Picking up '11 SHO on Friday!

[Cbudden]

Greetings all,

I've spent the last several weeks looking for an SUV to replace my sedan and I stumbled across a '11 SHO certified with 42k miles that I couldn't say no to. I've lurked around the forums for the past couple of days and I've been wondering if there is anything specific I should have checked out before I pick up the car?

I believe I have the most basic SHO as it doesn't have a sunroof/navigation (400A).

Thanks in advance

Chris

 

[curry67]

Ask if it has the power package. the biggest pia for this car is the chrome trim on the taillights. If there is a single chip ask for new ones cause it's very well documented that it falls off (100s on ebay).
Cracking on the driver side seat on the left side.
my interior leds  on the drivers side were burnt out when I bought mine I didn't notice.
With where that car is in mileage wise the stock tires will be burnt out. They sidewalls on mine were done for and it made the wheel tug in ruts.
I'd also make sure it has the new plugs installed to 2013 spec as the 10 11 and 12 are outdated and fail prematurely.
I don't know what certified means but make sure you get a full amvic inspection.
I'd also highly recommend getting the premium care extended warranty.

with that said I'm truly in love with this car I also looked for a very long time and had a long checklist. You should have better luck then me cause mine was a 2010.

 

[SHOdded]

Welcome to EBPF, Cbudden!  Do you have the VIN perchance of the SHO you are looking at?  You can get the window sticker here:
http://services.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/inventory/WindowSticker.pdf?vin=

Probably looking at at least a spark plug change at the 42K mileage. 
PTU fluid change should be on your short list as well, as dealerships typically don't service that (Ford says no need), though some may provide a BG-type service for it.
Check for cracked turbo piping (telltale signs might be dirt & sludge buildup on the exterior) and oil in the intake
Hose clamps are known to come loose
Knock sensor wiring should not be damaged, and should be taped well away from other surfaces (you can do this yourself later)

TSBs you can check for this MY:  http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,3836

Otherwise, standard checks for any ride:  fluids clear/filled/etc, drives well (no hesitation/stumbling), no leaks anywhere, etc.

Advise getting the Ford ESP warranty (cheap online) if you are keeping the SHO any length of time.  To cover the electronics/climate control etc. if nothing else.  Be aware that body panel coverage will be practically non-existent, so as curry said, check closely before you take delivery.

 

[Cbudden]

Thank you both for the quick response! Does the ESP cover components not covered by the Ford Certified Warranty? Is this purchased directly from Ford website?

 

[SHOdded]

The CPO warranty is only for 12 mo/12,000 miles, closest you can get to bumper2bumper.  After that it is powertrain only till 5 years/60K miles.  Not sure the CPO covers body-related parts, but pretty much everything else.

To get beyond the CPO warranty, you need the ESP PremiumCare warranty to get equivalency.  A comparison of levels of coverage is here:
http://www.factoryplans.com/assets/cms/files/brochure_FordESPPlanOptions.pdf

Online vendors include:
http://www.floodfordesp.com
http://www.zeiglerfordesp.com
http://www.lombardfordwarrantys.com
http://andersonandkoch-ford-warranty.com

So shop around.  Maybe you can get your selling dealer to pricematch.

 

[peppelepugh]

Check the door pillar keypad on the driver door. Mine Looked fine when i purchased it, told the dealer "eh, i know how to work it" yeah, never used it until a few months later and yeah, it was shot... But with the premium extended warranty it was only $250 deductable for the fix. ($500 job they told me)

 

[ZSHO]

I would make sure it has a new inspection sticker,make sure no check engine lights are on,spare tire in the trunk,multi point inspection like oil change,topped off with fluids and make certain a/c is nice and cold,who would check if a/c is functional in the winter only me,good luck and welcome aboard,and any questions you may have always feel free to ask.

 

[SHOnUup]

Test drive it hard, after its warmed up though(10 minutes of driving). Make sure you get it up to freeway speeds, some hard stops. Any shakes, pulls, rattles and what have you could net you tires, brakes, maybe suspension parts for them to make the sale. Good luck

Rich