I am going to look at some explorers today what should I look out for? Motor/ tranny issues? Any idea which ones to avoid. These will all be in the 2002-2005 range.thank you

 

Beware the V6s. Steer clear of those at all costs...they will eventually develop the dreaded timing chain rattle if they haven't already. And that ends up being an engine replacement with that motor. Definitely do all you can to get the V8.

Transmissions...well...if you're looking at Fords, it's a given they'll have transmission issues. LOL. Transmissions have never really been Ford's strong point. But honestly, they are hit or miss with these Explorers.

If you can swing it, try looking for a 4th gen, 2006-2010. Basically the same style with some upgraded mechanicals. Not trying to dissuade you but if you're firm on a 3rd gen and the price is over $3K for it, I would say make sure it's in extremely good shape overall. $5K should get you one in just about perfect condition, I would think.

 

Thank you. I will take your advice on the v6 not sure if we can financially go to the next gets or not.

 

I'd shoot for anything 2003 or newer if you end up having the V6 as the only viable options as they upgraded the timing chain tensioners in 03.

That being said, the more important thing to do is look for one that has a good service history of oil changes and LISTEN to the motor. You want a motor that starts up COLD smoothly and no rattles. I just went through this fiasco with the purchase the Explorer in my avatar. It has 180k on it. The engine runs really well, no noises, no oil usage. Oil is fairly clean for the miles. The transmission fluid was bright red and the 5 speed auto shifted beautifully....so, so nice compared to the rebuilt 4L60E in my 98 Astro.

Make sure that the transfer case shifts in and out of 4wd smoothly. Look at the rocker panels and the front fenders by the doors for rust.

Our 96 was considered one of the best years of explorer ( v8 ) for lack of problems, and it really was for us. The V8 explorers are wonderful vehicles. The AWD transfer case is sure to please you if you deal with snow at all, the vehicle just FEELS solid and secure. My wife loved her old Explorer which is why after buying a Hyundai Santa Fe, we went back to the Explorer ( sport trac ) and don't regret buying a vehicle with 80k more miles on it than the one we had. Absolutely love this truck. Great power, comfortable, smooth. It has minor issues ( passenger door lock froze after a car wash ) and the rear window needs to be coaxed back up..probably needs a little lube in the window track or a new bushing.

The 2004 explorers have a terrible track record, my neighbors needed the rear end replaced, they had problems with heavy rain causing dash problems.

Keep the oil change schedule up, get the tensioners replaced if you start hearing noise from the engine...do your maintenance and find a vehicle that hasn't been abused and you should be really happy with your Explorer.

In regards to home repairs, the rear parking brake shoes were the worst thing I did personally, and one of the O2 sensors takes a herculean effort to get replaced due to how tight everything is by the transmission/exhaust ( involves removing the center console to access a panel cover over the transmission to get at the connector ).

The only other issue we had with the V8 was the 2 small metal hoses running underneath the upper plenum developed leaks and there is no replacement part. You either bypass it or use reinforced rubber hose and nylon T's to replace it. It heats up the intake to temp, I'm sure to help with getting up to operating temp quickly.

Parts are relatively cheap since there are so many as well. If you can do automotive work, you can do a lot on these vehicles.

 

Hi,

I steered my parents toward the 2006-2010 model years and the V8 4.6L engine. Their 08 has the 3V 4.6 with a 6R80 trans. They pull a 3500 pound trailer with ease My 05 Exp with 4.0 (same trailer) was not as easy. It did it but not as comfortable as the 4.6 V8. Also the 06-10 models had a slightly beefier frame and some other small changes. However, if you do look for one, try finding one with the tow package as you might find yourself in the new to tow something in the future.

My 05 has been pretty good overall but it has had its issues. I originally didn't want to buy it but the wife was against getting a pick up at the time since they were a bit more money than want we could spend for a vehicle.

Good luck with the search.

 

I have a 09 Explorer Eddi Bauser 4x4. It has the V6. Initially I had problems with the front differential.
Now I have over 100K miles and all is well. I keep the fluids up and oil changed.

 

Verify the Vent and Blend doors operate properly and the air volume adjusts properly out of the vents..

My '04 had the blend door fall out and blocked the fan. You could turn the FAN to high and get nothing out the vents.. A free fix on-line, had to remove the glove box, remove a few screws to separate the housing and I could pull the door out through the slit. Now we have great flowing air - can't control re-circulate vs. fresh-air but hey - we get a blend all the time, best of both worlds.

Our '04 trans has been replaced. The Mercury Aviator in the same years SEEMS TO BE MUCH BETTER, something to consider, because if you can't afford anything newer than '06, you likely can't afford to replace a trans either.

 

I'de steer clear of the 02-10. They have a lot more issues than the 2nd gen (95-01). Engine issues, wheel bearing issues and some have trans issues with the 1-2 piston bore. Not to mention I never really cared for the 3rd gen look!