Update: Thanks to everyone’s advice here, I’ve decided not to buy this car. I’ll leave this post up so anyone else looking at this model can see all the helpful info. You all saved me from what might’ve been a bad fit, and I’m super grateful. This forum is awesome!
So, here’s the story: I’m buying my first car (yay!), and I need some guidance. I’m looking at a 1998 Ford Explorer with 75k miles. It looks great, but I’m not sure what to check with the car or the owner. Are there any big issues with this model? Is it reliable enough for a daily commute and some road trips? I love how it looks, but I can’t afford to pour a ton of money into repairs. What do you think? Thanks so much for your advice and for helping a first-time buyer out!
Good truck overall, but check for rust on the frame, worn ball joints, and cracked hoses. Make sure the AC and power windows work, and test drive it to see if it overheats.
At this age, tires, belts, starter, alternator, and battery might all need replacing. If it has a tow hitch, you should probably change the transmission, brake, coolant, and diff fluids.
My mom has a 2000 Explorer with the V8 and AWD, and it’s still going strong with over 200k miles. I had to borrow it for a month, and it runs like a champ. I’d take it on a road trip without hesitation.
For a ‘98 with 75k miles, I’d check the service history. Rubber parts might start failing just because of age. Be ready to replace hoses or belts. Oh, and my mom survived a head-on collision in her old Explorer, so they’re pretty tough too.
A 26-year-old car is risky as a daily driver. Even with low miles, parts could be hard to find. That said, if you can get a mechanic to check it out first, you might be okay. Personally, I’d lean toward something like an older Toyota for reliability.
@Teal
That’s fair. Thankfully, parts availability isn’t a problem where I live. Most cars I’m looking at are at least 10 years old because my budget is tight. Do you think the low mileage justifies it, or am I asking for trouble? Thanks for your input!
@Levi
Low mileage helps, but any car can have expensive problems. If you can get it inspected before buying, that’s your best bet. If the price is right, it might be worth it as a first car to learn maintenance on, but for heavy daily use, I’d still consider something newer.
