Hi, I am looking to upgrade my 04 Explorer that sits 5 due to having a family of 6. There is an Excursion for sale for 3750 OBO. Here is what I have found out so far. I take it for a test drive later today. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

2001 Excursion Limited 4X4

New V10 engine in 2010. 100,000 miles on new engine. Odometer has 290,000.

Repainted 2012

Front end rebuilt 2014 - 2015

Ball joints, tie rod ends, axle joints, u joints and driveshaft.

Rear end rebuilt 2011.

New inner and outer bearings, new pinion bearing.

New fuel pump and filler neck 2015

Sellers brother is an ASE and state of Michigan certified master mechanic and did most of the work. I was able to confirm this through a co worker.

What should I look for when I take it for a ride? They said brakes should be done and the windshield is cracked.

Thanks

 

 

Seems like a good deal!

 

I think it's a good deal too, especially since you know who did the work.

 

Yeah, as long as the test drive feels good and there are no major rust or interior problems that seems like a good deal with lots of work already done.

 

Took it for a drive. I think it needs and alignment cause the steering wheel swung towards the left. It will need new brakes. Minimal rust. The inside needs some TLC but it's also a 2001 so it's to be expected. Reason they put a new engine in was because a spark plug blew out the back and it was only 500 more to get a new engine.




Is there a way to add a video. There are some other pics I am going to take of the inside as well.

 

Check behind the running boards for rust. Looks like the rear wiper has some issues. Otherwise, seems ok.

Where are you up there? I have a place in Cooks, 20 min west of Manistique.

If you throw me the VIN, I'll run it.....

 

So is it a new "used" motor, or a new "new" motor? A new "new" motor for $500 more than a plug hole repair sounds like a new mechanic is in order......

 

Being in the UP I would crawl around under it and inspect the backside and bottom of the rockers for rust! Along with everything else. I'm sure it has some. You can see the rust streaks on the running boards. Check all the brake lines for rust also. Rust, rust rust. Anything else can be fixed easily more than rust!

 

Maybe I misunderstood what he said. It was a new motor with a warranty. As for rust, unfortunately here in the UP it is unavoidable. I went back and looked and the right side rocker under the back passenger door would need attention. The running board is loose there.

This vehicle is located in Ishpeming about 25 miles west of Marquette. I will get you the vin and thanks for checking for me on that.

Here are some pics of the rocker.

 

Those are some significant warning signs IMO.

1. New engine for $500 more than just fixing a spark plug doesn't pass the "say it out loud" test...a plug blowing out is an insert kit and you are done...I don't see ANY way even a used motor of any quality and labor is only $500 more than fixing the plug - even if it's in the back.

2. Repainted. That's always a chance to make vehicle in an accident look new. Detailed VIN report is in order to verify a) it's not a salvage title and b) if it was in any accidents.

3. How exactly are you verifying the work was done by an ASE mechanic? Because a co-worker said a friend verified it? That's not conclusive at all. I'd want to see the invoices and call/look up the shops to make sure they are registered with the state and that their mechanics are truly ASE. I've lost count of how many times people on the boards said "well, he SAID it was an ASE mechanic that did the work" just to find out it wasn't true and the mechanic fouled something up.

Those shouldn't bee too hard to follow up on...but at a good price and all the "new" stuff done...some flags pop up that you'll want to follow up on before putting your money on the table (and potentially buying someone else's problems).

 

Depending on the underneath I would consider making an offer of 3 grand.

Needs fresh set of brakes.
Windshield cracked.
Driver side door lock missing.
Driver side cruise control button popped off.
Gear shifter has some play
Back hatch door, left side stuck shut
Right running board back end loose from rust
Steering wheel turned to left when driving so probably an alignment.

Mist easily fixable except rust in a couple areas.

 

Co worker is friends with her brother who is the mechanic. He also does work on his truck. Easily verifiable.

Seller has paperwork for engine. I will ask to see it.

Thanks for the questions. I don't want to make a bad choice.

 

I think you are looking at some pretty serious rust inside those rockers. For me that would make me move on.......buts that just me, I don't have a whole lot of free time to play around with involved body repair work.

 

The price is pretty good. But I would assume the worst and budget around $5000 for repairs if you cannot do the labor.

Transmission will be on last legs too probably.

In my opinion it's a fair price for the vehicle in that condition.

The rust sucks!!! But it's not a show vehicle and as long as it's safe to drive excursions make good offspring haulers.