I purchased a 2005 Ford Explorer from Family Trucks and Vans on 12-22-07. I purchased a warranty as well. Upon leaving the dealership, I realized the washer fluid didn't work. I called my sales man and he said to bring it in the following week. Obviously, I couldn't drive around without being able to wash the windshield, so I paid for a new pump ($50).

Only a few days later, I noticed that at high speeds (70 mph) there is a very high-pitched whining sound from the rear. Also, when you take your foot off the accelerator, the whining stops, but then the steering wheel and the whole car shimmy and vibrate. In addition, when backing out of a parking spot, and the steering wheel is turned sharp, there is a loud knocking in the front right wheel well.

I took the Explorer to Burt Arapahoe Ford on 12-29-07 (just a week after purchasing the Explorer) for repairs, but there was a 30-day waiting period for the warranty, until the warranty company received my information.

I contacted Family Trucks and Vans again on 1-2-08 and was instructed to bring the Explorer back in so their service manager could take a look at it. It was there all day and then the service manager called me back, he barely spoke English, but explained that he didn’t know what I was talking about, and he didn’t see anything wrong.

I took my Explorer back to Burt Ford on 1-29-08 and the service manager explained that the whole rear-axle-assembly needs to be replaced. The bushings may need to be replaced. And now there is also a transmission leak; the torque converter needs to be replaced, and it may need a whole new transmission.

Obviously, this vehicle had MAJOR damage and huge problems PRIOR to it being sold to me.

Burt Ford still has my Explorer as of right now. My warranty will only cover $1, 500. The rear-end repairs alone will cost over $1, 500.