would you buy this 2002?

[bigswole]

2002 Ford Explorer with 110000 miles for sale. It runs great and to the best of my knowledge, as of this posting, the only thing under the hood it needs is an oil change and the air conditioning recharged.
The left rear wheel needs the bearing replaced as do the rear brakes. The outside of the vehicle is in great shape with the exception of a crack on the rear hatch (which i have been told is typical for this year/model.)
The interior has gone through 3 kids (under the age of 6) and needs some serious carpet cleaning. The main power window switch (drivers side) needs replaced (i think) and then all the windows will work again.
The door locks are kinda quirky and i haven't figured out what that problem is. I think it is the security controller box (which is located in the rear cargo area on the passenger side) but I am not sure. The Ford dealership in California installed an alarm system when it was bought new and it worked great at first, but then started going downhill.

I know it sounds like alot, but if you or someone you know has any automotive skills, these things can be inexpensively repaired. Currently asking for $2250 (which is still under KBB).

 

[ericautopart]

Sounds like a nightmare, but I wouldn't drive a third gen unless it was under a 100,000 mile warranty. You'd be better off with a 2nd gen V8.

 

[bigswole]

thanks! I appreciate that!!

 

[shadowless127]

If it was an 03 V8 maybe, but as of now, no.

 

[eXcali]

If they are asking $2,250 chances are you could talk them down to $1,750 pretty easy. If it doesn't move in a couple of days probably less. Stress the fact that the rear bearings are gonna cost you about $850 and that you are going to have to replace the rear glass and change the timing belt/chain.

If you can do the work yourself you will probably put about $700 into fixing all the issues you listed. If you would have to pay for this work to be done, walk away. It will cost about another $2k for a shop to do this work for you.

 

[shadowless127]

If they are asking $2,250 chances are you could talk them down to $1,750 pretty easy. If it doesn't move in a couple of days probably less. Stress the fact that the rear bearings are gonna cost you about $850 and that you are going to have to replace the rear glass and change the timing belt/chain.

If you can do the work yourself you will probably put about $700 into fixing all the issues you listed. If you would have to pay for this work to be done, walk away. It will cost about another $2k for a shop to do this work for you.

This.

I just got my 98 mountaineer for $1050, which was down from the $2500 the seller initially wanted 10days prior to my offer. My 98 has probably the same amount of issues, but they are way less expensive. For example I needed to replace the cv axle and hub assembly on the driver's side which cost $340 for parts and labor, I also have to swap out the sub which is just $60-75 for the sub, a new passenger side window switch, what maybe $10??, I have to put in a new multifunction switch which is $50, and I have to lubricate the front window slides which is just a can of WD-40.

All together the car is going to cost me $1,530 incl. repairs. The vehicle also came with brand new tires which saves me $450.

That 2250 can be talked down to 1750, but you're prolly looking at about a total of $2300-2500 after repairs and reconditioning, assuming you know how to do the work yourself.

 

[bigswole]

I probably can do some but not all.... Thanks again!

 

[celly]

I've heard all the pros and cons about the 2002 model year and as much as I'm not a huge fan of the 3rd gen (or 4th for that matter), if I did go with a 3rd gen, I simply wouldn't touch the 2002 model year. Ford didn't do their homework before they released it. One should always be cautious about getting any car/truck in the first year of a major re-design, but in the Explorer's case, they didn't have the bugs out or close to it.

Well, you asked if I would buy a 2002 and flat out the answer is no. A similar thread came about a few days ago and all the 2002 owners come to its defense, but there are enough 2002 nightmare stories out there to convince me to stay away, no matter what the deal or how it checks out.

But that's just me.

 

[alexk]

what model is it? If it was an xls I would pass, you can get one without any problems for a little bit less and with less miles. An xlt I would be undecided, I would doubt you can get one without problems for the same price this one would cost (plus repairs). If it was an Eddie or Limited I would go for it. If it was anything 2wd I would avoid it completely.

What I would do if I was you is make a list of everything that needs to be done to it. Decide if you can do it yourself or if you would need a mechanic to do it. Get the price for it to be completed and then compare that price to other ones without problems.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I agree with Celly. If they're selling a car and can't change the oil first, chances are it wasn't cared for very well. Find an '03+ (preferably a V8) for a little more money, and you'll be much happier.

I also agree though- I think you'll be much happier with a Gen II V8 than a 2002 V6. I had a 2003 SOHC V6 XLT, and aside from how the doors clicked quietly and the dome light faded out when the doors closed, I like my Gen II much more, and it's a more compact design and easier to get around in.

Yes, I know I can modify my dome light to fade. I'll be doing that soon...