Looks pretty good they rust around the rear wheel wells and top of rear hatch. That one looks pretty clean.I would check trans fluid for color to see if it looks bad.

 

Yea I'm not going to find a total gem for under $2k And I can live with some rust as I'll just fluid film the heck out if the whole thing anyways. I figure it'll need some fluid changes and other odds n ends but as long as it sounds good and seems to function well I hope I'll have it Friday to check over.

These types are always a gamble as you cannot see everything but I can't swing anymore than that for a winter commuter. Been thru 3 cars already in 4 years. The first I should've had for a very long time but someone nailed it while parked in the street. Then I bought a Taurus that turned out to be a time bomb. Someone bought it tho. Then the elantra was great but just started to fall apart. But the money has basically gone from car to car with little investment on my part as the first one was a freebie which paid out amazingly with insurance and that has been forwarded since. Im not going anywhere near asking on this and he has indicated he'll take less. But will be nice to have 4x4 as my truck doesn't see winter.

 

I got 193,000 miles on my 01. So far replaced 3 wheel bearings,IAC valve,Lower ball joints,1 tie rod end.both front calipers and all 4 rubber brake lines. I dont think thats that bad but I do all my own work. Some times twice bought car quest lower control arms with the ball joints in them.Ball joints made it about 8 months and had more play them the originals with 160,000 miles. Also installed car quest wheel bearings in the front at the same time they made it 3 months.Now have Ford control arms and Moog bearings

 

Decided to purchase an 07 with 100k. Ford dealer is fixing a ton of stuff (oil pan gasket, rear axle seal, exhaust, lights, and other small things plus the carfax was loaded with maintenance (oil, tire rotations, etc...) every 5k at the dealer. Feel better about this than a "beater". Hoping for the best for a bunch of years.

 

So of course I'm out with the family with the "new" Escape on Thursday and it ends up dead on the side of the road.

I guess the good thing about buying from a large dealer with a good reputation is that they put a new alternator and battery in it at no charge as I was still under their 30 day 1000 miles no questions warranty. Need to pick it up this morning.