Help a Girl Out?

Hello, my name is Amanda and I usually just watch as my boyfriend spends hours on these newsgroups, but I figured I'd see if I could get some advice myself. I'm looking at trading in my current car (95 Honda Civic 2 dr) for a

2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

I've done some research and have found mixed reviews. I know usually the first year of production isn't always the most reliable way to go so I'm getting a little nervous and possibly glad I haven't signed any papers yet. The model I'm looking at has just under 75k miles, 4 doors, 4.0 V6, automatic tranny, 4x4, AC, power windows/locks, towing package and other equipment that shouldn't affect the deal as far as I can tell.

During the test drive the front driver side tire seemed a bit off balance and the tranny fluid was a bit off colored (possibly never been changed?). Other than that the truck was in pretty good condition and great to drive. The dealer was willing to look into both issues and correct them. My biggest worries are: the tranny (the fluid and the towing package - I've heard the Explorer/Ranger trannies can be unreliable at times), and the fact that this was the first production year. I talked them down to $12,966 and after taxes, fees, etc comes to $15,366.

I'll admit I'm no car expert, so I'm asking for your help. Have you owned this vintage? If so how has it been as far as maintence/performance/etc? Does the price seem reasonable, KBB comes out at almost $14k, so that seems pretty good. I am really interested in the truck - even with today's gas prices - but I don't want to buy a lemon either. I would really appreciate any and all help you can give me. Thanks so much.

If you could please reply on here or e-mail me @ snipped-for-privacy@msn.com that would be great!

Amanda

Reply to
Carl
Loading thread data ...

Oooohhh, Carl got a sweetie!!!!

You sound fairly savvy, Amanda but lets discuss a couple of things....

Buying the first year of a "new" vehicle is rarely wise.... after 5 years, you can pretty well bet that any teething pains have been dealt with and the car should be a pretty fair bet (unless you see a bunch of class action suits).

Your concerns (the trans fluid and vibration) should be made a "condition of purchase" and written into the agreement or dealt with to your satisfaction before you commit to the purchase. Bear in mind, the dealer is going to try and maximize his profit margin and simply service the trans and balance the tires (if you said "this" tire feels out of balance, you have a 50/50 chance that "this tire" is the only one he will balance. Simply servicing the trans is about all you can expect... for the tires I would have shot for a "rotate and balance 4" and nothing less....

Many dealers here in Canada will offer a satisfaction guarranty period.... anywhere between 30 and 90 days - some with a mileage limit, some without... If your dealer offers this, consider whether it is a "replacement" or "cash back" type of deal and which one you feel comfortable with.

Above all else.... use an independant or impartial mechanic to check the vehicle out for you.... A knowledgeable, disinterested third party is well worth the money spent in both peace of mind and avoiding a money pit. Purchasing a used vehicle doesn't have to be the "white knuckle" experience that so many feel they need to endure....

Reply to
Jim Warman

Around here, (Iowa) I would not pay over 12k period for the 6 year old vehicle, Edmonds shows it with red paint and auto trans in good cond at $12,900, dealer retail. Also of note: whatever your spending on gas IS going to almost TRIPLE. Also, what are they going to give you for trade-in value on your civic? What your doing IS to the dealer's advantage: Your buying something that's hard for them to sell and your trading in something the dealer wants in this current market of high gas prices. Your insurance will go up also. wth

Reply to
wth

My advice - run away!

$13k for a 6 year old vehicle is asking for trouble. I suggest you examine your reasons for wanting Sa port Trac. Do you need to tow anything? Do you need more interior room? Do you need 4WD? Do you need a tiny bed that is harrdly large enough for a bicycle with the tailgate down and no tonneau?

In my opinion (and take that for what it is), the Sport Trac is not a praticularly attractive pacakge. It is a poor pick-up truck, a poor SUV, and pricey to boot. A 2001 Explorer 4 Door is a far better vehicle, unless for some reason you just have to have the small open bed at the rear. And finally, 2001 is not a particualrly good year for a Sport Trac even if it is exactly the sort of vehicle you want. Improvements were made for subsequent years.

BTW, I just sold a 2003 Expedition with 92,000 miles for less than what the dealer is asking you to pay for the Sport Trac. And my Expedition was in good condition. The local papers are full of individuals selling new SUVs in good condition for less tan $13K.

In Summary - Run Away! Keep the Civic and buy a 10 year old Ranger tfor those times you need a truck.

Regards,

Ed White

Reply to
C. E. White

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.