Stick with the v8.
The trans is a weak spot even with the v8, had to replace ours @ 52k miles.

 

Ive had an 04 since new. Never had any problems with it, knock on wood. It has about 170000 on it. It has the v6 in it.

 

I just bought an 04 V8 Eddie Bauer with 190.000 miles on it. It had a check engine light on which was a misfire on #6 and the A/ C didn't work. Put a new coil on #6 and recharged the A/C. It runs and drives like a new one. It appears to have been very well maintained before I got it and I will continue to maintain it. It is the 1st V8 I have had but have had GREAT luck with numerous V6 Rangers and Explorers. I expect this one to last a long time too. I have been wondering if there is anything to watch for in particular too. It is also my first experience with the Independent rear suspension.

 

The manual a/c is less prone to blend door issues. Our auto hvac blend door fell off blocking air flow. Luckily, a YouTube video showed how to pull it out to "fix" it, we now always have a mixed outside/recirc combination of air.

 

 

My 2 cents is on par with most on here. The trans seems to be a weak link. I know mine has had a slight delay in going into Reverse. However, I have had a blend door issue. Numerous wheel bearings front and back. Early this year it was the rear failing which got replaced. Overall I had the SUV since 2009 and bought it with 68K. I just clicked over 169,500 miles. Outside of some annoying repairs, it has been pretty much tires, oil changes, and brakes due to living on a steep hill.

 

The rear end, trannys, a/c blower door.