On The Fence-02 4.6

[CapeX5]

All, I need some collective opinions. I have the opportunity to buy an 02 4.6. 120K miles, very clean, rattles on start up very briefly. I have not laid hands on the car, but pictures and conversations say it is a decent rig. Original wheels, good bodywork, interior. Can get it for around $3500. I already have one dead 4.4 and my daily 05 4.4. This thing is 5 hours away from me and I need to make a decision today. The guy wants to part it and will make more $ doing that, but I would hate to see this thing torn up. Thoughts/opinions? Thanks

[guntherrex]

I'd guess it needs the chain and guides replaced at that mileage, if that's something you're up for then seems like a good deal to me, but then here in the netherlands a decent 4.6 with that mileage would be over 10k.

Since you already have a few X5's i don't need to tell you what sort of gremlins you might find

[Purplefade]

Agreed on the chains and guides, though if it truly settles down after a few seconds you may be able to buy some time with just a tensioner, though I think you’d be gambling...

That said, I’ll parrot “you’ve already got a couple, so aside from the rattle, you already know what you’re getting in to”

It’s not red and in Colorado by chance, is it?


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[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Purplefade

Agreed on the chains and guides, though if it truly settles down after a few seconds you may be able to buy some time with just a tensioner, though I think you’d be gambling...

That said, I’ll parrot “you’ve already got a couple, so aside from the rattle, you already know what you’re getting in to”

It’s not red and in Colorado by chance, is it?


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Cape lives in the Northeast and unless he is superman and drives like a maniac Colorado is a little more than a 5-hour drive away. Get it and change the tensioner. If it is a piece of turd, you can always flip it or part it out yourself.

[bmw540san]

I'm not really trying to start TC guides debate but brief 1-2 sec rattle at cold start is definitely not the TC guides.
When TC guides go (those who experienced it like me will confirm) will produce quite a noise the whole time engine is running.
I've sold my 4.6is with 133k miles about a month ago with original guides and I'm still in touch with buyer.
I've seen cars with shot guides at 100k miles and original at 200k miles. Mileage is not the whole reason for guides failure.
If I were in market, I'd snatch that car.

[Purplefade]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Cape lives in the Northeast and unless he is superman and drives like a maniac Colorado is a little more than a 5-hour drive away. Get it and change the tensioner. If it is a piece of turd, you can always flip it or part it out yourself.

Ha - yep, I see that now .

But heck, it might be fun trying to make Colorado in 5 hours - Cannonball Run style 🤪


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[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by guntherrex

I'd guess it needs the chain and guides replaced at that mileage, if that's something you're up for then seems like a good deal to me, but then here in the netherlands a decent 4.6 with that mileage would be over 10k.

Since you already have a few X5's i don't need to tell you what sort of gremlins you might find

120 very young to have guides blown but very lucky to need new tensioner. Guides do not need to break they break when the tensioner stops doing its job and people ignore the warning signs

[crystalworks]

If you have space and time for the project, I'd pick it up. Throw a tensioner in it and see what it does. If it still rattles on startup at least you were aware that the guides would likely need doing.

[CapeX5]

You guys are good at spending my money!!! Going to contact the seller now, let's see what he says. Will keep everyone posted. Thanks for the input, these are like crack!

[CapeX5]

Update-actually got the guy down to $3k, now trying to figure out whether I trailer it or fly there and drive it home. The guy says he would drive it anywhere. This is a repair shop and the guy seems like a straight shooter. Does have "timing" codes, which don't totally bother me. Just hesitant to drive a "new to me" car 4+hrs home. "do you feel lucky?(Clint Eastwood impression)"....