Possibly a future owner.
 

New guy here. I was hoping to get some opinions on purchasing a 2002 Tribute. I looked at it today and for the most part was pleased with what I saw. It has 170.000 miles on it. The body and undercarriage are in great shape. The motor runs pretty quiet and is strong. Tranny is smooth with no apparent issues. Only 3 problems came up. Airbag light is on. Radio display is illegible and there is a rhythmic noise coming from the rear as you drive. It increases in speed as you do. Thought it might have been the breaks but stepping on the pedal has no affect on it. The first two issues I've learned about through this forum. I'm stumped with the last. Anyway. They only want $1600 for it. How bad could the noise be and should it keep me from buying it?

Could it be a wheel bearing? I would take it to a mechanic before you commit. It could be cheap or expensive. They may also see something that you have missed. The used car that I thought was perfect cost me over $1,000 in repairs.

Wheelbearings
 

Thank you. I was thinkin the same thing. That I can afford to have fixed. I'm worried about the rear differential. I don't have a clue on what that would cost.

More likely to be scalloped tyres rather than wheel bearings or diff.

Tires
 

Thanks Grim but I'm afraid I may have lost my opportunity. He's not answering my attempts at contacting him. I may have hurt his pride when I told him he was wrong about it being dirty or rusty brakes. It's a shame. it was a nice little SUV. Well, I'll find something, I'm sure. Thanx for the help.