97 Explorer...good buy?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
97 Explorer...good buy?
I am in the market for an SUV. I looked at a 1997 Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC 5-speed Auto Trans with 78,000 miles. The truck is in excellent condition and drives like new. Price is $10K.
I am new to the SUV market and I would like to stick with a Ford.
What should I look for in this truck that may be bad signs?
Are there defects or common problems with these trucks?
I want this truck to be dependable & last at least another 78,000 miles...is this possible? What kind of mileage can be expected?
The current owner is a relative who has owned it for the last two years without any problems. It was purchase used at a car dealer.
All comments will be appreciated.
Thank you!
Tom in NJ
88 F150 Custom 300
86 Mustang LX 5.0
95 Contour SE 2.5L
I am new to the SUV market and I would like to stick with a Ford.
What should I look for in this truck that may be bad signs?
Are there defects or common problems with these trucks?
I want this truck to be dependable & last at least another 78,000 miles...is this possible? What kind of mileage can be expected?
The current owner is a relative who has owned it for the last two years without any problems. It was purchase used at a car dealer.
All comments will be appreciated.
Thank you!
Tom in NJ
88 F150 Custom 300
86 Mustang LX 5.0
95 Contour SE 2.5L
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo USA
97 Explorer...good buy?
I have a '96 XLT also. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. The only real problem you may have to deal with is the Cam Chain Guide problem. You will see the posts about it throughout this website. Ford had to pay to put a new engine in my truck because of it. The guide broke apart and got into the low end of the engine and was wrecking it up. But other than that it has been real good.
I did put Monroe reflex shocks and changed the tires to GY Forteras...that has improved the ride a lot.
Have fun with it!
-John
I did put Monroe reflex shocks and changed the tires to GY Forteras...that has improved the ride a lot.
Have fun with it!
-John
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
97 Explorer...good buy?
I've got a '97 Sport with the same engine and tranny. I also had the cam chain guide problem. Its linked to a few other problems with that engine. However they are all fixable by Ford. My SUV had an idle problem during cold weather. Took it to my local dealer and they fixed it all for free under a recall notice. Other than that the truck is great. Milage for me is about 16 city and 19-20 hiway. Side step rails are rusting which you should already see if yours has them.
Dukster
Dukster
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA
97 Explorer...good buy?
I bought a '97 Explorer EB, 4.0L SOHC, 5sp auto w/ 81,000 miles about 3 weeks ago and love it so far. I was new to the SUV market too when I began looking and found these sites helpful for the Explorer
http://autos.msn.com/vip/singleyear....d=1105&src=vip
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...fm/id/2034.htm
I've been getting about 17 mpg, but have only had it a couple of weeks. Haven't taken it for any trips on the highway yet.
http://autos.msn.com/vip/singleyear....d=1105&src=vip
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...fm/id/2034.htm
I've been getting about 17 mpg, but have only had it a couple of weeks. Haven't taken it for any trips on the highway yet.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ed
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
1
Jun 22, 2010 10:12 AM
jackone
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
6
Sep 20, 2005 08:25 PM
