Would buying this for $900 be a bad idea?








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If you’re aware of the potential issues, it’s a steal at $900. Just get a new battery and see if it starts up. Check for a rattle at startup – if it rattles and then settles, it might need a new timing set, phasers, and rocker arms. Use a scanner to check for codes when it’s running.

Listen for a ticking noise on the passenger side that goes away as it warms up; that would mean it needs a new exhaust manifold. Also, pulling the spark plugs is worth it – if they’re Motorcraft and come out easily, someone’s already handled the broken plug issue.

It’s old, so expect to replace a lot of rubber and plastic parts, like suspension bushings and vacuum lines (especially if it’s 4WD).

Honestly, I wouldn’t go for it. Too many unknowns for something you’re planning to rely on. If you already have an Expedition, maybe use this as a parts car.

I can pretty much guarantee it’ll need a timing job, and that’s probably why it’s $900. You’ll likely be dealing with CV axles, wheel bearings, ball joints, transmission service, and diff service. If you’re handy with repairs, it could be a great project, but you’re definitely going to have a long to-do list. When there’s no battery, I always wonder if something’s being hidden. But for $900, it’s hard to pass up.

@Brooke
I’m prepared to put work into it. At that price, I know it’ll need some TLC. Supposedly, the front suspension was rebuilt, but I’ll be doing maintenance anyway.

@Brooke
It does have a battery; it’s just dead. Doesn’t seem like it’s been removed, so hopefully nothing’s being hidden.

Kai said:
@Brooke
It does have a battery; it’s just dead. Doesn’t seem like it’s been removed, so hopefully nothing’s being hidden.

Oh, got it. I thought you meant it had no battery at all. That’s good, then. Hope it works out for you!

@Brooke
Yeah, that’s what I thought too, but the seller added some engine bay pics.

$900? I’d say go for it.

Worst case, I can part it out and make my money back.

For $900, I’d grab it just as a parts donor for my ‘07 4x4.

Bring a battery with you just in case. If it starts acting up, you can always walk away. I got a 2013 with 110k for $12k, so think about whether it’s worth investing in repairs. The faded interior and plastic suggest it’s been sitting or wasn’t taken care of. I’d be cautious if it needs more than just a battery.

@Sam
It was a farm truck, so yeah, it’s definitely seen some rough use. Thinking the same thing about bringing a battery.

Kai said:
@Sam
It was a farm truck, so yeah, it’s definitely seen some rough use. Thinking the same thing about bringing a battery.

If it was a farm truck, it’s probably been put through a lot. Could be a good deal if you’re ready to work on it.

@Sam
Just to clarify, it does have a battery; it’s just gone bad.

Kai said:
@Sam
Just to clarify, it does have a battery; it’s just gone bad.

I’d still swap it out to be safe.

Sam said:

Kai said:
@Sam
Just to clarify, it does have a battery; it’s just gone bad.

I’d still swap it out to be safe.

Plan on it.

I traded in my ‘05 XLT with 239k miles and got $3500 toward a 2020. So if you’re mechanically inclined, this could be worth it for $900. Rockers could cost around $1k-2k to fix if rusted, but timing chains would be a bigger issue. Get it running and see if it’s worth keeping or trading up. Good luck!