Used Car Buying Advice - HELP ME PLEASE!!

Asked by CheapUsedCar2018 Aug 21, 2018 at 10:18 PM about the 2002 Ford Explorer

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

Hello!

I am looking to purchase a reliable used SUV. I
need it for driving in town - not much highway
driving. I am a basketball coach and I'm always
running around from gym to gym hauling
equipment. I'm only 23 years old and I don't have a
lot of money, so I am pretty cheap. My budget is
$1500 to $2000 CAD ($1200 to 1500 US). I am
willing to pay an additional $1500 to $2000 ($1200
to 1500 US) on repairs. I am hoping for a car with
under 130000km (80000 miles), year 2000 or later.
Is this reasonable??? Can I expect to get
something half decent at these prices?

Two Ads That Interest Me

"2009 Dodge Journey SXT: $6500 CAD ($5000 US)
132,000 kilometres (82000 miles)
In great shape, all recalls completed
Professionally detailed"

I haven't test driven the Journey yet, but I will go
see it tomorrow.

"2002 V6 Ford Explorer XLT: $3600 CAD ($2800
US)
182000km (115000 miles).
Set of Winter tires on rims included with price. Very
clean vehicle, one owner."

I went to test drive the Explorer and I actually liked
it. I could feel it's age while driving, but it still had a
lot of power and handled well. The steering was a
little tight, but breaks felt strong and the car had
pick up. Power lock problems, speaker blown on
one side, not a big deal. Windshield is cracked so I
will have to replace that. It was a lot louder than I
expected it to sound (more like a truck than a
modern SUV). It sounded like my 2003 pathfinder
that I had from 210000km (130000 miles) to
240000km (150000 miles) and it never gave me
any big problems. Car owner's husband is a
mechanic and did the work on the vehicle. He
installing a stabilizer bar for the rear before selling
it.

Do these cars seem decent to you? Any help is
appreciated, just trying to get the best deal on my
new car.

2 Answers

Of the two I would go with the Explorer but you should check out RAV4's and CRV's.

1 people found this helpful.

Ended up finding a well taken care of 2007 4Runner with 123000 miles for $5800 US ($7500 CAD). Couldn't pass up the deal.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2002 Ford Explorer

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    30,850
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,790
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,280
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Expedition
835 Great Deals out of 22,950 listings starting at $675
Used Ford F-150
6,118 Great Deals out of 131,394 listings starting at $900
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,045 Great Deals out of 20,265 listings starting at $1,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,644 Great Deals out of 49,657 listings starting at $624
Used Toyota Highlander
1,264 Great Deals out of 18,359 listings starting at $675
Used Dodge Durango
818 Great Deals out of 20,906 listings starting at $550
Used Honda Pilot
996 Great Deals out of 29,394 listings starting at $950
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,122 Great Deals out of 19,226 listings starting at $1,800
Used Ford Escape
2,379 Great Deals out of 45,678 listings starting at $475
Used GMC Yukon
692 Great Deals out of 11,343 listings starting at $1,950
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,197 Great Deals out of 132,309 listings starting at $1,000

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Ford Explorer For Sale
4 Great Deals out of 32,082 listings starting at $32,145
2023 Ford Explorer For Sale
221 Great Deals out of 8,869 listings starting at $27,998
2022 Ford Explorer For Sale
311 Great Deals out of 3,420 listings starting at $16,500
2021 Ford Explorer For Sale
491 Great Deals out of 5,486 listings starting at $14,900
2020 Ford Explorer For Sale
342 Great Deals out of 3,447 listings starting at $13,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.