Would it be worth it to fix it?

[EhrenW8989]

Hi, there everyone. I've had this question rolling around in my mind for a while and I'm hoping for some honest advice. I have '93 Explorer Sport with about 108k miles. Currently it needs a whole front brake job, there's something wrong with the cooling system (it will ride high regularly and then come down after a few seconds), and both power windows are out.

My question would be is what the hell do I do with this thing?

The vehicle isn't worth much now and it won't be worth much more if I got everything repaired. It only serves to drive me around my small town. It chugs up the hills and seems to have no power. I love the car vehicle and if I had a workspace other than my apartment parking lot I would fix it myself, but it just seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

 

[BKennedy]

I guess that depends on you. Its a personal decision. If it would be cheaper to get all of the issues fixed than purchasing another vehicle, and you still enjoy driving the Explorer, than yes. If you are looking at another vehicle, then its up to you.

Payson is a cool little town, by the way.

 

[EhrenW8989]

Thanks man! It's nice to know someone has heard of our little slice of heaven here.

I don't plan on getting a new vehicle but I do plan on moving in the next year. This thing ain't going anywhere but Payson so taking it along for the move is not an option unless I tow it across the country.

What does a first gen even go for now? I know I bought this thing for way more than it's worth

 

[2stroke]

No rust, no major problems, runs good $1800 tops. Yours is probably worth about $500

 

[mekelly]

How mechanical are you?

The front brake job is pretty easy if you've ever worked on a car before. Even replacing the calipers, rotors, and brake pads is relatively inexpensive.

As for the cooling system, it's hard to say, could just need a new thermostat or water pump (not very expensive).

If you can hear the motors run when you hit the window switch you probably just need new plastic bushings, cost is under $15.

You'll never get another car for the $200-$250 you'd spend on these parts (assuming that's what you need).

I'd say repair what you got but I am a cheapskate and can do the work myself!

 

[natenkiki2004]

Worth it to fix up? Yes. Maintenance items like a brake job are things you'll come across on all vehicles.

Windows are cheap to fix but time consuming. Cooling system issues might get spendy and will get messy.

The problem is, if you don't have a place to work on it then there's no question. If you can't fix it, it's a matter of time before it leaves you stranded. If you can find a place to work on it, I'd encourage you to do it.

Many, many of us here put more money into our Explorers than they're worth. Just because they have low KBB doesn't mean they have low value/use. You're not going to make money by fixing one up and re-selling (though there was a guy on here that did that a few times but he bought them for like $200 and they were minor issues). But if you fix it up, it will have a lot of value to YOU and that's what's important.

 

[Wolfie_85]

It doesn't sound like it needs -that- much. You can do the brakes yourself for around $100 for the parts. Plugs and wires might help it run better, flush the cooling system and clean the MAF, new fuel filter. It sounds like basic stuff (hard to tell without specifics). I would say it would be easy and worth it to get it running right and do some brake work.

As for the windows, there is a ton of info on doing it yourself on here and other places. Get some used parts and tear into it. That is, if the windows bother you that much.

By the way, there is an awesome thread on brake jobs in here.

 

[FR-425]

A rust free Explorer sport with bad power windows and needing brakes and a tune up still goes for $2,500 down here in the valley of the sun.. . ..

A rust belt Ex = $500 bucks.

 

[Wolfie_85]

Even in the rust belt, if it's not too used up and rusty. Around here SUV's bring in some pretty good money, simply because of winter. I've seen first gens here go from $1,500-$2,900.

 

[EhrenW8989]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!

I'm gonna keep Ol' Gladys running safely for as long as I can.

 

[det107]

By the way, there is an awesome thread on brake jobs in here.

Also a thread(s) on r/r window motors & plastic bushing replacement-

 

[iLoveMyExploder]

i wouldn't pay too much attention to what KBB says its worth.... I paid $2,500 for mine, and it has minor issues (I think... and I hope). KBB says it would be worth $2,250 if it were in top notch like new condition. and I knew this before I bought it. these truck have a following, and some people are asking $5,000 or more for their 1st generation explorers.... and im sure there are some who would be willing to pay that much too!

I say FIX IT!

 

[EhrenW8989]

i wouldn't pay too much attention to what KBB says its worth.... I paid $2,500 for mine, and it has minor issues (I think... and I hope). KBB says it would be worth $2,250 if it were in top notch like new condition. and I knew this before I bought it. these truck have a following, and some people are asking $5,000 or more for their 1st generation explorers.... and im sure there are some who would be willing to pay that much too!

I say FIX IT!

Thanks for the price info. Now if only I could find a place to do the work. Mind if I come over there? I'll bring a 6 pack haha

 

[iLoveMyExploder]

Thanks for the price info. Now if only I could find a place to do the work. Mind if I come over there? I'll bring a 6 pack haha

hey- I aint no mechanic- you wouldn't want me working on it LOL! I joined this forum so I could learn how to work on this truck. im too broke to hire someone- and besides that im sick of paying somebody else the big bucks for doing something I can potentially do myself.... im here to learn everything I can about this ole exploder

surely you have a friend or relative who would let you park your truck on their property to work on it?- since you cant do it at your apartment. if you have AAA, they will tow it for you for free, up to a certain distance, at least. I don't know how far they will haul it for free, though.