Hello to all,

Looking for information on why I should not buy a 98 Explorer V8. Any major issues or is it a good 5.0 at 81k miles? I'm new to FORD so would be greatful for any information.

Thanks in advance,

PL

 

Maybe you should be looking for information on why to buy an Explorer. I bought a 97 Explorer V8 AWD when it had 99000 miles. If you have a specific one in mind, let me know, I can run a CarFax report for you. I'll need the VIN to run a total vehicle history which will even show open TSBs and recall resolutions. My Explorer came up clean, even found out it was a fleet vehicle for a major company. Up to this date, I haven't had any major problems with it other than a bad Clock Spring Assembly and it barely passing the Calif Smog test last July. I just recently encountered problems with emission stuff ie; O2 sensor and possibly a clogged cat. To date, I've done a complete tranny flush and filter, oil change twice, flushed the cooling system, spark plugs, plug wires, and changed the serpentine belt. Also, invest in a OBD II or get a Superchip module which will improve performance somewhat and also can be used as a code reader in the event your check engine flashes...beats taking it to the dealer to charge $85+ for the reading. The Explorer has been great so far and I really enjoy driving it. You always have to keep in mind that with 80,000 + miles you'll expect to put some money into it depending on how well the previous owner kept up on the maintenance. Since I had no decent records from the previous owner, I basically accomplished all of the normal maintenance when I bought it.
Let me know if you have a specific Explorer you're looking at, provide the VIN and I'll run a CarFax report.

 

Thanks for the info.
I did the carfax deal and came up clean - two owners and yearly stats on maint. OD Readings average 14k with no spikes.
I'm mainly now looking for anything glaring against 5.0's. The dealer has me doing the lost puppy thing, so I have been driving it this weekend. Not bad. Plenty of pick up.
Thanks again,
PL

 

Bought my 96 5.0 a couple of years ago at 79K miles. No regrets. The 5.0 is a tried and proven engine and from looking at posts on this forum, the least troublesome. Only major problem I've had is the infamous A/C blend door problem, but I fixed it and no more trouble with it so far, knock on wood...
But I'm glad I bought it, I really like it.

 

hey rb26powered could you run a carfax for me??? you could either post it on the site or email it to me please??? i would be grateful. 1FMZU72E22UB87052 When i enter my vin on the carfax site i see that it has 3 records for my vehicle and i was just wondering what they were?

 

I also would be grateful...

1FMZU83P2YZC44691

Appears that this may have been in a flood or a snow belt as the undercarrage and engine bay has extensive rust.

Tx

 

1FMZU72E22UB87052 - report looks good, one owner, and nothing to report as bad

 

1FMZU83P2YZC44691 I don't know about this one....

09/19/2000 10 Connecticut
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Atlanta, GA
Title #025638553
Title issued
First owner reported
Registered as lease vehicle


07/11/2001 14,000 Connecticut
Inspection Station
Passed emissions inspection


07/10/2003 48,764 Auto Auction
Sold at auction
in New York
Listed as
a fleet vehicle

 

Hey thanks plynass.

 

jhromy -- here's the CarFax report for: 1FMZU72E22UB87052
Everything looked good. 3-Reports consisted as Report 1: 1/12/2002 Where the new vehicle originated, Report 2: 06/01/2003 Registered 1st time as personal vehicle in NJ, Report 3: 01/19/2004 No FORD Recalls .

 

can you run some vin's for me?..please

1FTBR11S7EUB68982

1FMDU35P0VZA69248

1FMDU34X7TZA46550

 

kurthb, here's your Carfax for: 1FMZU83P2YZC44691
Everything came back clean, no problems reported.
Looks like it was a leased vehicle, one private owner, then sold at an auction.

 

Hey rb26powered thanks!!! im very thankful, i was wondering what those records were.

 

OK guys last one.

1FTBR11S7EUB68982 1984 FORD RANGER - only record shows passed emissions in 04/02 in Alaska
1FMDU35P0VZA69248 1997 FORD EXPLORER - 2 owners 97 and 02 passed emissions 02/03 in Alaska
1FMDU34X7TZA46550 1996 FORD EXPLORER - 2 owners 96 and 03 passed emissions 6/02 in Alaska
Nothing bad on all of these.