I have a 02, when i got it for 1200 grand, 80 000 kilometers, about a week later, i needed a wholenew fuel system, a tune up, and some other problems, after that ran smooth, unitl now i got the check engine light about 7 months later, but well see. If shes goint o be florring it, the transfercase is done, its the weakpoint. The 02's are riddled, with preoblems, rust, trim, problematic plumbing and other bs. Going with a newer one would be really smart, the awd systems in the newer ones are a bit different, apparently they handle more like the fwd cars.

 

Had my 2002 3.0 Sport from its 3rd birthday (50k mile) until it was 7 (90k miles) and no real problems other than normal wear and tear.
Only minor problems I had was a rear ABS speed sensor ring at 55k (£150), a front speed sensor wire (£10),a split cranckcase breather pipe at 80k+ miles (replacement from dealer was 2 minute job cost around £5 for the part) and a front drop link (wear and tear at 75k miles) £10 for the part from a motorfactors as same as a Mk 3 Ford Mondeo.The rear ARB bushes were changed at around 65k at a cost of £16 if I remember.
Good luck

 

Ripper, as long as she is not flooring it, it will be just fine. The transfer cases don't like having the engine floored.

As for picking an 02 over an 04+ vehicle, living in Michigan, the 02-03 years may be more to her liking because the transfer cases tend to bias towards the rear and make driving in the snow a little easier. The power balance also makes the car a little easier to drive. But, the 04+ transfer cases are a little more sturdy, but not great.

 

remember to get snowtires.

 

Ripper, what is the "good price" you mention? For an '02 you should be able to get that pretty cheap even with the lower miles. What kind of features does it have? Is it a 2.5 or 3.0 liter? Whatever path you choose make sure it's checked out by a mechanic that is familiar with this type of car. Check for rust for sure. If you do a little searching on this site you will find a number of posts about that in the early years.

For what it's worth, I bought a 2005 3.0 sport manual a year ago with 42K miles and still under warranty for $14,400. It has every option except voice and the navigation. It also has the 18" Arubas and the carbon fiber/alcantara trim package. Been bullet proof since I got it. Got a set of Continental Super Contis before winter (had the Pirelli P Zero Neros on it) and it went through a Wisconsin winter unbelieveably (I'm too lazy to change wheeels out every fall/spring). Couldn't be more pleased with the car. Let us know what you end up with!

 

I have an 04 and I know someone with an 02. I've been lucky and my 02 friend has spent a lot of time with the mechanic. My wife says I "baby" my car, but I'm glad I spent a little more for the 04.

 

Unless you have deep pockets. I have an 03 that I got 21 months ago from a relative that had 3225 miles on it. I have had all the problems you will see in the Forum. Crappy air conditioning, squeaky steering, squeaky brake upon starting, popping up defroster vents, and the big one, this week I just replaced the transfer case with a rebuild for a total of $2,100. My wonderful piece of crap x-type has 27,841 miles on it. The only reason I don't trade it is because it is not worth a dam thing. Is it beautiful ? Yes everyone loves it and thinks it costs much more that it does. However it does cost a ****load of $$$ for repair.

 

Hear what your saying re the T/C but the other things arent usually real problems...maybe the a/c just needs to be topped up as its over 5 years old, add the additive for around GB£4 to stop the squeeky steering and glue the vent.

 

glue the vent, i treid that, they popped up again