Hi, Just visiting from the F150 forum.
The wife has had it with her MPV and instructed me to go out and get her an early to mid 90's Explorer like her friend has .
I thought I'd check in here first before I go shopping and see if I can get any advice on problem area's, specific models/years to avoid (if any). I don't mind having a V8 but V6's are far more available on the used market.
My only requirements are 4 door and Auto trans.
Thanks

 

The 97 was the first year that offered the SOHC engine in the 4L - I think you COULD get in in the 96's, but they were not the usual engine.

I like the control Trak, which was/is the AWD of the time... I think it came out in 95 models, and it's sort of the best of both worlds - pysdo 4x4, but better on gas...

96 and up of course use the OBDII computers, which are sort of a mixed blessing I think... it's great to pinpoint what the problem can be, but there are more things that can go wrong too... so?

I would guess that the F150's models somewhat mimic the Explorers, at least in design...

If you don't plan to tow with the Explorer, you don't really need the V8, but if you always have it loaded, it will give you more torque of course.

many on here seem to like the late 90's models the best. I have heard the the SOHC engine is a better design than the push rod 4L, but not made as well, and can develop problems if you don't stay on top of the maintiance... like anything else I guess.

The Explorer is the best thing I ever drove in the snow so far, at least from Ford. If 4x4 is important? you didn't say.

They do seem to hold their value, more so than many other SUV's other there, because the older models do last (Ford Tough!)

If you can find a limited or an eddie bauer, those are the top models for their given year, and have all the goodies that woman like (If you're wife is like mine)

anyways, good luck! - Just my 2 pennies...

Bob

 

The generation I explorers (91-94) are notorious for transmission problems (usually around 150k) Also, the radius arm bushing and rust in the rear doglegs are also potential issues. If possible, I'd avoid the Gen I's and look for a Gen II.

 

As long as you take care of the A4LD in the 91-94 trucks they will be just fine. My truck has 170k on the original tranny with nothing more than fluid changes.

 

I have a 94 Explorer 4x4 with the pushrod engine and I have 169,000 miles on it and still going strong. I've only had to do the usual maintenance tuneups and have the tranny filter and oil changed at regular intervals.

Mike

 

yeah, I think the biggest mistake people make is towing with this truck without getting a Tranny Cooler... and then keeping up on the service. The A4LD in my 1989 Aerostar is the original Tranny, and it still is fine. - So, like anything, it's all how something is treated... my 89 still runs very good...

I still think, on the used market, all things being equal, the late 90's exp are most likely the best ever made... before Ford made everything plastic, and after OBDII

I would look for like a 99 or something around then... with under 100K on it... which will be easy to find. - You'd be able to get 10 years out of something like that. (unless it was totally neglected)

 

I just purchased a two-door '91 Explorer Sport, 5 Speed, with 135,000 miles a month ago. Previous owner said he has never had any problems with it. Running great. Only problem is the gas milage...it only gets 28 MPG (hwy)...any way to improve on that? Ha ha...

 

Hi,

That's about right... keep the intake clean, new air filter, tune it up with ONLY MC plugs and wires (makes a difference in Performance, and MPG) if it has a Dist, be sure the timing is right on the money... another big gas waster... Check your vaccum hoses for leaks... can make the engine run richer, if you are not getting good vaccum (or too lean too)

Keep it light too... don't carry anything you don't need...

How much did you buy it for? sounds a lot like the 96 2dr Sport I just got with 110K on it... seems fine, with just some minor stuff...

I get about 300 miles out of a tank of gas, and I think it holds 17 gallons - but it is a 4x4, and even in 2wd mode, you are still carrying the extra weight, etc...

 

I couldn't believe the owners only wanted $800 for it and they kept saying, "It doesn't need anything." I looked online and found these values for '91's: $4xx trade-in, $700-800 wholesale, and $1500-1600 Retail. Some faded paint on hood and top. But running excellent. They said, "110K." But odometer reads 35k...so I think it must really be more like 135k. It is 2WD only and I get about 400 miles per tank. They said they bought it new and never had any problems at all with it. You could tell they took care of it and had it serviced often. I like it a lot and sure don't regret the purchase. If anyone has been thinking about it, I'd recommend go ahead and find a nice one. You'll probably like it.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...xxPICT0001.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...xxPICT0003.jpg

 

Thanks for the helpful responses. Haven't made a move yet but my search is narroing based on the advice.
Cheers

 

Yeah, it's true... The Gen 1 and Gen 2's are both good trucks, again, it's all in how you take care of them. me personally? 2wd defeats the purpose of owning an explorer, but it's all in what you need it for I guess... for me? it's a snow truck, or "bad weather" truck.... I have more cargo space in my Van, but the van is only 2wd, not great in snow. 2wd is better on gas... if you're getting 400 to the tank, you're at about the right mileage for that Truck...

Do like F3 and I did... get one from a single owner that has all the records, and upkeep... and get it for a song, and anticipate putting a little bit into it, and it will last you.

Keep up on Oil Changes... common sense, but if you do nothing else, do that :-)

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the help. I bought a one owner 1995 XLT V6 with 138,000km's