Advice wanted - 04 Navigator
- Thread starter Pablo
- Start date
sleeper
Former LOD President
RE: Advice wanted - 04 Navigator
I recently bought an 02 Navigator, but the '04 is a different animal. I can't really give you any specifics on what to look for, but on a vehicle that new i think checking the documentation is most important. Carfax probably won't tell you anything as you're probably buying off the original owner, or it's a 1 owner lease, with an 04, but get a dealer (or a friend who works at a dealer) to pull an oasis report for you (oasis is the system ford uses to track warranty claims). Obviously, shop mileage, find one that's still in warranty, and shop features. Other than that, on an '04, i don't think you're going to find many problems yet.
Of course, take it for a test drive, do some WOT, shift it into 4x4 and 4 low (hold your foot on the brake and put it in neutral, then select 4 low, then wait until the light comes on to put it back in gear) and make sure all that works. Make sure the steering is tight, look very closely at the body for collision damage. Look at the core support (the beam across the top of the radiator) and look closely at the welds... if that piece has been replaced, they won't look like typical assembly line spot welds any more. Look at the rear edges of the quarter panels for the same thing. Get under the car and look very closely for anything out of the ordinary. Look at the rocker panels, quarter panels, suspension, spare tire, everything under the car. Take your time.
If the car has a moonroof, make sure it doesn't leak. Take it through a carwash. I don't know how much of the roof structure changed in '03, but when my moonroof doesn't drain properly, the water runs across the headliner, down the a-pillar, and under the carpet. The carpet will get wet next to the door, but you may have to pull off the trim panel to see if there's water underneath.
Really, just follow all the typical advice for checking out a used car. Take your time and don't get excited about a potential purchase or you'll overlook something. And that's easier said than done (i know all the tricks, but i still get excited about a new purchase...).
good luck
I recently bought an 02 Navigator, but the '04 is a different animal. I can't really give you any specifics on what to look for, but on a vehicle that new i think checking the documentation is most important. Carfax probably won't tell you anything as you're probably buying off the original owner, or it's a 1 owner lease, with an 04, but get a dealer (or a friend who works at a dealer) to pull an oasis report for you (oasis is the system ford uses to track warranty claims). Obviously, shop mileage, find one that's still in warranty, and shop features. Other than that, on an '04, i don't think you're going to find many problems yet.
Of course, take it for a test drive, do some WOT, shift it into 4x4 and 4 low (hold your foot on the brake and put it in neutral, then select 4 low, then wait until the light comes on to put it back in gear) and make sure all that works. Make sure the steering is tight, look very closely at the body for collision damage. Look at the core support (the beam across the top of the radiator) and look closely at the welds... if that piece has been replaced, they won't look like typical assembly line spot welds any more. Look at the rear edges of the quarter panels for the same thing. Get under the car and look very closely for anything out of the ordinary. Look at the rocker panels, quarter panels, suspension, spare tire, everything under the car. Take your time.
If the car has a moonroof, make sure it doesn't leak. Take it through a carwash. I don't know how much of the roof structure changed in '03, but when my moonroof doesn't drain properly, the water runs across the headliner, down the a-pillar, and under the carpet. The carpet will get wet next to the door, but you may have to pull off the trim panel to see if there's water underneath.
Really, just follow all the typical advice for checking out a used car. Take your time and don't get excited about a potential purchase or you'll overlook something. And that's easier said than done (i know all the tricks, but i still get excited about a new purchase...).
good luck
RE: Advice wanted - 04 Navigator
My 03 had a few issues. My dads 04 has been rock solid - only had to replace the front brakes on the 04.
For me(03) one day I noticed a slight shake while at a stop light or stop sign. No SES light though the Dealer confirmed a cylinder was intermittently dropping. New motor installed. 20k later the SES is on and theres a shake. Turns out the cylinder head was defective.
Had issues with the power liftgate motors getting weak - replaced.
So I would try to get as much documentation on previous maintenenace as possible and remember premium fuel is required.
If it was maintained properly you shouldn't have any major issues.
On my 03 Ford did ALL the maintenance till 45k but no deal on the 04 - so you want to make sure all the fluids and services are up to par.
My 03 had a few issues. My dads 04 has been rock solid - only had to replace the front brakes on the 04.
For me(03) one day I noticed a slight shake while at a stop light or stop sign. No SES light though the Dealer confirmed a cylinder was intermittently dropping. New motor installed. 20k later the SES is on and theres a shake. Turns out the cylinder head was defective.
Had issues with the power liftgate motors getting weak - replaced.
So I would try to get as much documentation on previous maintenenace as possible and remember premium fuel is required.
If it was maintained properly you shouldn't have any major issues.
On my 03 Ford did ALL the maintenance till 45k but no deal on the 04 - so you want to make sure all the fluids and services are up to par.