1998 Mercury Mountaineer Fix 'er Upper

For auction is a 98 Mercury Mountaineer, I will do my best to give a detailed description of the vehicle, and work that needs to be done to it. I purchased this vehicle in February of 2013, from a good friend of mine who had driven it 50,000 miles previously, to serve as a comfy every day alternative to my lifted pickup. About two weeks after I bought it, the front end went out, catastrophically, on the interstate. This caused a hole in the front differential itself, and the front spindle on the front drive shaft partially sheared off, but caused no other damage. As it basically still runs and drives, I parked it beside my barn waiting on the parts. A month or so later, a spring storm came through, and a tree fell on the front end, causing damage to the windshield, hood and roof above the windshield. It has since been stored inside the barn. I have all of the parts necessary to get it back to 100%, mechanically speaking, including the front differential, front drive shaft and the passenger side window. Theoretically, the vehicle could be driven to its new home if the front drive shaft and possibly the front spindles were removed, but I would strongly recommend trailering the vehicle. I have a car trailer, and for a price might be willing to haul it up to a couple hundred miles. I honestly would like to keep it and fix it up to use it as I had intended, but have so much on my plate right now I need to focus on other things.

Minus the front end work that needs to be done, the SUV is in fantastic mechanical shape. Right before I purchased it, it had a full tune up, new rotors and pads, new shocks, and some front end work (someone must have noticed a problem with the front end, but that message didn't get passed on to me). It has no mechanical issues what so ever outside of what I've already mentioned. When I first bought it, it drove fantastically. Even though it hasn't been road worthy in a year, I have been starting it regularly and move it from time to time. I treated the gas last fall, and again this spring. As far as I can tell, it leaks and burns no fluids. I didn't have any issues with the battery until today, when I had to jump start it, and it would not hold a charge. The front two tires are in excellent shape, I believe my friend purchased them new about 10,000 miles ago, and they have held air the entire time I've owned it. The rear tires, however, only have a little life in them, if any, and the spare tire has a slow leak.

Overall, the body is in OK shape, outside of what I've already mentioned, as can be seen in the pictures. The only other issue was caused when I nicked the rear driver's side with a farm implement, causing a crack in the tail light and some slight damage to the panel behind the rear tire. At some point in time, the front bumper seems to have hit something very softly, causing a chip in the plastic, and the foglight is missing. Otherwise, it has no rust, and the paint is not scratched up or faded.

The interior is in excellent condition. The person I purchased it from was not a smoker, and I am not either, although I never really got a chance to spend much time in it. The leather seats have no rips or tears, the power functions all work great. All of the other electronics and gauges function properly, including an aftermarket transmission temperature gauge and trailer brake sending unit. It has the premium sound system with a factory sub and six disc changer, and has steering wheel controls. It also has keyless entry.

The title is clear and in hand. I will require a $500 PayPal deposit within 24 hours of the auction's end. The vehicle must be picked up within one week of the auction's end, or I can haul it for a fee. Obviously, the vehicle does not come with a warranty, express or implied. I've done my best to describe its condition in detail, but obviously it needs some work, and so please take that into account before you bid.

Thanks!