Posted: 11/7/2009 9:19:33 AM EDT
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My girlfriend is looking to buy a 2000 ish Ford Explorer because she wants a 4x4 SUV. Unfortunately, she has some credit issues which limit her to lower priced vehicles which means higher milage...
So for you Exploder owners out there, how reliable has yours been passed 100K miles? Can you specify if yours is manual or auto please? Thanks |
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'01 is a different vehicle than the '02+ Exploder/Mountaineer. The '02+ is a better vehicle in every regard, IMO. To the best of my knowledge, the only way you could get a manual transmission in an Explorer around that time was in the 2 door Explorer Sport, and even then it's a relatively rare option. '02+ were all automatics.
'02-'04ish had a few minor problems. Things like rear wheel bearings wearing/rusting out and getting noisy, there were some rear axle whine problems, but overall, they're good vehicles. |
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Quoted:.
'02-'04ish had a few minor problems. Things like rear wheel bearings wearing/rusting out and getting noisy, there were some rear axle whine problems, but overall, they're good vehicles. Yep. My 02 with 86,xxx on it has the rear end whine. Thats it though, overall a great vehicle and I would definitely buy another. |
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'02-'04ish had a few minor problems. Things like rear wheel bearings wearing/rusting out and getting noisy, there were some rear axle whine problems, but overall, they're good vehicles. Yep. My 02 with 86,xxx on it has the rear end whine. Thats it though, overall a great vehicle and I would definitely buy another. '02 117k miles, rear end whine since we got it at 88k (hasn't gotten any worse), not a single issue w/ anything at all. Best vehicle I've ever owned. The 5-speed auto is the first time I've ever liked anything w/ an auto - and that's saying something for me. |
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I have a 2003 4LV6 4x4 with 113,900 on the odo and so far here is my list of problems:
Rear windows (L and R) both went out. The motors took a shit. The rearview mirrors have puddle lamps and the lense broke on one and I cant find a replacement, I have to buy the whole mirror assy The heatshield over the transfer case broke and I replaced it myself. Parts cost = $37.00. not too bad The driving I did for 3 years was HARSH on the transmission (mountain roads). So far it has held up fine but it is starting to slip when its cold out until warmed up My mother owns a 2002 4LV6 with 116,000 on the odo and so far here is what she has encountered: Rear window (R) motor blown. Cost $100 or so to fix Latch cover over rear floor (where jack is stowed) broke Hood latch broke Rear window cracked at the lower portion of the rear hatch (a very common problem) Rear window hatch stopped locking shut. Father had to zip-tie it shut Transmission is starting to slip but only when its cold out until warmed up Whine from the rear differential when driving certain speeds at a certain RPM So far both cars have been good. They are safe, comfortable, and fairly reliable. I sometimes tow shit and i load my canoe on the roof of mine all the time. I have taken it offroading to our shooting spot many many times. I maintain it and so far it has treated me well. I commute in it often, sometimes driving up to 130 miles a day 3 or 4 days a week. I get about 23-25 hwy miles and 18-21 or so city if I am easy on the gas and dont gas it at every light like most people in Los Angeles. Like I said I commuted 4 days a week over mountain roads for 3 years and this car has got me through some deep snow without a hitch. It also has survived Los Angeles for the past few years. If you go to look at one, drive it and be aware of the transmission. that is the achilles heel of these cars. I love my explorer but Ford needs to learn within the next 100 years how to make a transmission. Check the rear windows to see if they function and see if the back hatch is cracked. If you can try to take it stop and go a bit to see if the transmission lags or slips. Good luck |
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Ok guys, I appreciate the input. I am looking at a manual though not an auto, so I am primarily concerned with the motor. So are the motors in these things reliable?
I found a 96 and 123K, manual, 4x4, single owner and everything looks fine and it has a new clutch for 3200. I was going to offer 3K. Thoughts? |
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Ok guys, I appreciate the input. I am looking at a manual though not an auto, so I am primarily concerned with the motor. So are the motors in these things reliable? I found a 96 and 123K, manual, 4x4, single owner and everything looks fine and it has a new clutch for 3200. I was going to offer 3K. Thoughts? So you are now looking at 96 models not just 01-03? I have no experience with the 96. I own both a 93 and an 03 and the 4.0 engines are pretty tough. I rebuilt the 93's engine at 12yrs/195k and it probably still couldve gone another few thousand before i decided to rebuild it. the 03 like i said has 114k and i maintain it and change everything both air/oil at 6k intervals(i live in the desert) and it has stayed pretty strong. i only had issues once with the obd and having to get the 02 sensor replaced at about 100k. the one thing to listen for is spark knock on the 4.0's |