1995-2001 Reliability?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 197
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From: In the swamps of Florida
1995-2001 Reliability?
Hi everyone, considering replacing my fiance's 92 Honda Civic with an Explorer. She really likes the '95-'01 body style, as do I. I was just wondering if there are any particular problem areas to look for. We would like to find an Eddie Bauer or Limited with the 4.0 SOHC and 4x4. What kind of mileage can I expect out of it? Thanks for any info.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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i bought a 96 wiht about 140k miles for the kids to play with. In the last two years i have replaced the alternator, both front wheel bearings, fan belt, and idler pulley/bracket, brakes and brake lines . The guy before me had nenw lower ball joints installed in the front. I dont think the above is bad, i had planned on that. If your not expecting some maint on a truck with over 100k miles, you will be dissapointed. The motor and transmission run great. It gets 19.5 to 20 MPG on the highway. It is a 6 cyl, 4 speed auto.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 230
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Don't get the 5.0 V8, it's a real gas hog (16.6 mpg hiway is best mine ever does). Too scared to check city mpg. 121K miles on it and the only real expense has been one front wheel bearing (pricey) and 2 brake jobs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: In the Middle
My 5.0 AWD with 184,000+ miles gets 21.7 mpg highway, and 18.5 city. It still runs great and has been a great vehicle.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltimore
From what I've read in the forums, it doesn't sound like the mgp between the 4.0 and 5.0 is that significant. I'm sure others will jump in with opinions. Keep in mind that many of the 5.0s have AWD instead of 4wd. AWD can cost you some extra mpg as well.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
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Hey 460,
What year is your 5.0L? Mine is a 1997 and I know that they have made great strides in mileage in the later year models.
What year is your 5.0L? Mine is a 1997 and I know that they have made great strides in mileage in the later year models.
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Posting Guru
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From: In the Middle
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The 4.0 SOHC motor had some timing tensioner (or belt?) issues. Big $$$ to repair.
The 5.0 came with a 4R70W transmission, which is a lot better than the 5R55 behind the 4.0
Mine is a '97 also. My 21.7 mpg figure is 95% interstate (at 65 mph) and 5% city driving.
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The 4.0 SOHC motor had some timing tensioner (or belt?) issues. Big $$$ to repair.
The 5.0 came with a 4R70W transmission, which is a lot better than the 5R55 behind the 4.0
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 197
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From: In the swamps of Florida
I was talking to a guy at work that has an '03 with the 4.0. It has 125,000 miles on it and the timing chain (belt?) just broke out of the blue. It put a hole in the valve cover about the size of a golf ball, and who knows how much damage internally. So I'm starting to reconsider the 4.0 now. Was the V-8 only available with AWD?
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From: In the Middle
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I'm guessing you read my post just above yours? Between the timing issue and the weaker transmission, both very expensive repairs, I can't see how 1 or 2 mpg could ever offset the repair cost.
The 5.0 was either AWD or 2 wheel drive, and was never offered with a selectable transfer case.
The AWD Explorer is the best vehicle I've ever driven in the snow, but I don't think that is a concern for you since you live in Florida. I would love to find a 2wd 5.0 Explorer, but there aren't many of them in my area.
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I'm guessing you read my post just above yours? Between the timing issue and the weaker transmission, both very expensive repairs, I can't see how 1 or 2 mpg could ever offset the repair cost.
The 5.0 was either AWD or 2 wheel drive, and was never offered with a selectable transfer case.
The AWD Explorer is the best vehicle I've ever driven in the snow, but I don't think that is a concern for you since you live in Florida. I would love to find a 2wd 5.0 Explorer, but there aren't many of them in my area.
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