Hey Guys,
New poster from Raleigh, NC. Currently in a 2005 Ford Explorer. I am looking at a 2008 Armada with 74,000 miles. Sticker price is $20,000.
I took a test drive today. Tranny shifted fine, engine felt good. All bells and whistles worked. 4x4 shifted in High just fine, no clunks, etc. I did not test 4 low. Brakes were good, new tires.
I looked underneath, no rust etc.
I plan on taking to a mechanic to have a quick look.
Any tips or suggestions to have mechanic check?? Any issues with these trucks around 75,000 miles??
Which Model is it, Platinum, Titanium ect.. Look for Air compressor leaks, any leaks, rust, cracks, Air vents for working correctly. I just came from a Expy, the Armada is a Bad arse and safe SUV. In our state the SUV/Truck market is High priced. Anything with less than 75K for under 20K is hard to find less than 5 years old. Welcome to the forum from NC.
Price sounds good to me for what I have found in NC. Yea try and beat them down as much as you can. You can always buy into a Extended warranty. New they start at $52,000 retail just looked at the 4x4 models the other day.
Holy springs, I been there a time or two, I live just north of Charlotte nc near Lake Norman. I see a few Armadas on local Nissan lots, we bought ours at a used Honda dealer as a certified car with warranty. There very nice Suv's.
You might want to check out one of our member Grill that is selling his 07. With all the goodies. Lifted, audio system, etc. For the same price. Did I say it was lifted? only like ~30 lifted armada exist currently maybe less.
1. Front Differential Pinion seal is leaking - replace
2. Serpentine Belt is dry and squeaky - replace
3. Battery terminals are corroded - MAY need to be replaced
4. Rear brakes have about 30% left
5. Front, left strut is starting to "sweat" - advised to watch closely
6. Power steering high pressure line is starting to "sweat" - also watch closely
7. Exhaust manifold has a little rust - but looks and sounds ok
This is from a trusted mechanic. Quoted approximately $1,500 for all repairs, which include going to Nissan dealer for some which he can not do.
When I went back to dealer, they lowered the price from $20,995 to $19,000. Offered me $7,000 for my 2005 Ford Explorer, so I would owe $12,000.
So, what do you guys think? Any of these issues something I would walk away from?
Have you thought about selling your explorer privately? Might get more for it. I was going to trade in my E320 but dealer low-balled me so kept it. Planning to put it on Craigslist when I decide to sell it.
KBB Suggested retail for that car is about $20K. Private Party in Very Good condition is a bit under $18K. $19K seems to be a fair price. Any kind of warranty being offered?
At least the costly ones. Might regret it later if it ends up costing you more than initially expected. Even if they raise the price a bit, it's peace of mind it got repaired.