So my 2001 Pontiac Montana that was supposed to last 1 more year went and blew the head gaskets, will cost more to fix than van is worth.

Found a 2003 Explorer XLT just down the road. It's a 7 passenger, and all 5 carseats/boosters for the kids fit ok. Looks to be in really good shape, has higher km, but drives nice and tight. Has vibration at low speed, is this common? Not tires, not brakes, possibly u-joint?

Are these decent vehicles, or should I run and hide? The people selling it bought a newer Explorer, so they didn't have any issues with it that would discourage them buying another, unlike my Montana experience.

 

With the third row seat up, there is very little space in the back for diaper bags, groceries, etc. You probably will be used to much more cargo space with the minivan.

Is the vibration pretty noticeable, or more audible and less physical? Do you notice it in the steering wheel or in the seats? Why are you sure it's not tires? Do you notice it only when braking, only when accelerating, or constantly between a specific speed range? What speed range is that?

-Rod

 

I ran from this particular one, would cost way too much for a safety. With the $$ I would have put into this one, I can get one with way less miles. Looking at an 02 and an 04 this afternoon...

 

our 2002 with the 5 speed auto and 4 liter V6 is great.. has about 140k miles and plan to keep it a long time.

 

most have tranny problems after 100k, atleast from what ive seen and heard

 

Bought a 2003 with 169k km (just over 100k miles) looking forward to picking it up later this week. XLT with V6. I could do without the leather seats or the sunroof, but I won't complain.

And I can't wait until the Montana goes on the scrap trailer, never to be seen again.