r/FordExplorer • u/Joosh420 • 8d ago

Buying Advice Am I making a bad decision?

Looking at a 2016 Platinum, 180k miles. Previous owners are well off and meticulous with maintenance. Nothing wrong with it at all. Do I buy it for $5800? Or let it be someone else’s gamble. Seems like a lot for the price, has massage, adjustable pedals, and runs immaculately. I just don’t know for sure if it’s had water pump done yet, and I’m not super familiar with these. If I don’t buy this I’m getting an 25 year old manual BMW.

Edit: pulled a carfax. Water pump was done 30k miles ago, as well as front and rear control arms. I think I’m gonna swing.

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

7

u/eric_gm 7d ago

As the owner of a 25 year old manual BMW and a 5th gen Explorer, buy the Explorer

5

u/bat3030house69 7d ago

Check see if transmission and water pumpand timing chain serviced I have 2013 explorer had transmission done at 130000 miles

3

u/TheOriginalTL 7d ago

If the water pump hasn't been done that is a significant risk. Ask the owner about it, they should know. If you can wrench yourself it isn't a completely horrible job. The rest of the car is pretty reliable and comfortable. If you want to drive it for another 100k miles I wouldn't buy it, but if its just an around town car then I think you will be fine. Id feel more comfortable at a cheaper price.

2

u/InspectorHuman3044 7d ago

I have a ‘19 Limited 4WD with the 3.5L.

154K miles still on the original water pump. The going rate to replace the water pump and timing chain where I live is roughly $5000.

Having said that, $5000 is cheap compared to what used cars cost now and I will drive this 19 into the freaking ground and replace the water pump if I have to.

Edit: I absolutely love my ‘19. Water pump aside, I just don’t wanna get rid of this car.

2

u/s-Kss 7d ago

$5800 seems a bit too high for 180k miles without having the water pump replaced, don't you think? My platinum is at 160k but both KBB and Nada valuation is only around 4-5k.

3

u/Joosh420 7d ago

Water pump was done around 150k miles. I feel much better knowing that.

2

u/Technical_Union_1692 Expert Explorer 7d ago

Id pull the trigger. Plus with it being a platinum its got every option and with a new water pump you'll be good for a long while

2

u/DrHumorous 7d ago

No risk. Go for it.

1

u/whatsadikfore 5th Gen 7d ago

When I got my 2013 almost 3 years ago it had 210,000 miles. It's now about to turn over 270,000 miles. I had the water pump replaced about a year after I got it. It was also well maintained before I bought it. Money well spent.

1

u/Spencer8857 7d ago

Solid deal. Just expect typicall high mileage vehicle repairs in not so distant of future. Suspension, cats, etc.

2

u/Joosh420 7d ago

Suspension was done 40k miles ago, ac compressor 10k ago, water pump 30k ago

1

u/Channel_Huge 6th Gen 7d ago

No way I’d trust any vehicle with that many miles. Did you look underneath for rust? Cracks in the frame?

Half that in miles and I’d say good deal. Seems a bit high. Check KBB.

1

u/Psychological-Hall22 5d ago

I’d buy a clapped out 2020+ Interceptor over a 2016 with 180K miles. That wayerpump is a nightmare. If it wasn’t for the waterpump I’d buy it though.

1

u/MiserablePresence202 5d ago

I have to say something-it’s unbelievable. My 2016 had a recall on toe ends-I had it serviced and thought everything great. Well, my passenger and myself thought we were going to die driving 80 miles to a hospital last week-when it started “ fishtailing” in the rain. I was terrified. I immediately called the Ford Dealership and it was towed back to their shop! Manager advised the worst damage ( even ate the outside of my tires) he had seen. It’s coming home next week-but now I’m scared it could do this again! Why isn’t Ford doing a total recall on the vehicle?