I have been looking at 2002 to 2005 Explorers for one of my kids to use for college. I have read the issues with the tranny and timing chains. Most I've seen have 140K+ miles. Is this something I should consider? Which engines should I stay away from? Other major issues besides the engine & tranny?

 

I have a 2002 with 165 K miles... all I have done is new alternator at 120K miles, 2 sets of brakes, 4-5 wheel bearing hubs, new spark plugs, rebuilt rear axle at 160K miles. Changed the trans oil 3 times at 50K intervals. No problems with motor or trans.

 

I own a 2002 ford explorer with 200k miles. The tranny finally died on mine and I flushed the tranny 4-5 times. All Fords are notorious for having weak trans so while test driving it make sure the gears change smoothly. There should be no flaring (hesitation to shift) or hard shifts (when the shift feels rough or abrupt). Also I had to change all 4 wheel bearings so you should check those out. Put it on stands or a lift, put in neutral, and spin the wheel. It should spin smoothly and not wobble or shake. My AC was another costly repair. I forget what part needed replacement, but I think it was the condenser. Also I would check all the fluids; power steering, brake fluid, tranny; differential, coolant. All should have a clean color and smell. Fluids can tell you a lot on how the car was taken car of.

 

I have a 2003 that's coming up on 327K miles. I bought it back in the fall with 320K on the clock...it's my second vehicle.

Like it's already been said, the 4.0L V6 is known for the timing chain issue. If you get the V8 that should not be a problem. And yes, Ford transmissions are not the greatest. I love Fords to death, but transmissions have never seemed to have been their strong point.

I have the V6 in my Explorer and it's holding up. I did need a few "larger" maintenance items to get mine to pass inspection when I bought it such as upper control arms, exhaust, a ball joint, rear brakes (everything...pads, rotors, e-brake). I recently had to replace the thermostat housing so with that job, all the coolant was replaced as well. I'm starting to need front brakes too now.

So do keep that in mind, but also look around when you're out and about...I'll bet you'll notice that generation of Explorer being rather abundant on the road. I know that definitely seems to be the case around these parts anyway. These trucks just won't die.

 

If you widen the window to include 06s you can get one with the 6spd and not have to worry about any tranny issues.

 

Is the V-6 any better from 06+?

 

The 4.0 SOHC motor is always a question mark. Noisy and thirsty, you might as well get a V8. Ford changed the tensioners in '03 or so. Some early models as well as '03 and up go seemingly incredible miles before dying a natural death. The keys to long life are:

--clean oil. No OHC tensioner system likes dirty or low oil, and this one is particularly tender about that.

--good luck. What else could explain an early model going 300k with those lousy tensioners..?

What makes the later models a question mark is the maintenance history. No records, dirty oil, and/or an overall appearance of "who cares" ownership will be a key points to consider.

 

Our '04 bought new has ONLY 54k miles on it today. Replaced the trans a few months back for $3500, I believe the v8 is more reliable than the v6.
The Mercury Mountaineer is also better - bought one for family last year - AWD.

 

I think I may have found an 04 AWD with the V8. Seemed pretty solid. How does the AWD work on these? Is it the type where the front engages when there is some slip or is it in AWD all the time? Also anyone know what kind of mileage they can get on the highway, 19?

 

Torque is split by a viscous coupling in the transfer case. 35/65 if I am reading all this correctly. Your eyes will glaze over:

4x4 vs AWD and Explorer vs Mountaineer - Ford Explorer and Ranger Forums "Serious Explorations"®


19mpg? If the going is flat and slow:

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG....rue&details=on

 

One other thing is that it seemed like it was hard to put into Park and pull the key. Is this a common issue?

 

Unsure. Never had that issue on the 98 or 99. To me it suggests an accident or theft history.

 

I have a '99 with AWD and a V8 with 270k. I'm the second owner and it's great. I drive 70 on the interstate and it gets 20 mpg without the A/C and 17+ with. My key is hard to remove at times and the gear shift indicator isn't in the right place. I've been told it's a PIA to repair so I've driven it the way it is. If I wiggle the shifter the key is easier to remove. The AWD is great for my friends terrible gravel driveway. Everyone with 2 wheel drive spins and digs holes while I crawl up without breaking traction.

 

Wifes 2005 with the 4.0. Four front drivers side wheel bearings, one pass side front wheel bearing, one drivers side rear wheel bearing, two alternators, two batteries, two sets of front brake pads, and a serpentine belt. Pretty good far as I am concerned other than the bearings for a ten year old 220,000 mile vehicle.

 

I should mention that I did go with the 04 AWD with the V-8. I drove it to Bozeman and it ran great and the MPG was not bad for an AWD V-8. I think it was better than the AWD Aerostar that I used to own.