buying explorer need help
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
I bought an '04 two years ago, had similar miles to your choice above, bought for $7,000. Good price, truck was immaculate. One problem did develop, solenoid in transmission failed, (Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid), so truck ran just fine without it's torque converter "locked out", this problem occurred while 2,000 miles from home. I drove it back to MO from AZ, with no trouble at all, ordered a new solenoid module off Ebay, installed it, everything fine since, now has about 140K on it.
Perfectly satisfied, no other issues, runs like a top. Quite possibly the easiest-starting, smoothest-running vehicle I have ever owned.
Be aware, though: Predicting the future via statistical information about this-and-that, and this-vehicle-or-that-vehicle, is like spearing fish in a barrel. But, buying brand new is ridiculously expensive, and so, if you seek advice, I say go for it!
impish
Perfectly satisfied, no other issues, runs like a top. Quite possibly the easiest-starting, smoothest-running vehicle I have ever owned.
Be aware, though: Predicting the future via statistical information about this-and-that, and this-vehicle-or-that-vehicle, is like spearing fish in a barrel. But, buying brand new is ridiculously expensive, and so, if you seek advice, I say go for it!
impish
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Jerseyville,IL
The '05 is probably the best year out of the 3rd gens to buy since it was the last, some of the problems will have been solved by then. I didn't have the money when I bought my '02 a few months ago to make the jump to the '06+. Mine has 73,000 miles on it, and was one owner, so hopefully it will hold up for a while till i can afford an upgrade. Going from an '05 to an '06 model is like going over the fiscal cliff on price. I looked at a lot of them before I bought mine and it seemed that making the jump from the 3rd to the 4th gen was gonna cost about $3-$4K more with the same mileage as some of the 3rd gens.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
My wifes 02 explorer v6 just blew up its second engine. The first one lasted till spring of this year, we owned it since 2005 and the salvage yard replacement lasted till this past Thursday.
Both did the same exact thing. Blew rear timing chains.
I think now we will be looking at the 06-08 models to see if we can find a good replacement for the next 7-8 years.
Both did the same exact thing. Blew rear timing chains.
I think now we will be looking at the 06-08 models to see if we can find a good replacement for the next 7-8 years.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Our 07 4.0 4x4
ALL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY repaired 2012.
Radiator leak - caused electric fan clutch to operated at idle.
Transmission - reverse solenoid replaced.
We have not had any other issues with the truck.
It drives great and I like the ride quality, the new BFG Rugged Terrain
tires are a good match for the truck.
I like this generation the best for all around features and design.
It will be hard to find a truck like this when it is time to replace.
(5-6 years from now-we are not at 60,000 miles yet).
As stated in another post this truck runs very smooth.
Take your time searching, a good low mile vehicle will pop up.
ALL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY repaired 2012.
Radiator leak - caused electric fan clutch to operated at idle.
Transmission - reverse solenoid replaced.
We have not had any other issues with the truck.
It drives great and I like the ride quality, the new BFG Rugged Terrain
tires are a good match for the truck.
I like this generation the best for all around features and design.
It will be hard to find a truck like this when it is time to replace.
(5-6 years from now-we are not at 60,000 miles yet).
As stated in another post this truck runs very smooth.
Take your time searching, a good low mile vehicle will pop up.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Texas Panhandle
Our 2007 EB just passed 105K, nothing but trouble since. The gear shift indicator light burnt out. What next?
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
What other issues are there, since passing 100k?
Was the truck serviced regularly?
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
20+ hwy mpg is pretty good, 4.0 v6?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
they needed the OHC because it produces higher HP and lower fuel consumption.
All OHC engines are more efficient mainly because there is less valve lag, specs are tighter and the head spacing can be reduced...(less chance of piston kissing valves as they chase each other in the closing cycle).... Philip
All OHC engines are more efficient mainly because there is less valve lag, specs are tighter and the head spacing can be reduced...(less chance of piston kissing valves as they chase each other in the closing cycle).... Philip