Been looking at an '01 explorer with a 5.0L andit has AWD. My questions are with the AWD. I don't know the first thing about them.
1. Are they any good or should I run?
2. What are the problems with them?
3. Just how bad is the MPG on this going to be? I hope for 15. Just don't want to see 12 with that 302 infront of an AWD set up.
Anthing you guys can mention I'd like to know. Probably going back on Saturday to either buy or walk away.
I have a 96 5.0 AWD. My experience has been:
1. Pretty darn good.
2. No problems.
3. 17 to 22 MPG.
If you're going to be doing real heavy duty 4 wheeling, I imagine 4WD would be better, but for general driving in snow, mud, etc., I've been completely happy with the AWD.
Two v8 explorers in the family. I have had no problems with mine other than valve chatter, and that I believe is carbon build up. Wife's car, short trips. I try to open it up on the weekends.
Her brother has the same year, only difference is color and he has a sunroof. He also has 100K miles, I have 43K. Both have been trouble free and no tranny problems.
We both live in Pittsburgh, where you are going uphill or you are going uphill with a head wind, so mileage is so-so. I was getting 11.5 when I bought mine, added K&N intake and Gibson exhaust, now it is around 14, maybe 19 highway. He also has a 2002 f150 4x4 crew that does better on mileage than the explorers.
My advise? Buy it! I would buy another in a second.
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Lou
1965 2wd F100 - 352 Short Styleside
1997 Explorer XLT 302
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
I have a 96 Limited with AWD V8 and love it. We have 72K miles on it and get about 15 mpg in winter and almost 17 in summer. Goes great in the snow. Get the V8...you will be dissappointed with the V6.
