Are maintenance records available, and when were the timing belt or chain and the transmission fluid last serviced?

At 169,493 miles, the big-ticket services are either done or due. Records tell you which.

Has the underbody been checked for rust, and are there any open safety recalls?

Older cars in salt-belt states can hide frame and brake-line corrosion. Open recalls are fixed free at a franchised dealer, but you need the VIN to check.

When were the transfer case and differential fluids last changed?

All-wheel and four-wheel-drive systems have their own service schedule that is easy to skip, and neglect is expensive.

What is the out-the-door price in writing, including the doc fee, taxes, title and any add-ons?

The advertised price is rarely what you pay. An itemized out-the-door quote exposes doc fees and pre-installed add-ons before you negotiate.

What reconditioning was done before listing, and is there a recent inspection or Carfax report?

Dealers inspect and repair trade-ins to different standards. Ask what was replaced, what was left alone and whether the state inspection is current.

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Details

Mileage	169,493 mi
Body	SUV
Transmission	Automatic
Drivetrain	4WD
Fuel	Gasoline
VIN	1FMZU74E45UA69148
Stock #	W25543A

Before you buy a used car

Pre-purchase inspection — have an independent mechanic check it before you sign
Out-the-door price — the total with taxes, title and fees — ask for it in writing
Vehicle history report — what Carfax and AutoCheck show, and what they miss
Branded titles — salvage, rebuilt and flood titles and how to spot them

Free 7-day concierge — a neutral FMYCAR advisor answers your questions about this car, no charge.

2005 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer

$3,299

Car for sale at Hi Lo Auto Sales, Frederick, MD · 169,493 mi · 4WD

Call Text Book test drive

FMYCAR take

Price position: priced $22,135 below the median of 6 similar Ford Explorer listings on FMYCAR (median $25,435).
Mileage: 169,493 miles — fewer than 0 of 6 similar cars (median 110,082 mi).
Days listed: added today. As a general rule, the longer a car sits, the more room a dealer has to negotiate.

What to ask the dealer about this 2005 Ford Explorer

Are maintenance records available, and when were the timing belt or chain and the transmission fluid last serviced?
Has the underbody been checked for rust, and are there any open safety recalls?
When were the transfer case and differential fluids last changed?
What is the out-the-door price in writing, including the doc fee, taxes, title and any add-ons?
What reconditioning was done before listing, and is there a recent inspection or Carfax report?

Read: How dealers really price your trade · Out-the-door price explained · Dealer add-ons to decline

FMYCAR is independent and advice-only. No dealer pays us.

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Hi Lo Auto Sales

Frederick, MD

515-555-0102

See all Hi Lo Auto Sales inventory · Dealer website