PCA Forums

I'm trying to save some moolah and I'm in the market for an older vehicle, specifically a Ford Explorer... but, in the past I've usually had cars with relatively low miles, like below 70k, is it that risky to get one with higher mileage, like over 100k? I know buying a used car there's always some risk... I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that vehicles with high miles can still be pretty reliable...?

if your going to buy an explorer with over 100k miles, make sure it's a v8. You also want to check for oil leaks and do check the service records. Service records will show you if it has been taken care of or not.

ford? over 100k? nah, they cant go that far...

Seriously though. I dont think it would be a problem but make sure your handy with a wrench because you will have to fix it regularly. Probably be mostly little things. Things that I would look for are how the trans shifts and CHECK THE FLUID. If it looks dark or smells burnt walk away. Also gun the engine a few times and have someone stand behind it looking for white smoke or blue smoke and smell for oil burning. Minor oil leaks are to be expected on older vehicles but steer clear of the ones with bad leaks. I consider a minor leak to be one that you cant actually see drips on the frame or under the engine. Also power windows can be expensive to repair so ensure that those are all working properly.

But honestly your best bet would be to find an older nissan pathfinder or toyota 4runner with little rust. Those are vehicles that will last forever. If you can drive a manual trans then get a manual as I believe a stick to last longer than an auto by a long shot. Clutches are the only thing to worry about.


hope i helped ya

get a toyota that is taken care of. Mine came with 123k on it a 91' and it is only at half of its life !

if you care about durability, the japanese companies will give you the same performance, but require less maintenance. now doesnt that sound appealing?

Originally posted by ShibasScotch
get a toyota that is taken care of. Mine came with 123k on it a 91' and it is only at half of its life !

OK we'll check back with you in 2011.

Well this is 3 weeks old now but the wife and I decided to skip the SUV thing and stick with a mini-van for now. Better gas mileage, overall safer, and just plain more practical with the baby, so we got a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country and we really like it. Once the boy grows up we'll probably go with one of them new fangled sports wagons like the Pacifica or Magnum...

well if you ever get back to it I have a 91 Ford Explorer - currently with 124k - I bought it with about 100k - it was the car that was used by the salesman at a car place to run errands - it's a v6 - broken gas gauge and so forth but all i've had to do is replace an alternator in about 20 mos. the real issue withg the older explorers is the 4wd very expensive to fix if the front tranny starts acting up - although the guy at the flea market next to work just converted his to manual hubs on the front...hehe

a guy in my office has had three explorers and they have all dinged 200K