Would you buy a 2002 XLT 4.0?

[canuckjgc]

I'm looking at a 2002 XLT with the 4.0 and 60k miles. Maintenance history, seems to run fine. Guy wants $10k which is good for this market.

Were the 2002's that much worse? Would you take a chance on one or not bother?

 

[Vargas]

Historically, the 2002 has the worst record of transmission failures, and the updates to the timing chain guides in the 4.0 were made in 2003, IIRC.

If it had the updated guides and it had just had the transmission fixed by someone who really knew what they were doing, I still wouldn't buy it at that price. There are lots of 3rd gen Explorers in good shape, and low miles just don't count for much when the transmission could cost you another couple grand next week.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I wish I could sell a car in that market! Wow- 2002 4.0L Ex's are going for $6k-$7k here.

I would find at least a 2003 V8 if you're spending 10k on a vehicle...

 

[celly]

I wouldn't buy a 2002 Explorer no matter what. Where there's smoke, there's fire with all the bad press on this model year.

Well, you asked.

 

[thepotroast]

Walk away

 

[Cozmik]

03 or newer.

 

[rocket2ya]

dont do it!!!! im on my 3rd engine and tranny rebuild and all the other crap on the long list of 02 problems has pretty much happened to my truck. hahaha not saying they are all like that, but havent really heard much good things about them.

 

[BigRondo]

That's a hell of a market! I recently purchased my '02 XLT for $3900. I agree with everyone else: Run as fast as you can, do not look back, just keep running until you explode!!

 

[alexk]

thats way overpriced. You can get a 2003-2004 for that kind of money, even dealers dont seem to be charging that much for one with similar miles. But to answer your question, yes I would buy an 02 with a warranty though

 

[RoboRob]

This is only one data point but I am about to put 150,000 miles on my 2002 Eddie Bauer V6 and have been happy with it. The only major problems were fuel pump at about 100K miles and last month I put in new shocks, ball joints and front rotors.

I am experiencing some niggling electrical problems right now probably due to a short or a bad switch somewhere.

 

[miker104]

I'm looking at a 2002 XLT with the 4.0 and 60k miles. Maintenance history, seems to run fine. Guy wants $10k which is good for this market.

Were the 2002's that much worse? Would you take a chance on one or not bother?

2002 was the first year for the Gen 3. I've heard that it's recommended to not buy the first model year of any vehicle. Take that for what it cost you ($0).

I've got a 2004 XLT and will never buy another Ford product based solely upon my experience with this vehicle. Again, its one data point and Ford sells millions of cars each year. You have read this forum on what the possible problems are, shock springs breaking, Front and Rear wheel bearings, rear differential hum, transmission, engine timing chains, etc. There is no guarantee that any other manufacturer's product will be better. Its a tough call.

Good Luck

 

[neberly]

I just purchased a 2002 XLT one owner vehicle for $9,700.(86,000 miles) I don't know where you find a 2003 for 10,000. Everything around here is going about 1,500-2,000 higher than book regardless of miles. 10K does seem a little high but with only 60,000 miles it might be worth it. I know what everyone is saying about walking away but you don't hear from the satisfied owners do you? There is not usually much warranty on used vehicles through private sales or used car dealers. I've found I usually have to take my lumps with repairs and accept that I bought a used vehicle and that's part of the cost of doing so. I still have my 1993 Explorer with almost 200,000 miles and yes I had transmission work and timing belt replacement costs on that vehicle too. It is my beater vehicle to pull my little trailer around to do some rototilling for people in the neighborhood and church. My advice cost nothing either

 

[Br0oklynKid]

I wish I could sell a car in that market! Wow- 2002 4.0L Ex's are going for $6k-$7k here.

I would find at least a 2003 V8 if you're spending 10k on a vehicle...

i just bought a 03 eddie bauer with 100k. for $7k

 

[CALDWELL]

Walk away from that deal...

02' isnt worth it... like posted above me, i wouldnt buy anything older than 03...

 

[daveleeander]

I have an 02 4X4 with 225k miles:. Original engine, and tranny. Have ran Amsoil every where in it for the last 180k miles. Still starts every morning, and still gets the same milage as it did when I bought it with 24k miles on it.
Doesn't use oil between changes (change every 15k miles or so).

I'm going to try and get it to 300k before looking for something else.

D