I found a new listing for $3,499. It’s a Black 1999 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Sport. I’ve read 3 pages of car reviews from cars.com & so far, no serious issues or complaints. The only 1 I found was about door locks sticking & the hood’s hydronic system going out. I know that these older explorers were infamous for rolling over, but is this car worth the risk/purchase?
it is very clean & runs on a 4L V6. It’s Four Wheel drive as well.
is this car worth the risk/purchase?
Only a good mechanic evaluating the vehicle before purchase can tell you that. If it has spent much time in an area with salted winter roads, rust can be a serious problem. What's been done to this vehicle in the last 26 years old is going to be more important than its reliability decades ago.
Another factor is how long do you expect to keep it? Although it's certainly possible to keep a vehicle going longer (I do that routinely), at that age ongoing repairs can be expected which can run into $$$$ if you don't work on it yourself.
I intend on replacing ever part over time. (Brake fluid, oil seals, water & power steering pump, oil pump, etc ….)
The car has low mileage so I intend to keep it for another 2 years or more. I won’t touch the transmission until recommended by my mechanic. I will have it looked at with every oil change though. I wanna be timely on that change.
If the car lasts that long, I wouldn’t mind getting a new transmission for it.
I also intend on getting a tune up every so often (if needed) & I want to add some anti-theft devices to it (catalytic converter cover plate & a kill switch on my starter)
I seriously think that after all of the repairs, maintenance, & anti-theft tools, this truck could easily go for $5,000 on the used car market. It’ll be my everyday driver until then, but I COULD make some money on this thing, if I want too.
- Rear 2 Door model
- Easy to work on
- Parts are cheap & available
- additional anti-theft devices
- well maintained & running
I’m still young, but I’m not harsh on my cars. My last one made it from 120K miles to 188K miles within a 2 year span. I can do a lot better with this one. I know it
That generation Explorer is built on the same frame as the Ford Ranger. The front and rear frames were made as separate pieces and riveted together when they made the truck. Ford used a subquality rear frame compared to the front, with a tendency for the crossmembers to rot if it has been exposed to salt over the years. My 1999 Ranger's rear frame is that way. A crossmember is almost fully rotted out. The front frame is still solid.
I do live in a very cold climate. I do intend to get a pre-purchase inspection before purchase.
My mechanic advanced me to get wider tires to keep it from rolling, but I know over time, I’ll have to replace ALL of the plastic parts. I intend to keep this car for 2 years max