I broke it on the test drive..

[UndercoverMopar]

Just like the title says.. I broke an Explorer ST on its test drive
I’m looking to trade in my 2015 Durango for a quicker mom mobile and have really been looking at the explorer STs (vs the significantly more expensive and horrible fuel economy Durango SRTs).
So anyhow, the dealer is one my husband used to work at and salesman knows we both race. On a straightaway he puts it in Sport and tells me to get on it. I do, I smile and note how quick it feels, and then the check engine light and coolant overheating warning comes on. I look at the temp and it’s pegged but I couldn’t figure out how to tell HOW hot it was. We limp it for a bit before pulling over. Salesman calls the dealer to come get us and was super apologetic, but I’m like “hey, at least it didn’t happen on my way home with my kids in the back ‍♀️“
So we open the hood and sure enough there’s coolant everywhere. He says “it ran out of coolant.” Which he might not be too far off on because when we got back we saw the puddle we left at a stop sign that looks like it did blow a hose.
BUT, he drove it back to the dealer limping 2 miles instead of letting it cool down.

now, I still like the truck, he might cut me an awesome because of the repor we have with them and what happened, but I’m worried about bigger problems because of it; warped heads, etc.

What are the chances of huge problems happening because of an overheated 3 mile drive on a truck with 41 miles?

they’re supposed to call me in the morning. Should I just stay away from this one and tell them to call me when another comes in?

 

[Cruising68]

I don't know about the Explorer but many vehicles go into limp mode when something is wrong and will protect the motor like in the case of running out of coolant. But then again like you said, you don't know how hot it got. 230-240, no big deal IMO.

 

[UndercoverMopar]

I don't know about the Explorer but many vehicles go into limp mode when something is wrong and will protect the motor like in the case of running out of coolant. But then again like you said, you don't know how hot it got. 230-240, no big deal IMO.

Wonder if that would be something the computer will log?

 

[Cruising68]

Wonder if that would be something the computer will log?

Definitely will log the overheat, don't know if the temp would be. I would push for a full dump of the codes and messages before buying. If he gives you the run around, get an extra warranty out of him or run.

 

[ZRX61]

Walk away from that one.

 

[RapidRedST]

Walk away from that one.

2nd that

 

[UndercoverMopar]

Walk away from that one.

I was afraid of that. The owner of the dealership was saying even if it had engine damage, they could do an engine swap under warranty… but I can only imagine the headache that comes with it, or getting to that point (how many trips to the dealer before they diagnose properly, etc)

 

[northof60expST]

One can only think that the salesman has done a few test drives with that ST and telling everyone the same thing..."Now get on it!" The power sells but.....

 

[UndercoverMopar]

One can only think that the salesman has done a few test drives with that ST and telling everyone the same thing..."Now get on it!" The power sells but.....

Actually it only had 41 miles on it and he had driven it 20 miles that day “to show to someone.” So I’m thankful it happened when it did and not after any paperwork was signed!

 

[ZRX61]

I was afraid of that. The owner of the dealership was saying even if it had engine damage, they could do an engine swap under warranty… but I can only imagine the headache that comes with it, or getting to that point (how many trips to the dealer before they diagnose properly, etc)

And the putz salesman drove it two miles back to the dealer with no coolant. Idiots like that don't need to be working anywhere around cars.

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

Just like the title says.. I broke an Explorer ST on its test drive ...

Actually, you didn't break it. It broke itself.

Should I just stay away from this one and tell them to call me when another comes in?

Ask them about a discount and a free extended warranty.

 

[boosted_st]

I was afraid of that. The owner of the dealership was saying even if it had engine damage, they could do an engine swap under warranty… but I can only imagine the headache that comes with it, or getting to that point (how many trips to the dealer before they diagnose properly, etc)

I can tell you right now an engine replacement is something you really don't want to have to deal with. I had to have mine replaced, I have been without my vehicle 4 months this year, been back 3 times, and still need to go back due to the lack of quality from the job that was done.

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

Of course no one wants to be involved with an engine replacement. But I had one done by a dealer some 15 years ago and it took 3 weeks. They gave me a free loaner to drive and I never had any problems with the car afterwards. It should also be noted when we say "engine replacement" it usually doesn't mean the entire engine assembly but just the long block. If the OP doesn't get offered a substantial discount and a complimentary extended warranty, common sense dictates buying somewhere else.

 

[Cajun Heat]

I was afraid of that. The owner of the dealership was saying even if it had engine damage, they could do an engine swap under warranty… but I can only imagine the headache that comes with it, or getting to that point (how many trips to the dealer before they diagnose properly, etc)

Our first ST had an engine replaced, dealer did not disclose to us at the time, and was in the shop 2 times in a week. I don't know if the Ford techs are just not trained properly to tackle a job that big or they just didn't give a shit when they put it back together. I really noticed the difference on how it should have driven once we got our new ST a week later. Run away from that deal.

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

... Run away from that deal.