2002 Mercury Mountaineer 2x4 90,000

Mag48 · #1 09-26-2008, 06:16 PM

Im looking at buying a used Mountaineer for my first car. The car seems to be nice and pretty loaded, climate control, heated seats, ect. I have read alot of horror stories on the 2002 Ford Explorer. Is the Mountaineer going to have as many trasmission problems/problems in general? What are some things i should check before I purchase the vehical? The guy is only asking $5500 out the door since its only a 2x4. Does this sound like a good deal or should I pass it up?
Thanks

shorod · #2 09-26-2008, 09:23 PM

Welcome to the forum!

As a 2x4, I suspect that has the V6 and 5-speed transmission. Yeah, that's the same driveline that's in the Explorer. If it's been maintained well though, it should be a good vehicle. When judging based on "horror stories," keep in mind the number of these on the road (lots of them out there) and that bad news always travels faster than good news.

If you know of a reputable mechanic in your area, take the potential purchase by there (schedule an appointment) and have them check it over for purchase. The cost of the professional checkout will be a small investment considering the amount of money and frustration it could save you in the long run. Since this could be your first car, you may not know of a reputable shop in your area. Check with your friends, family, and co-workers on where they might suggest you take it.

-Rod

Mag48 · #3 09-26-2008, 11:05 PM

Does the price sound more than reasonable? Surprisingly it has the V8 engine.

shorod · #4 09-27-2008, 10:15 AM

It looks like even the V8 2002 has the 5 speed automatic, so it would be prone to the same issues as other 2002s. However, this same basic transmission was also used in the Lincoln LS (both V6 and V8) and there are not a lot of reports of the transmissions completely failing. They had a lot of issues with shift solenoid packs in the pre-2003 models, but it does not require removing or rebuidling the transmission to replace that.

As for the value, that is very dependent upon the options and condition of the vehicle, as well as how well it's been maintained. Check out some of the online estimators (www.kbb.com, www.edmunds.com, www.nada.com), enter the appropriate information for options and condition, then see what they say. Going by the common options for a 2002 Mountaineer 2WD V8 with 90k miles in the Sterling, IL area, the asking price would imply the vehicle is somewhere between good and excellent condition, but it wouldn't imply the asking price is a good bargain (assuming this is a private party rather than a used car lot). Having the vehicle checked over by a trustworthy mechanic will help make the determination on the condition of the vehicle as well.

-Rod

mountainman1 · #5 10-02-2008, 08:04 PM

to be honest...for that price..i'd take it...even though i like AWD...2x4 would be fine as well..the wife could drive it...for that money...if nothing is wrong with it now...i'd go for it....if by chance down the road she fails...worry about fixing her then....blue book has to be alot more then that on her....

mines a 98...had 132k on her when i got it, and still runs great.......clean as hell.....i heard all the stories on them as well...the only problem i have is that the mileage sucks..but i just ordered the Gibson cat back exhaust for it and will give her a tune up......and my remote mirror and door lock switches don't work..but they are being fixed..no big deal...i like the SUV...you will to...

Mag48 · #6 10-02-2008, 09:11 PM

I think were going to take it to. With all the features it has for only being 5500 I think its an incredible deal for such a great looking car. I just hope its runs good for a few years. How can a Ford Explorer of the same year sell for more than the Mercury mountaineer with 3x the features? That still confuses me.

mountainman1 · #7 10-03-2008, 12:29 PM

i think it will do you well for that price...like i said..i would buy it ...i'm more for the older body style though...but for that price...it would of been the wifes in a heartbeat

as for the price difference...

.i think it has in my opinion the FORD name on it...people always have loved FORDS...Mercury comes in second...JMO...

but hey,....lets not complain...were getting a SUV cheaper...and it the same SUV as a FORD..just different outside skin on it....

... i like the looks of the Exploder...but i like the Luxury that comes with the Mercury name...i may think about a LINCOLN next....you can pick them up cheap as well right now....good luck with yours...keep us posted....

Mag48 · #8 10-03-2008, 11:26 PM

We did look at Lincolns and there reliability rating was much higher. The price was also about twice is high but at the same time twice the luxury features.

mountainman1 · #9 10-06-2008, 09:02 PM

well did you buy it yet.....a guy here did this to his...mine is the same colors....the wheels give me an idea to fill up the wheel well for spring...i have all winter to think about it.not saying i'll do the same wheel.....

mountainman1 · #10 10-06-2008, 09:07 PM

this is my jem.............notice the rear wing.you can kida see it......i think it adds to the line of the SUV....

Mag48 · #11 10-06-2008, 09:09 PM

Nice! I like your status about the gas thing to by the way! Not to rub it in but I just paid $2.86 per gallon of Unleaded! Gas is a record low for my area right now!

mountainman1 · #12 10-07-2008, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mag48

Nice! I like your status about the gas thing to by the way! Not to rub it in but I just paid $2.86 per gallon of Unleaded! Gas is a record low for my area right now!

3.23 here..

....going down slow....but you know as well as i do...it will spike back up....

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