Ford Explorer: Newbie buying question

I'm in the market for an SUV to tow a 3000 lb. trailer. I'll use the vehicle
only on weekends, so I won't put over 3,000-5,000 miles a year on it.

I'm looking at used 98-2000 model Explorers. I'd like to spend no more than
$9,000. I found a used 2WD XLT model with 115k miles for $7,000 which seemed to
be a good deal. Your thoughts?

I'd appreciate any tips on what to look for / what to avoid, etc.

Thanks

My experience with trades is that the dealer charges a higher price
for the vehicle to be purchased and then allows wholesale book, at
best, as trade in. On my last vehicle purchase, I finally realized
that I was giving the dealer my trade in and we negotiated a price
close to invoice for the new vehicle. I kept my trade in and sold it
myself. That deal turned out about $2,000 better for me. Just my
$.02 worth.

On Thu, 30 Oct 2003 12:48:33 GMT, "wth" <com> wrote: