman and swap it(10-11k?). I honestly don't have that kind of money laying around anywhere. I make enough to pay my bills and have a little extra occasionally. I haven't been able to justify dumping any money into it but I don't see myself driving my way out of it. What's your best advice? I'm open to anything at this point. /E. I've researched trading for a 3 year lease and using rebates and higher lease payments to pay my way out.
