I am looking to buy a used Exploder. Are any years considered great? any years considered dogs? Anything to avoid in the way of features or accessories?

 

If your looking for a used Explorer I would say go with a 2002. Ford made alot of changes in 2002, including widening the truck, independent rear suspension and more. I just bought a 2002 Explorer about a week ago I love it. 2002 is also the last year for a manual transmission in the 4dr model, important to me but probably not to most. I've never driven any other explorer but I have ridden in a few. IRS definetly inproves ride quality. The 2002 and up explorer also has the highest crash safety rating by the IIHS. Things to stay away from would be the 2dr model. If 2002 is too new and out of your price range I'd recomend the newest one with the lowest miles you can afford, as a general rule. Other than that I'd say just find one you like.

 

Best year would be new but when looking for used you need to specify a price range and you will get a best year in your price range. I hear alot of good things about the 97's. My brother in law had a 94 and it had alot of front end and steering control problems. When looking at a used truck check the oil and see if it's thick and freshly changed. If it's real thick chances are the lifters are bad and they are trying to dump the truck on you.
i bring that up cause my brother in law almost got taken for a fool if I didn't check the oil and notice the oil preasure gauge was unstable. As soon as i mentioned the lifters the guy said he seem to remember his mechanic mention something like that but it hasn't been a problem....... right.

 

"Best" for what purpose? If you like off roading like I do, you don't want the IRS of the '02's and up. The rear axles are also routed through the frame, making lifting the truck a problem. If I were in the market for an Explorer, I'd prefer to get a '94. The TTB front end, while it can be a pain to replace bushings and such, it offers more suspension travel than the torsion bar IFS of the '95 and up Explorers. By '94, they had finally started to get the A4LD transmission strengthened up so it would be a little more reliable.
IF towing is more your thing and not so much off-road, I'd get any of the later model explorers with a V8. I don't like the not having a low range (The AWD t-case that comes behind the 5.0 L doesn't offer a low range), but if it's not an issue to you, then the V8 will tow better than the V6's. The IRS lowers the tow capacity, so for the highest tow rating, you'll want an '01 or earlier. I think '96 was the first year the 5.0 was offered in Explorers.
If you want a daily driver that won't see any heavy off-road use nor any heavy towing, then the IRS does imrove handling and on-road manners.
Good luck in your search.

 

Thanx for your replies. Keep them coming. I should put this in my signature but my wife drives an '03 Expy and I drive an '02 F-350 7.3L PSD CC LWB DRW. Our towing needs are satisfied. The only off road driving this will see is my teenagers having an accident. On second thought maybe I should get a 74 Volvo Station Wagon that only has 3 functioning cylinders.

 

If you worried about your teenagers getting in an accident don't let them drive it, an explorer is a terrible thing to waist. But if safety is a concert the 2002 and newer Explorer's are much safer than the older ones as long as you don't get the 2 door those are the worst. What's wrong with IRS for off-roading. The Hummer has IRS and it'll go pretty much anywhere and back.

 

I think the best value is the first vehicles of the second generation Explorers. 95 to 97. Go for a V8 or 4.0 OHV and you can't go wrong. '95 and up have two airbags up front and 4 wheel disc brakes. Good ones go for less that $8,000.

Mason