Too many miles for an Explorer?
 

Apperently, you are in auto repair business, and this raises a serious
question: how can you possibly be an owner of a ford???




Dr. Bob wrote:
> Jeff:
>
> Like any high mileage car, you are buying the previous owners'
> problems and service history. You need to verify the service
history,
> and your mechanic will itemize current problems as part of the
> pre-purchase inspection.
>
>
> Does your son need 4WD at college? The 4WD system adds to
maintenence
> worries, gas mileage and insurance costs. Most owners ignore the
> service requirements, and take the cars to quick-lube places for
basic
> services only. If you do opt for 4WD, make sure the inspection
> includes detailed inspection of the 4WD system beyond 'it seems to
> work OK.' Auto hub replacement is in the $700 range at the Ford
> store, to give you an idea of what can ruin your day in a hurry.
>
> Transmission service is vital to the long-term survival of the
> Explorer. The factory makes a recommendation only in cars that have
> been in 'severe service', for fluid changes every 25-30k depending on
> year. Experience has shown that underserviced transmissions last
> about 60k on average, based on an informal survey of Explorer owners
> here in the group. By 125k, you would statistically have just had
> your third transmission installed, or be due for one soon. Look for
> service records to support any claims of regular frequent service or
> recent overhauls.
>
> Brakes are an area of concern. Your well maintained car will have
> good pads (inspected of course) and will have no pedal pulsing, a
sign
> of warped brake rotors.
>
>
> Look at kbb.com and edmunds.com for comparable values in your area on
> this car, and also look at consumers digest for known repair
problems
> and watchouts. The NADA dealer purchase guide is in most libraries,
> and credit unions and banks will happily share thier views and info
on
> comparable costs and values in your local market. They don't like to
> overloan on cars.
>
>
> Depending on where you live, a later model high mileage is better
> than an early model with the same mileage, if only because of rust
> concerns. Your car will likely have only the driver's seat worn,
with
> no kid damage to upholstery. Most Limiteds seemed to come with
> leather, so except for some scuffing you should be fine.
>
>
> Enjoy your car, but be sure to budget for some repair costs.
> Expecting another 60k free from a car with this many miles is not
> realistic, no matter how well the previous owner took care of it.
>
>
> dr bob
> 138k on '92 XLT and going strong.
>
>
> (JeffCee) wrote:
>
> >Hello. I am new to this group and would appreciate some feedback on
a 1995
> >Explorer Limited 4WD that I am considering buying. The mileage is
123,000. The
> >vehicle appears very well maintained and drives quite well. I had a
mechanic
> >check it out and he said the car was "solid". I will put
12,000-15,000mi/yr on
> >it and would like it to get my son through college (5years). The
selling price
> >is $13,000 which seems reasonable compared to what is available with
lower
> >miles. I have run cars to 180,000+ with little difficulty but my
only
> >experience with a SUV has been a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee that
nickled and
> >dimed me to death before I unloaded it at 105,000mi.
> >Thanks in advance for any/all input.
> >Jeff