I am new to the board..so first I have to say thanks you. I have a delema,put a deposit on a 1998 eddie bauer expidition 120k one owner 3,000. Needs tires and good tune up, otherwise clean except for rust undercarrage. My other choice is a 2002 xlt explorer from a local ford dealer. Car has 100k on it seems very tight but no service records. Car has damage on right lower panels, whoch i wouldnot fix. The dealer is down to 5,000,but car is ready to go. Need some input and guidance from thhe board.

Thanks for you help

Peter
Ps money is an issue!

 

Welcome to the forum!

I'm not sure where you live, but $5k for a 1998 Explorer with 100k on the odometer and rocker damage seems pretty high. What type of damage are you referring to, rust through or dents? If the rust is to the point where you can see it, it's likely much worse than what you can see. I had a 2000 Mountaineer with some bubbling paint where two panels joined in the rear door jambs. There was no real evidence of rust, however by the time I took the running boards off and started sanding through the paint, I ended up needing to weld in a couple of 3 inch by 12 inch pieces of steel (one on each side). I'm guessing that the drain holes for the sunroof were plugged so all that moisture was getting trapped in the panels.

Also, does this Explorer you're looking at have a V6 (if so, which engine?) or the V8? Does it have 4WD, AWD, or 2WD? Have you checked the Retail value according to NADA.com based on your location and the options on this Explorer? Have you checked Autotrader and Cars.com to see what other similar Explorers are going for in your area?

-Rod

 

Both prices seem pretty high to me for the condition and miles.

You can do much better on Craigslist buying private party. Right now people are desperate & need money, it's a buyers market. Honestly if you keep looking you can find a clean 02-05 for around 5k or less with well under 100k on it.

 

Unfortunatly live in New York..prices are high. Have looked through craigs list, and the prices seem correct. I guess at least for the explorer, there is a premium purchasing it from a ford dealer.

What about the expidition vs. the explorer issue?

Thanks for your insight
Peter

 

We still don't have much to go on concerning each vehicle but deciding between a full size and mid sized SUV is a needs based decision.

 

As for the Expedition, Not sure how they hold there value where you are but here in the Southwest they can be had for very cheap. You can buy a clean private party 97-02 Expedition for $3500-$5000.

I own a 2000 Expedition XLT with the 5.4 engine and it has been the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. 150k on the clock and only basic routine maintenance. I would recommend the Expedition over the Explorer any day.

You may want to look at surrounding areas and take a drive to save some money.

 

Thanks for the insight..the expidition with 120 k is $3,000. The only thing it needs is 4 new tires, which i have to research. It is the eddie bauer,so it has the Triton engine. Other than size, is there any other differences between the explorer and the expidition?
would also like to get some input on tires, which will be mainly used hway.

Have a very happy new year!

Thanks for your help,

 

one plus with the Expedition is that it has a solid rear axle and it holds up 10x better than the Explorer rear axle (2002 & prior) It's stronger and the wheel bearings don't fail. Like I said, My Expedition has been very good to us however that doesn't mean that they all will be this way. Much of it depends on if the previous owner kept up on the maintenance. Just make sure to check it over well.

How does the oil look? hopefully not black and no moisture (grey color) it should be a golden brown.

Trans fluid, it should be a pinkish red color, if it's dark looking then I would be cautious.

Coolant, Make sure it's not rusty color.

There are more fluids but these are the basics to check.

As far as tires go that depends on your budget. Michelin makes the best tire on the road but you pay for that. There are several other good quality tires to choose from & everyone will offer a different opinion. I purchase all of my tires from Discount Tire because they back there product up and offer a lifetime road hazard replacement. The brand doesn't matter that much to me since I have the warranty. Just do your research before you buy. The internet is your friend. I put Yokohama's on the Expedition and Falken's on the Explorer. Just because of the price & ratings. If I could have of afforded Michelin's they would be on both.

Although I feel the Expedition is superior to the Explorer, I own both and they are different. My Expedition can tow my camper, has self leveling rear air suspension and has been great. It gets 11mpg city and 17hwy. with 150k I wouldn't hesitate to go cross country with it.

Although smaller and a V-6 my 04 Explorer only does around 13 city and 18 hwy. I'm afraid I would have issues if I pulled my camper with it, I would still not hesitate to go cross country in it. It's smaller so it fits into my cramped garage where my Expedition wouldn't.

Two similar looking vehicles but totally different in how they are built and intended to be used.

BTW, eddie bauer will be pretty much loaded. If it's in good shape then it's a great buy!

 

Thanks for all of your great insight..will hopefully have my mechanic check everything this Monday, and if all is well, it will be mine.