I've driven Fords and Ford trucks for years, but this is my first serious look at an Explorer. The one I'll be looking at this afternoon is loaded with the 5.0 engine and auto transmission, 106k, one owner who even has all his fuel receipts from purchased date. Anything in particular that I need to be aware of. This site is the source for "quality" Ford truck info. Thanks.
Dan

 

Fuel receipts? Like... everytime he bought gas? Kooky.

Anyway - I'm not as experienced as some of the people on here, but I have a "96 explorer with 114,000, and I can share some of my problems.

1) Between 80-90,000 my ERG valve had to be replaced. I hear this is a common failure with Explorers of that time.

2) My O2 sensors were replaced around the same time, along with a thermostat that was stuck open.

These are relatively minor items. The other thing you probably want to look at is the front end. I recently found out all of my shocks were trashed... and probably have been the last 10,000 miles or so. Both the lower and upper ball joints were getting sloppy, and one of my CV boots was torn.

So key thing... check the suspension and steering. If it's all OEM at 106k... the shocks are probably toast (should probably be replaced every 50,000). If the ball joints haven't been replaced since original purchase, they're probably ready to go too. While these are standard 100k+ maintenance issues, they can dig a hole in your wallet if you aren't expecting the problems.

(1) CV Boot, (2) Lower Ball-Joints, (2) Upper Ball-Joints = Approx. $1,300 in repairs. Add another $300-$400 to do the other CV Boot.

Aside from these maintenance items... I've had no problems from my engine or transmission. And having fixed the steering and suspension problems, I intend to get many more years out of my explorer. She still runs smooth as a baby's bottom.

Oh... one last thing. Check the "on-the-fly" 4WD switch (below 30MPH). I've had some problems with mine, and eventually had to get the 4WD motor replaced. From what I've heard, this is common in some Explorers, because the motor is undersized. If it doesn't switch in 4WD, or after driving 2-3 miles in 4WD your 4WD instrument panel lights start flashing... you got a problem.

Good luck!

 

If he has gas receipts, then he should also have maintenance receipts. Ask to see the oil change and trans service receipts. Look for other good info such as brakes, suspension, and engine repairs/maintenance.

 

1. Shocks

2. Transfer Case

3. Blend Door Problems

4. Rear End problem Leaks and shimmys

5. Ball Joints And Tie Rod ends

6. Rear Axel Seals

7. Lifters

8. Door Bushings

9. Door Handels (Exterior)

10. Broken or weak armrest hinge

11. Rust starting on the lift gate

12. Moon Roof Leaks

13. IAC Valve

14. A/C Clutch

15. Mass Air Flow Sensor

16. Wheel Speed Sensors

17. Master Cylinder

18. Cruise Control Cable Up Grade Done Under Factory Recall

Now remeber not everyone of these have gone on my 98' but these are many of the common problems for explorers Now remeber that these are jsut like any other car on the road this is the best dam suv that Ford has ever made Mine has 126,000 on it and running as strong as it did the day I bought it

 

Drove the Explorer(4D,2WD, Auto, 5.0 V-8) and it is still a possiblity. It is totally optioned out, but without the eddie bauer name. About a mile into the test drive the Check Engine light came on and it needed a set of tires, but the wear pattern looked. I did pull a carfax report on it and it was clean. He has all the maintainence receipts from day one so if he gets back with me with the "engine codes" then I'll make another trip to negotiate price. Thanks for the heads up on potiential problems. I'll compile the list to take with me if I return.