Thinking about a used Explorer
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Wa
Thinking about a used Explorer
Hi,
My '02 Escape with 235,000 miles finally gave up the ghost. The trans died and every quote I got was for far more than the car was worth. I drove it off the lot at 3 miles, so it was a good car for us.
I'm now considering an early to mid 2000's Explorer. Also considering xTerra and a few others.
Are there particular years or engine/trans combo's I should avoid? I already have a 2003 BMW, so I'm not looking for another DIY car. I don't mind small stuff and PM, but I don't really feel like doing full tear downs.
Anyway, that Escape was so good to me, and I've been a lifelong Ford guy, I'd really like an Explorer if I'm not setting myself up for hassles.
Thanks for your input
- Brad
My '02 Escape with 235,000 miles finally gave up the ghost. The trans died and every quote I got was for far more than the car was worth. I drove it off the lot at 3 miles, so it was a good car for us.
I'm now considering an early to mid 2000's Explorer. Also considering xTerra and a few others.
Are there particular years or engine/trans combo's I should avoid? I already have a 2003 BMW, so I'm not looking for another DIY car. I don't mind small stuff and PM, but I don't really feel like doing full tear downs.
Anyway, that Escape was so good to me, and I've been a lifelong Ford guy, I'd really like an Explorer if I'm not setting myself up for hassles.
Thanks for your input
- Brad
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,475
Likes: 2,800
Older OHV V6 models have few engine troubles.
SOHC motors are trouble 'til about '03, then they are slightly less trouble.
Transmissions in early models (4 speeds) behind the OHV V6 were "ok". 4R70W's behind V8s were good. 5 speed automatics are trouble and frequent maintenance. Rear axle bearings were sourced from some 4th world backyard foundry with slave child labor. Expect a howler, almost any year. You might or might not get one.
Some of these run out past 200k with none of the above. Some don't.
Buy the newest V8 with good maintenance records. If a trans or rear axle has been repaired, all the better. Repairs many times result in a better part or installation, or in the case of the transmissions, an extra filter if done by Ford. Plan on trans fluid drain/refill every 30k.
I bought a '99 stripper for the kids after our '98 XLT got whacked. I could kick myself as there are many V8 Eddie Baur, XLT etc out there. Don't get in a hurry.
SOHC motors are trouble 'til about '03, then they are slightly less trouble.
Transmissions in early models (4 speeds) behind the OHV V6 were "ok". 4R70W's behind V8s were good. 5 speed automatics are trouble and frequent maintenance. Rear axle bearings were sourced from some 4th world backyard foundry with slave child labor. Expect a howler, almost any year. You might or might not get one.
Some of these run out past 200k with none of the above. Some don't.
Buy the newest V8 with good maintenance records. If a trans or rear axle has been repaired, all the better. Repairs many times result in a better part or installation, or in the case of the transmissions, an extra filter if done by Ford. Plan on trans fluid drain/refill every 30k.
I bought a '99 stripper for the kids after our '98 XLT got whacked. I could kick myself as there are many V8 Eddie Baur, XLT etc out there. Don't get in a hurry.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 99
I have had a first gen and second gen with 0 problems.
The first gen was a 91 , had no trouble with the transmission, it had been serviced regularly, they have the 4.0 engine, and it is solid as a rock.
Second was a 95, also no trouble.
The 8.8 is as reliable and built proof as they come.
Service the transmission, and it is also very dependable.
I never ran firestorm tires, and had no handling issues.
There is no reason to be concerned with an explorer, tho I would not buy a 5.0.
Those are full time all wheel drive, poor mileage.
The first gen was a 91 , had no trouble with the transmission, it had been serviced regularly, they have the 4.0 engine, and it is solid as a rock.
Second was a 95, also no trouble.
The 8.8 is as reliable and built proof as they come.
Service the transmission, and it is also very dependable.
I never ran firestorm tires, and had no handling issues.
There is no reason to be concerned with an explorer, tho I would not buy a 5.0.
Those are full time all wheel drive, poor mileage.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
My wifeʻs 07 is great and no transmission issues and no engine issues. We bought the truck used with 10,000 miles on it
back in 08. It is a 4x4 4.0 getting around 17 MPG.
It now has only 74,000 miles on it. One thing about this gen Explorer that is good to have is the part time transfercase.
back in 08. It is a 4x4 4.0 getting around 17 MPG.
It now has only 74,000 miles on it. One thing about this gen Explorer that is good to have is the part time transfercase.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 4
From: North Texas
Our old 04 Explorer that my in laws now drive was purchased new with no miles and now has over 220K on it. Still going strong however it has had a few rear end rebuilds and a bunch of front hubs (ONLY use Motorcraft/Timken hubs for minimum trouble) and a few rear bearings, but overall, trouble free. Our 2010 Mountaineer also purchased new, has been great and now has 106K on the clock. I just went through the front bearings and brakes and the rear bearings are just now starting to let me know they are back there. Trans has been flushed at 50K and its due now. I recommend a 2007 to 2010. Enough revisions to be less trouble. I would say 2006, but those are weird when it comes to parts, like a transition year or something.
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