Looking for feedback on 2003-2005 Explorers

[zmurphy]

Hey guys , we currently have a 98 Expy that we are looking to trade within the next couple of months. i would like to get some feedback from some people that actually own some of the 03-05 Explorers.

we're looking at the 03-05's, hopefully a EB, but atleast an XLT w/ the 6 cyl.

i would like to know a few things:

1) i assume the 3rd row seat is an option. i would like this option. whats my chances of finding one that has this option?

2) i would assume coming from a 98 Expy, i should pick up a little better fuel economy. (even though its an SUV) what kind of real world mileage can i expect?

3) any major issues with these years?

4) how is the power with the 6 cylinder?

thanks for any help guys!

[crossf-150]

i have one i have always been a ford person. But not to discourage but i wouldnt buy one for anything. If i was you i would look at a newer one i have heard that they have improved over the 03-05. Or i would go the f-150 route. I have currently had the timing chain issues and the rear end issues. other than that its a great vehicle if you like dumping 5 or 6 thousand into a vehicle while making payments.

[zmurphy]

Originally Posted by crossf-150

i have one i have always been a ford person. But not to discourage but i wouldnt buy one for anything. If i was you i would look at a newer one i have heard that they have improved over the 03-05. Or i would go the f-150 route. I have currently had the timing chain issues and the rear end issues. other than that its a great vehicle if you like dumping 5 or 6 thousand into a vehicle while making payments.

no kidding? we have a 98 Expy and other than general wear and tear its been great.

i have never liked Explorers in the past. i have known alot of people that have owned 2nd generation Explorers and they ALL had tons of recalls and problems with them. not 1 or 2......ALL, like at least 7 or 8 people.
i was under the impression that they were much better vehicles now.

we may have to go with a newer Expy?

thanks for the reply, it would be nice to hear from others too, so keep the info coming.

[twisted limb]

Your doing the smart thing. Check the web as much as possible.Check NHSTA site for Tech. bulletins or recalls or carcomplaints.com.I have the 02' which seems to have the same problems from 02' to 05'.Wheel bearings failing prematurely which is costly.Do a search on this site for 03' Explorers to 05's and you should find some issues.I know the 02's seem to be the worst of these years.I have not had tranny(did have tranny flushed twice) or engine problems yet and have 146k on it."Knock on wood"Just fixed the "door ajar light on and dome lights not turning off" problem alot of peple have too.Expect about 17 to 18mpg.Thats what we get typically around town.I do not think I would ever buy another Explorer no matter what year..We bought ours new and for $30k I think the wheel bearings should have lasted alot longer.Spent about $1200 so far just on those.

[elmo8641]

my wife has a 04 and it has been a good car. i get scared when i read all the bad things on here, but no problems with our's. its the 4.0l xlt it has good power, and my wife gets 18-20mpg in town, and 23-24 on the highway, which i think is good for a suv. i have used it to tow cars w/ my trailer, and our old camper and was impressed with the power of the 6cylinder. 72,000 miles on it right now and the only thing i have done is oil changes, tranny fluid changes (every 20,000 miles) and front brakes. it is still hard to ignore all the problems that everybody else has.

[mebagg75]

We have a 2003 Mountaineer, an Explorer with a new suit of clothes. I'm now on my third rear axle 49,000 miles and my second electronic dash. I agree with the 17-18 MPG around town 4.0 V6. The third row seat is handy but the whole thing doesn't really fold flat. It was a major investment in 2003, over $30,000 and not worth 40% of that now. Oh, try to find the fuel filter or a screwdriver which will take off the air handler cover. And if you break the back glass, it costs about as much as a root canal because it is a huge piece of glass with plastic and paint stuck to it. mebagg75

[zmurphy]

thanks for the headsup guys. i checked out carcomplaints.com.......OMG the Explorers have a horrible rating.

needless to say, i will not be buying an "Exploder"

thanks again.......and good luck with your Explorers