I purchased my 02 Mountaineer May 2001. I was the 1st to purchase this particular SUV in the St Louis Metropolitan area I kept up on the routine oil changes and maintenance as scheduled.

10 1/2 years later while heading to work one morning the SUV started bucking and spitting oil all over the place I was able to steer it off to the side of the road, I shut the engine off, raised the hood to investigate, waited a few minutes, attempted to start it again out can a loud puff of smoke and a splattered of oil and the was the last sound she ever made. The vehicle was towed to Dobbs and after a thorough diagnostic check the engine was dead.

They were willing to replace it with a rebuilt engine for about $6500 (not including the $$ for any extra parts that might be needed). I contacted the dealership to see what the cost would be (over $7000). Fortunately, the service manager called me back and told me that he was on duty the day I purchased the vehicle and had vowed that if there was anything that he could do to keep my Mountaineer on the road he would do it. Thus, he ordered the engine (shiny as could be) for me knocked off certain fees + applied discounts and any commissions that he would have gotten went towards the repairs. What could have been an easy $8000-$12000 repair bill turned out to be a little over $6000 (mostly labor cost). It took 3 days to replace the engine, but I was impressed that the Manager approved a 4-day car rental with insurance that didn't cost me a dime.

It was not some small crappy vehicle but a full size 2010 Ford Explorer fully loaded and a full tank of gas. That turned out well for me and my family. I love my SUV and I had always said as long as I can keep it running and looking good, I would pay a few 1000's, if it means avoiding a 3-5 year car note payment. So before you go buying a new vehicle please count the cost (a one-time payment now or 1000s of $$$ later.