Buying advice please
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Buying advice please
Looking at a 1997 explorer with the infamous 4.0 SOHC. A neighbor of mine is selling it.
He always takes care of his stuff, so the truck is immaculate.
It has 177k on it, but he says it got a new motor from Ford at 83k due to the timing chain jumping and killing the motor, I guess it was recalled.
So other than that, it is in great shape. 4x4, leather, cd changer, factory car phone, tow package...all the goodies. He has owned it since new, says its always been serviced at the dealership. Even still has the window sticker.
He's asking $3900 but I would be aiming for $3500 at least.
What do you Ford pros think of the price, and the issue with the motor? Sound legit?
He always takes care of his stuff, so the truck is immaculate.
It has 177k on it, but he says it got a new motor from Ford at 83k due to the timing chain jumping and killing the motor, I guess it was recalled.
So other than that, it is in great shape. 4x4, leather, cd changer, factory car phone, tow package...all the goodies. He has owned it since new, says its always been serviced at the dealership. Even still has the window sticker.
He's asking $3900 but I would be aiming for $3500 at least.
What do you Ford pros think of the price, and the issue with the motor? Sound legit?
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One with only 83k miles on the motor? That's gotta be an impact right?
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Any other issues that are expensive and common?
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The sohc motor has about a mile of hoses, a pos t-stat cover, a vulnerable heater valve, and a delicate radiator. Check for leaks, sniff for antifreeze.
The axles have 3rd world supplier bearings, check for axle whine.
Window and lock switches seem to be trouble.
Rear window glass hinges can strip out.
Hood, glass and gate hydraulics eventually die.
Parking brake shoes are delicate flowers.
One or two items not a deal killer. Bad shifting and flaring between gears....hhhmmmmm not so good.
These things do not have a great ride, but new shocks can help if the ones on there are old.
Body and frame wise, and even paint, imo they are pretty solid.
Ball joints, I forgot the ball joints.... Usually crap out at 100k, but you might have a newer set in there with grease fittings.
Millions served, buy it right or move on to the next one if you find something you don't like.
With a dead motor or trans, these are $500 with everything else servicable, so keep that in mind.
The axles have 3rd world supplier bearings, check for axle whine.
Window and lock switches seem to be trouble.
Rear window glass hinges can strip out.
Hood, glass and gate hydraulics eventually die.
Parking brake shoes are delicate flowers.
One or two items not a deal killer. Bad shifting and flaring between gears....hhhmmmmm not so good.
These things do not have a great ride, but new shocks can help if the ones on there are old.
Body and frame wise, and even paint, imo they are pretty solid.
Ball joints, I forgot the ball joints.... Usually crap out at 100k, but you might have a newer set in there with grease fittings.
Millions served, buy it right or move on to the next one if you find something you don't like.
With a dead motor or trans, these are $500 with everything else servicable, so keep that in mind.
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My 4.0 SOHC engine and tranny have been gems even after 200K. I run synthetics (Walmart) and the only engine repair was replacing the IAC motor. Clean the the throttle plate twice a year!
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The sohc motor has about a mile of hoses, a pos t-stat cover, a vulnerable heater valve, and a delicate radiator. Check for leaks, sniff for antifreeze.
The axles have 3rd world supplier bearings, check for axle whine.
Window and lock switches seem to be trouble.
Rear window glass hinges can strip out.
Hood, glass and gate hydraulics eventually die.
Parking brake shoes are delicate flowers.
One or two items not a deal killer. Bad shifting and flaring between gears....hhhmmmmm not so good.
These things do not have a great ride, but new shocks can help if the ones on there are old.
Body and frame wise, and even paint, imo they are pretty solid.
Ball joints, I forgot the ball joints.... Usually crap out at 100k, but you might have a newer set in there with grease fittings.
Millions served, buy it right or move on to the next one if you find something you don't like.
With a dead motor or trans, these are $500 with everything else servicable, so keep that in mind.
The axles have 3rd world supplier bearings, check for axle whine.
Window and lock switches seem to be trouble.
Rear window glass hinges can strip out.
Hood, glass and gate hydraulics eventually die.
Parking brake shoes are delicate flowers.
One or two items not a deal killer. Bad shifting and flaring between gears....hhhmmmmm not so good.
These things do not have a great ride, but new shocks can help if the ones on there are old.
Body and frame wise, and even paint, imo they are pretty solid.
Ball joints, I forgot the ball joints.... Usually crap out at 100k, but you might have a newer set in there with grease fittings.
Millions served, buy it right or move on to the next one if you find something you don't like.
With a dead motor or trans, these are $500 with everything else servicable, so keep that in mind.
Say this vehicle really seems to check out, and everything is in tip top shape. Would you pay max dollar or even slightly over max, due to the condition and replaced motor?
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Since I paid max $ in 1998, I am inclined to suggest paying as little as you can. BUT, it sounds like a good one, so, depending on what else you've looked at, if you are satisfied this is the best for the price, buy and drive today!
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