2001 SportTrac Purchase Questions (HELP!!)

[Jay Mcknight]

I found a 2001 sporttrac loaded with leather and all the toys. It has 119,000 miles on it and the seller wants $7,900 for it kbb lists it for almost $12,000 any comments from anyone with a 2001 would be gr8!!!!

 

[Larry Phillips]

What would you like to know? I have 104,800 almost trouble free miles on my ST. I'm extremely happy with it, and she's been very reliable. I've only had problems with a $60 DPFE sensor, and my driver's side door latch. I bought mine used as well 2 1/2 years with 69,000 on it at the time.

 

[DougRuth Davenport]

I don't post often but follow this site every day and have asked many questions of theese fine folks here. I purchased my "01" Trac about 1 1/2 years ago with 61,000 miles, used. I Imeadiately had the tranny flushed after reading on this site and I now have 87,000 trouble free miles on it and I love it. Mine is a "Job 1" as I learned here but I can't remember how to tell that. I would like better gas mileage though. That sounds like a good price to me.

 

[Larry Phillips]

You can tell by the build date sticker. Pre June 2000 is a Job 1, and post June 2000 is a Job 2. Also, the intake manifold cover looks differant, and the oil filler cap is on differant sides.



Here is a Job 1 engine:

[Broken External Image]:



Here's my Job 2 engine:

[Broken External Image]:

 

[Robert Stanton]

I'd seriously consider getting it checked out by a mechanic, and ask to see any service records. Was it serviced regularly? Has it had any major issues, or been in any accidents? All the normal questions...



Otherwise, you're gonna see a lot of very happy people posting about their STs here. And it does sound like a great deal.

 

[Jay Mcknight]

ty,



can you guys tell me if a job 1 is better than a job 2 or the other way around??? Also has anyone had any experience changing there own trani fluid????

 

[Hal S]

Job 2 has become the "standard", as far as parts interchangeability.

I second the "have it checked out". Signs of abuse, worn suspension components, and accident damage may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

 

[Robert Poole]

Agreed, If the 2001 was well taken care of the it is worth it. My 'Trac has 93,000 miles on her and she has been great with the exception of a DPFE and a IAC.



Have a good one



Bob

 

[Dre L]

I love my 2001 job 2, at 60K miles, I've only had very minor issues. I take care of it though.

 

[Michael Cacioppo]

Changing your own tranny fluid is not a hard job. There is a project on it. I would have the following done before buying it. Have a mechanic do a compression check, look at the vacuum with a gauge while running, c/o for major under body rust, exhaust, brakes etc.



Things that you can do yourself and therefore I would not be too concerned are:

Brakes/rotors

muffler/exhaust repace (cat back)

shocks.



After getting the evaluation from the mechanic, consider the cost of fixing any of the deficient items and add that into to your expected cost. Most likely it will be a good deal for you. Don't forget to demo the Trac on the road, bumpy and highway. Good luck ....mikeC

 

[Michael Cacioppo]

Changing your own tranny fluid is not a hard job. There is a project on it. I would have the following done before buying it. Have a mechanic do a compression check, look at the vacuum with a gauge while running, c/o for major under body rust, exhaust, brakes etc.



Things that you can do yourself and therefore I would not be too concerned are:

Brakes/rotors

muffler/exhaust repace (cat back)

shocks.



After getting the evaluation from the mechanic, consider the cost of fixing any of the deficient items and add that into to your expected cost. Most likely it will be a good deal for you. Don't forget to demo the Trac on the road, bumpy and highway. Good luck ....mikeC

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Be careful these days with vehicles being sold a lot below book value. There will be a lot of flood damaged vehicles from the hurricanes that some will be trying to sell.

 

[mookie]

There will be a lot of flood damaged vehicles from the hurricanes that some will be trying to sell.

To help you avoid cars with water damage, CARFAX offers these tips:



Check – Check the trunk, glove compartment, the dashboard and below the seats for signs of water damage such as silt, mud or rust.





Examine – Examine upholstery and carpeting closely; if it doesn't match the interior or fits loosely, it may have been replaced. Discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate water damage.





Turn-on – Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges come on and work properly. Make sure the airbag and ABS lights come on.





Test – Test lights (interior and exterior), windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.





Flex – Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack.





Smell – Take a deep breath and smell for musty odors from mildew.





Visit –Go to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Always get vehicles checked BEFORE handing over any money.





Ask – Ask to see a detailed vehicle history report. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports can reveal many hidden problems from a vehicle's past, including flood titles and will indicate if a vehicle has been titled/registered in at-risk areas during flood and hurricane seasons. If the seller does not offer a report, use the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) available on the dashboard to check the car's history at carfax.com.







Link to Carfax below: