Wanted to hear thoughts from others if a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT with 175k miles is worth 2 grand? The exterior is in good shape overall aside from a small crack in the rear and some paint chip on the hood. The interior is in even better condition, almost new. It has been in no accidents. It doesn't leak oil. It has a timing chain and the owner changes oil every 3k miles. Still has the original parts. According to him the only issue is that when he starts the car the timing chain makes a rattling sound, said his mechanic told him it might be getting a little "loose" (no idea what he meant by that). Aside from it, it runs like it has no problems. My Xterra is on its last legs and I need a car. Budget is tight at the moment so going to a dealer is a no go for me. Thanks in advance!
Is that your only option? Anything else?
In terms of big vehicles, pretty much. I live with a big family and as the only driver of the house I'm on the road as much as I'm on my feet giving everyone rides. Only other options are smaller cars/sedans that I've found around where I live. I did have a friend who knew someone that was selling a large size Acura for 10 grand (didn't give any other details) so I might want to touch base with him again. Only problem is 10 grand would leave us a bit dry haha. But then again Acuras are great cars so the investment could justify it.
Thanks for all your comments and suggestions! I've decided, after spending an entire day researching on my day off, to pass up the offer. Too much of a gamble for me with the issues he described and what I found that could very much be the problem. You were all very helpful!
I would think of other options if you have.
Please don't, they had way too many issues.
A simple search whether on google or on the forum will show you how notorious they are for automatic transmission failures: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/
This vehicle is on the worst cars with worst complaints list, which you can find in the Used Car Buying Guide.
Get the transmission checked. Those things love to blow transmissions, along with a host of other issues.
One could be O.K., but get it inspected.
If you realistically have a budget of up to $10,000 you’d be much better off with a Highlander/4runner (if you can find one in your area).
I really wouldn’t want to touch a vehicle which has known timing chain issues. Maybe it’s just the tensioner, maybe it’s something much worse.
If you’re seriously considering the Explorer, getting a pre-purchase inspection done before purchase, is mandatory. You do not want to be stuck with a vehicle with serious engine trouble.
Good luck!
Only issue I'm assuming would be that even if it passes the inspection now, there's no telling the engine/transmission might give up later on? And $10,000 would really be stretching it. That's more like if there's no other option and we need one now (which it's starting to get there since my Xterra almost left me stranded far from home yesterday).
An equivalent 2002 Highlander shows up on a Google search for ~ $6000.
They’re fine SUVs, but probably the weakest part is the automatic transmission. If it still shifts fine, they can be decent vehicles if taken care of. Which engine does that truck have?
Sorry, should've mentioned it earlier. V6 4.0L
Okay. Make sure you have an independent mechanic check it out and if it still runs and shifts good, they can be decent vehicles.