just looking around i've seen several used explorers both on ebay and cars.com (searched in my area) and have noticed that they have several in the $2,000-$2,500 range. these explorers like most come with the 4.0 and 4x4 with around 150,000-175,000 miles. tell me why are they going for such a cheap price? everything looks good cosmetically, of course i can't do a test drive online. but 4x4 rangers and several other vehicles are going for a much higher price sometimes maybe 4 grand for a ranger of about the same year and mileage with 4x4.

what problems do explorers from 1991-1994 generally have? i'm just trying to figure out if this would be a possibility as a solid vehicle for me to drive around to work and then make 2 to 3 round trips from kansas city to south carolina a year (to get me back and fourth to college).

thanks for any input any of you have.

 

I bought my 91 Explorer last year for $2500. It was an original owner truck, had 76,000 original miles, verifed with Carfax, etc. In my case, it was an XL 4x2, no power anything, but it ran great and looked awesome for a truck its age, both interior and exterior.

From what I can tell, the 91-94 seem to rust out around the "dog leg" - thats the spot where the rear fender meets the rocker panel. Mine suffers from that but it will soon be fixed with a repair panel.

As far as mileage goes, as long as it was maintained, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I have seen Explorers with 200,000 plus miles and they run great. I tried to stay away from the 4x4 ones because I didnt want to deal with transfer cases and hubs, etc. I just needed a truck to haul stuff from Home Depot. Personally, unless you have an additional $2000 to use for repairs after you purchase the truck, I would try to find one locally, at least you can test drive it and take it to a mechanic for a second opinion.

Good luck.

 

Bought my 92 Explorer last fall for $2700 - 4x4 Eddie Bauer with 151,000 miles on it. Interior like NEW, exterior fair to good, usual rust spots starting. I put on an alternator, radiator, valve cover gaskets, and tires.

Valve cover gaskets are bad on a lot of them, leaks on exhaust manifold and stinks! Had to buy new alternator b/c whoever put the last one on didn't tighten the pulley nut enough, pulley spun and ruined alt. Radiator dripped from side tanks and bugged me. $180 for alternator from Ford, $150 for radiator, $50 for valve cover gaskets, and $400 for tires.

Now, with 161,500 miles the tranny is out. Looks like about $1600 to put a reman in locally - see them on eBay from $400 to $1000 and I'd put it in myself. Still contemplating rebuilding it myself.

Good machines, never heard of a problem from a 4.0 pushrod engine, other than if you overheat it the heads will crack - new thermostat every fall is cheap preventative maintenance for me... Be prepared for transmission problems with that kind of mileage, unless a new tranny has already been put in - 5 speeds will be close to needing a clutch if it isn't already done too...

 

Hi,
I picked up my wifes 1999 Mountaineer in 2001 with 22K on it. It still had 8 months on warranty which was used on Intake manifiold (leaked) and windshield(leaked too). It was listed @ $36000 +/- and had evey option except for the Reverse Sensor. My cost from dealer??? $17000.
Last month I went to the dealer and got a Midrange XLT 4WD listed @ $31000 we picked up on a 39 month lease with $1000 down and $310 amonth. WITH the 3rd Row seat.
I inherited the 99 Merc she has the 04 Xlt.. Win WIN!!
Lee

 

I think the Mexican market is what keeps the older ranger price high. they can import light trucks 10 years old and older, but no SUV's. They seem to like the rangers a whole lot better than S10's or Dakota's.
I drive a 91 Explorer and really like it. I bought it with 155k and cracked heads(overheated, I'm sure). I put in a reman longblock for about $1,800.

 

It seems the early model (91-94) seem to start developing trans problems around 150k. I'd factor in $1500-2000 if you are looking at anything with that many miles. Also, on the early models check the radius arm bushings. Cheap part, but a pita to put in, unless they have already been replaced before.

Mike

 

ok so i'm about to sound dumb but the manual 5 speed transmissions shouldn't have any issues except replacing a clutch maybe right? i'd actually prefere having a manual rather than an automatic.

 

I've looked at 2 Explorers with 5-speeds that had trouble, one had recently new transmission at 165k, and one wouldn't shift into 3rd-just grind at 145k.

There are rubber plugs somewhere that dry up and leak - I think you can change them to metal plugs to avoid that problem. Sometimes people don't notice the leak and it ruins the synchros.

On the other hand, I test drove a 92 Expy Sport with 195k on it, all original except clutch (190k) and it shifted fine...

 

If you can find a decent Exp with manual shift, go for it. Problem is, there are far more AT Exp out there than sticks, which will limit your availability market.

Mike

 

I bought a 91' w/at about 4 years ago for $1500. It had 203K on it at that time. Since then it has turned over 300K and is still running strong. The original owner said he had never had any trans problem and neither have I. However about a year ago I bought another 91' sport w/ at for $1300 and the trans lasted all of 2 weeks before it went out. Win some lose some.

 

That's about the going price for one with that milage. My '92 XLT 2x4 would sell for about $2500 in my area and it has 171,000 miles on it. However, it has a new tranny and excellent tires. Good luck finding a manual explorer, they are rare as hen's teeth. Might have better luck finding a Sport in a manual than the 4 door.

 

Explorers are cheap because it was the no 1 selling suv in the 90's and the market was flooded with them. Now nobody wants one because it's to common they rather go spend $50k on a vehicle that the common people won't be driving.

 

My 91 Explorer is a 4 door 5 speed and I love it even though I've had some bearing trouble in the transmission. Cliffhanger

 

I just bought a 92 XL w/ 4SPD + OD. 143K. Immac in and out. I have done shocks, plugs, and did all the fluid changes. $2,300 to buy and $300 to bring up to a known condition. It is 4X4. Great tires. Mechanic that checked it for me offered $3,500.