Found a dealer selling a ‘99 ford explorer 2 door sport with 88,900 miles for $6,880. If it’s mechanically sound would this be worth it for a long term reliable suv? I don’t need anything fancy
Too much money for a nearly quarter-century-old Explorer. The mileage is very suspicious. They are not particularly reliable - and, what kind of dealer is selling a vehicle that old?
Despite a spotty record for reliability that one has already lasted long term. How much longer would you realistically expect to get out of it?
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/1999/
Hello! Though I am a big Toyota fan and that is the reason I registered here (and watch Scotty on Youtube), we also own (and have owned) many Fords and Mercs over the years. Your question immediately caught my eye as I was searching topics. Can you tell us which engine is in this Sport model that you have your eye on? Being honest, we have always owned anniversary editions or Eddie Bauer editions of Ford made vehicles so I am unfamiliar with the Sport edition Explorer you inquire about. But I would love to research it more and 'hear' what you have to say. The low mileage is curious on your find but not impossible. We have found some 'cream puffs' in our years of driving and collecting including a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis with only 14,000 miles on it when we purchased it from the gentleman consigning it for his neighbor who moved into assisted care. It was show room beautiful!
My husband and I currently have a 2002 project vehicle known as the gas guzzlin' Ford Expedition (Triton 5.4L) which we have turned into the family vacation SUV and it has been a labor of love. Paid $4,000 last year for it but have had to spend some money making it safe. However, no regrets so far! The interior in our Expedition is spotless and comfortable and the previous owner (we are second owners) did a lot to keep it on the road and in great condition. It has 195,000 miles on it. Most folks here would deem it a terrible purchase and probably be correct, but we have had a good time restoring "Big Red" and have come out spending far less than we would buying a newer vehicle with the same towing capacity and space for kids not to kill each other on 12 hour road trips. Even factoring in a new transmission which will inevitably be down the road for us. For our particular area and the extreme mark up we have seen on used Toyota vehicles, we still came out cheaper than we expected or could do buying a Sequoia or Tundra which would have been my preference. But to each their own in every situation...
So the question you ask depends on a great deal. Including your own personal feelings and needs for wanting to purchase the vehicle. In my limited experience (as an auto auction employee, auto parts rep and hobby tinkerer) I have seen wholesale dealers, consignment sales at standard used car dealerships and sometimes just older folks wanting and upgrade their well kept rides can turn up an older lower mileage vehicle that is legit on the used market. Not everyone is liar and not every older vehicle purchase is a bad one. The details of the model, the overall condition and verifying mileage and ownership would help fellow forum members give more useful advice IMO. Ford has done plenty wrong over the decades that's for sure, but their blue collar SUVs and sedans from past generations proved to be very affordable to maintain and workhorses in many cases if the owners keep them up. Especially if things like bad heater cores, broken blower doors, etc. don't bother you, it might just be a good purchase for your situation. lol! Hope this lengthy reply is helpful and look forward to reading your replies. 🙂
