Time to sell '98 ML320. Looking at 4Runner and Explorer. Love our Expedition, but too big for me. Saw
2002 Exploer 4WD w/ 41K miles for 24,000. Love 3rd seat for extra kids. Any suggestions/input appreciated. Thanks in advance.

What are the specs on it? V8 or V6? 2WD, AWD, or 4WD?

I recommend the V8 2wd w/ tow package if you don't have heavy snow/ice storms in your area. Also, that price seems a little high to me.

Originally posted by tirgoddess
Time to sell '98 ML320.

May I ask why?

Originally posted by X-factor
May I ask why?

I was thinking the exact same thing! Those are totally sweet rides.

I personally don't like the Mclass (the G class is another story though).

That price seems high, even for a 2002; maybe $20k for that?

Explorers are great vehicles. If you're not gonna go offroad, the 2002 is a good SUV for family hauling and for utility. It's total independent suspension hampers it's offroad prowess though. If you can get a V8, I would.

BTW welcome to the site! :D

Explorers are great trucks, but due to to the anemic auto trans of the v-6 I would much rather have the v-8. $24K seems a bit high. A local dealer is advertising brand new 4 door 4x4's for 21K. I love my truck and will very well likely buy another when I run the wheels off of this one.

Originally posted by Mbrooks420
Explorers are great trucks, but due to to the anemic auto trans of the v-6 I would much rather have the v-8. $24K seems a bit high. A local dealer is advertising brand new 4 door 4x4's for 21K. I love my truck and will very well likely buy another when I run the wheels off of this one.
The transmission in the 02+ V8 and V6 explorers (the 5R55W and the 5R55S) are nearly identical and an all new design.

Originally posted by Jason_25
The transmission in the 02+ V8 and V6 explorers (the 5R55W and the 5R55S) are nearly identical and an all new design.
What is with this 5R55W and S stuff being thrown around? Did something happen and nobody told me? I didn't know Ford made a 5-speed auto for the V-8? Last I heard the 4R70W was going to cotinue to be the V-8 tranny.

It would make sense the W and S are both the same, because the "55" means both can handle maximum engine torque of 550. I would be wary about the 275 lbs/ft torque modular behind a 550 max torque tranny. 275 X2 for the torque converter = 550, which is its maximum.

The transmission in the 02+ V8 and V6 explorers (the 5R55W and the 5R55S) are nearly identical and an all new design. And to think it only took those morons at Ford 11 years to replace a shoddy, defective part.

Originally posted by Mbrooks420
And to think it only took those morons at Ford 11 years to replace a shoddy, defective part.

I dont think Ford ever made a Tranny that was good? I would guess that the average Ford Tranny last's about 100K, miles.

There engines however do last alot longer.

THe new trannies are sealed so you can't service them so they die at 100K.

Originally posted by Mbrooks420
And to think it only took those morons at Ford 11 years to replace a shoddy, defective part.
Eh? Granted, the A4LD wasn't the greatest transmission being based off the French C3, but the 5R55E which replaced it has certainly held up well to my abuse. Don't diss the Ford autotragics. We could have a 4L60E or any other "quality" GM transmission/trans-axle :D

My uncle would be upset if you said his C6 behind his 302 Bronco was trash. I guess 320,000 mile isn't long enough? :)

Yeah well Im talking about the average life span.

Yes there are a very few out there that last longer. 300K is very good! Some that dont even last near 100k.

Originally posted by DonM
I dont think Ford ever made a Tranny that was good? I would guess that the average Ford Tranny last's about 100K, miles.

There engines however do last alot longer.

I think it depends on the platform. I've seen Town Cars/Crown Vics with the 4R70W with 150K miles on them with original trannys.

Eh? Granted, the A4LD wasn't the greatest transmission being based off the French C3, but the 5R55E which replaced it has certainly held up well to my abuse. Eh? The 4r55e was based on the a4ld. What's so different about the 5r55e and 4r55e besides an extra torque converter lockup?

Originally posted by Mbrooks420
Eh? The 4r55e was based on the a4ld. What's so different about the 5r55e and 4r55e besides an extra torque converter lockup?
The 5R55E is based off the A4LD and C3 just like the 4R, but it just appears to be a better tranny. It has a larger filter, and I believe a slightly bigger pan which means more lubrication. It adds an extra overdrive to give 1hi, and 2hi so you get 5 forward speeds ;)

My 5R has lasted almost 100K miles, and it has never had a fluid change to my knowledge and sees redline twice a day *shrugs* Still shits like butter. Even had a friend comment to me how seamless the shift was recently.

Originally posted by BradE.
I think it depends on the platform. I've seen Town Cars/Crown Vics with the 4R70W with 150K miles on them with original trannys.

Sorry bro, if you think 150K miles is good, you better take a look around. Japenese cars have trannys that will out last any American made tranny, or motor for that matter. Im talking 300K+ miles.

Ya know it's funny. I love more American cars and trucks then Imports. Yet I realize Honda and Toyota make the most reliable vehichles on the road, yet I still buy american crap. :rolleyes:

Some day I will learn I guess??????

Originally posted by DonM
Sorry bro, if you think 150K miles is good, you better take a look around. Japenese cars have trannys that will out last any American made tranny, or motor for that matter. Im talking 300K+ miles.

Ya know it's funny. I love more American cars and trucks then Imports. Yet I realize Honda and Toyota make the most reliable vehichles on the road, yet I still buy american crap. :rolleyes:

Some day I will learn I guess??????

I've seen Town Car Limos with over 300K miles on them. Pretty good for American "crap". :rolleyes:

Originally posted by DonM
Sorry bro, if you think 150K miles is good, you better take a look around. Japenese cars have trannys that will out last any American made tranny, or motor for that matter. Im talking 300K+ miles.


Any Ford tranny would last just as long as a jap tranny if you put it behind a 1.6L with no torque.

Hey guys Im just speaking the truth. Sorry that you hate to hear such things, but it's true.

Just because you have seen a few town cars with 300K miles, doesnt mean it wasnt rebuilt or doesnt make american parts good. Im speaking in general and the average american car doesnt last nearly as long as a Honda or Toyota. This is not opinion, this is fact.

It's rare to see a Ford tranny last that long, yes it happens but it's very very few...to bad they cant finally learn from there mistakes.

Of course, your right. What was I thinking? Every import is far superior to anything American. Just ask those 6 million Toyota owners with engines that sludge up because of design flaws. :rolleyes:

Just to prove I'm not bias, my family has owned Hondas and Toyotas. They have their problems, trust me. To suggest that only American cars have reliability issues is simply wrong, and inaccurate. Soon as my Mom's old Accord went over 80K miles everything went wrong with it. Exhaust had to be replaced, water pump, timing belt, A/C system crapped out, master cylinder, radio even died. Everytime it went in the shop it was another $700 for something. This was a lady driven car, with the service schedule followed by the book.

My Dad traded in his 2001 Avalon with 12K miles because it was a total piece of crap. The leather was horrible (had a hole wearing in the drivers seat), paint was thin (along with the sheet metal), the tranny had some type of mysterious whine and shift problem that nobody could fix. After 3 tries the dealership simply gave up. Oh and it got a whopping 20 MPG on premium gas no less. His previous car before the Avalon was a Camry. It he traded it in at 100K miles. Whole A/C system had to be replaced at 89K miles to the tune of $1500, oil pump, motor mounts, rear light bar, 2 power window motors, power seat motors died, and countless other things. Yep! Toyota sure does build em' right.

Moral of the story is, there are just as many horror stories about foreign cars as american cars. So, "Im just speaking the truth. Sorry that you hate to hear such things, but it's true."

That's not my point. My point is, Hondas and Toyota vehicles are clearly more reliable then most american cars.

Im not saying Hondas and Toyota cars dont have there problems, cause they do. But they are far less problems then American cars. This is clearly fact. Do the research man, either in life, or on the net, or talking to other Import owners.

Honda and toyota put out better cars and more and more people are seeing this! Just look at how well Toyota cars are selling these days. Hell, Toyota has the best selling car in America. So what does this tell you? Pretty soon, Toyota will have the best selling trucks as well. :eek:

I know it's hard for people who only own American cars to stomach this, but it's true and you'll just have to deal with it. ;)

Peace bro, Im done with this. Ive said what I wanted to say.

2 DonM

Hey bro!!! Sell your crappy 95 XLT and buy Toyota which is the best of the best.

The truth is every car can brake down, BUT if American car brakes down you can find parts for it very easy and buy them for cheep (sp?) and if Japanese car brakes down you would have hard time to find the parts and you would pay 3 times as much as for American car.

Peace bro.

Originally posted by DonM
I know it's hard for people who only own American cars to stomach this, but it's true and you'll just have to deal with it. ;)

Just look at what you've got. ;)

Alright, the track is way over that way.<------. Lets try and get back on it. ;) If you wanna argue Import vs Domestic start a new thread.

Good going guys... you just scared away the newbie...tirgoddess ?!?! :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Shurup
2 DonM

Hey bro!!! Sell your crappy 95 XLT and buy Toyota which is the best of the best.

The truth is every car can brake down, BUT if American car brakes down you can find parts for it very easy and buy them for cheep (sp?) and if Japanese car brakes down you would have hard time to find the parts and you would pay 3 times as much as for American car.

Peace bro.

That is simply not true! There are a couple Toyota, honda, Nissan factorys here in the US now. So finding parts is just as easy and no more money then American parts. If your going to argue me, atleast know what your talking about.:p

unless your talking about 20 year old cars? But Im talking about fairly new cars. So finding parts isnt hard...

hey bro! read my second post to you. ;)
I won't argue with you for I don't care about Jap stuff and their factories in US.

Back to the topic.
Look under the hood of Jap cars and US cars. In Jap cars there is as much staff under the hood as in a space ship and in some cases it is almost impossible to replace a very simple part without taking a half of the engine out.
In most US cars it is usually much easier to do.

That may be true? But there less likely to break down or have somthing go wrong. So what's your point.

I learn fast, im still young.(25) So I can afford to make a few mistakes here and there. But I'll tell you one thing, I'll never own another Explorer again....Unless Ford fixes the problems and offers a 100k mile warranty. I will be looking into getting a 4runner. Then I wouldnt have to worry about somthing breaking.

Btw, my buddy has two Toyotas. Both toyotas are 10 and 12 years old. Twice the amount of miles and never had a single problem. Plus they run better then my 8 year old SUV. Which I take pretty good care of. I have never beat up on it. I maintane my Ex pretty damn good.

Dont kid yourself. Imports are simply more reliable and this is fact!!

Originally posted by DonM
That may be true? But there less likely to break down or have somthing go wrong. So what's your point.

I learn fast, im still young.(25) So I can afford to make a few mistakes here and there. But I'll tell you one thing, I'll never own another Explorer again....Unless Ford fixes the problems and offers a 100k mile warranty. I will be looking into getting a 4runner. Then I wouldnt have to worry about somthing breaking.

Btw, my buddy has two Toyotas. Both toyotas are 10 and 12 years old. Twice the amount of miles and never had a single problem. Plus they run better then my 8 year old SUV. Which I take pretty good care of. I have never beat up on it. I maintane my Ex pretty damn good.

Dont kid yourself. Imports are simply more reliable and this is fact!!
Why would I lie to myself? Go trade in your truck for a Toyota and please be quiet. We don't want people coming in here preaching about how great another vehicle is. This is an Explorer board in case you didn't know it, and this is what it will remain :p

If the 4Runner was so great, then why is the Explorer the #1 selling SUV for all 12 years of its production run? I don't see the 4Runner up there, and I think the general buying public is smarter than you are. I do not buy a vehicle just because it may last a few miles longer. I want to be comfortable in my car, and all the Toyos I've been in have been cramped, ugly, bland machines that have absolutely no style or attitude to them at all. The only Toyo with attitude was the Supra, and it is an overpriced sardine can just like all of them.

Btw, my friend has a Camry and he just got done replacing his engine and trans-axle. No, he did not have the V-6 oil sludge problem over 6 million Camry owners are having ;) Let's see, I have replaced one fuel filter and set of brakes on my 97K mile Explorer, and no sign of engine or transmission faliure whatsoever. Gee, I guess these Fords really do suck and Toyotas are perfect now aren't they? I'm going to go spend a lot of money on a machine I have yet to see is better :p

Originally posted by Majisto
No, he did not have the V-6 oil sludge problem over 6 million Camry owners are having ;)

Do you know what years Camry had that design flaw?

Originally posted by BradE
Just ask those 6 million Toyota owners with engines that sludge up because of design flaws.

What does sludge mean may I ask?
And is there any other Toyota cars beside Camry that have that design flaw?

Personally, I think many people say that imports are of higher quality to feign a sense of superiority and sophistication. It is simply not true. The 4Runner has NEVER, let me say this again, NEVER been in the top ten best selling vehicles...oh and the X has been for almost twelve years...hmmm:rolleyes:
DonM- I'm not saying that you're trying to act superior to everyone, that was just an observation of past people that I have made. However, if you seriously believe that 4Runners are better and are capable of going 2.5 million miles without an oil change, then please go get one. Been there done that. I had a 89 4Runner and it was crap! I sold it and got an 86 BII and never had a problem and it had nearly 3 times the mileage of the 4Runner (233K for the BII and 78K 4Runner). The 4Runner doesn't have as much power (though the newer models are better) and the interiors are bland.
Many new 4Runner owners are actually quite perturbed because Toyota apparently has many bugs in the new model. A high pitched whine comes from the engine compartment in many 4Runners and many find the interior to be cheap and prone to leaking and air-pressure whining.
Are there Toyos and Hondas that have reached 300K miles...of course, but so do American vehicles. My dad has an 88 Bronco with the 302 that has over 297 miles with the original tranny and motor.
Majisto is absolutely right, if the X is so inferior to the 4, then why is it the best selling SUV hands down? The general public doesn't demand poor quality as if that were true, what would that say about your beloved Toyota Camry, the best selling car?


And back to the original topic, I'd definitely go with the AWD V8! Great towing and family vehicle.
Greg

Is there a V8 with 4WD not AWD ever been made, any years?

Originally posted by Shurup
Is there a V8 with 4WD not AWD ever been made, any years?
Not that I know of. The ControlTrac couldn't handle the torque of the V-8 IIRC. Even so, the AWD seems to be a fairly stout system for off-roading, just nothing heavy duty. I would take a V-8 AWD over a V-6 4WD personally.

Does AWD t-case have 4low mode?

No, your in awd all the time.

Originally posted by DaHeinah
Personally, I think many people say that imports are of higher quality to feign a sense of superiority and sophistication. It is simply not true. The 4Runner has NEVER, let me say this again, NEVER been in the top ten best selling vehicles...oh and the X has been for almost twelve years...hmmm:rolleyes:
DonM- I'm not saying that you're trying to act superior to everyone, that was just an observation of past people that I have made. However, if you seriously believe that 4Runners are better and are capable of going 2.5 million miles without an oil change, then please go get one. Been there done that. I had a 89 4Runner and it was crap! I sold it and got an 86 BII and never had a problem and it had nearly 3 times the mileage of the 4Runner (233K for the BII and 78K 4Runner). The 4Runner doesn't have as much power (though the newer models are better) and the interiors are bland.
Many new 4Runner owners are actually quite perturbed because Toyota apparently has many bugs in the new model. A high pitched whine comes from the engine compartment in many 4Runners and many find the interior to be cheap and prone to leaking and air-pressure whining.
Are there Toyos and Hondas that have reached 300K miles...of course, but so do American vehicles. My dad has an 88 Bronco with the 302 that has over 297 miles with the original tranny and motor.
Majisto is absolutely right, if the X is so inferior to the 4, then why is it the best selling SUV hands down? The general public doesn't demand poor quality as if that were true, what would that say about your beloved Toyota Camry, the best selling car?


And back to the original topic, I'd definitely go with the AWD V8! Great towing and family vehicle.
Greg

Dont put words in my mouth, I never said they will go 2.5 million miles with out an oil change!

I dont try to act superior, Im just being honest.

Im gonna say this again, imports are better and this is fact. Show me other wise and maybe I'll change my tune. This has been known for many years.

I think it was car and driver who just put out a reliability list, you should read it. Ford is just under average.

I have to agree with the idea that rice burners are more reliable (for whatever reason) than American made cars. So does Consumer Reports and JDPower. They win in both long-term reliability and initial quality.

I'd also agree that it's partly b/c they generally come with weaker engines, although that appears to be changing - plus it doesn't explain why Porsche is at the top when every car they make is pretty damn powerful.

"While Japanese-branded vehicles continue to dominate in terms of long-term vehicle quality, the Europeans have lost their edge over the U.S. domestic-branded vehicles, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today."

http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2003050

http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2003028

Thank you scott, I was just looking for links for those mags that prove they are more reliable.

Does it really matter? Aren't they all assembled by Americans in America? :rolleyes:

Dont put words in my mouth, I never said they will go 2.5 million miles with out an oil change!
This is simply called exaggeration to make a point...don't put words in my mouth now.



Im gonna say this again, imports are better and this is fact. Show me other wise and maybe I'll change my tune. This has been known for many years.

That's all great and all but I could care less about what magazines state about interior quality and reliability. Keep in mind that more X's have been sold than have been 4Runners so of course there are going to be more repairs. That is a fact. 4Runners simply lack performance so there will be less stress on the drivetrain. That is a fact. Judging quality of the interior is subjective, I know I hated my 4Runner interior. That is a fact. Those magazines don't quite understand statistics, I don't recall seeing margin of error, null hypothesis or any other indications that this was a truly scientific poll such as number count, past history or other contributing factors. Until those magazines start performing true scientific polls, I will go off of personal experience. And my personal experience is that foreign cars are over-rated, and too expensive for what they are.



I dont try to act superior, Im just being honest.

I know, that's why I said...

I'm not saying that you're trying to act superior ;)

DonM, do you work on your own vehicles?
That's all great and all but I could care less about what magazines state about interior quality and reliability. I will go off of personal experience. And my personal experience is that foreign cars are over-rated, and too expensive for what they are.
My thoughts exactly....
I remember when buying my used 88 escort with 90K, I decided to browse consumer reports. Their review showed it being the worst reliable compact. Then I decide imports were to much $$$ and overrated. Now I have over 230K in my scort with NO major problems. repalced timing belt, starter, alternator, and clutch. Many of my friends however went threw 2-3 cars each.

About the only imports I would consider.
BMW - German class
Porsche - German sports
Toyota Tundra V8 - about like F150, but interior is plain

Sorry I repeat my post but I need answers very badly. My girlfriend is thinking about buying a Toyota and I need the info I asked for to stop her from that mistake (buying a Toyota).

Originally posted by Majisto
No, he did not have the V-6 oil sludge problem over 6 million Camry owners are having

Do you know what years Camry had that design flaw?

Originally posted by BradE
Just ask those 6 million Toyota owners with engines that sludge up because of design flaws.

What does sludge mean may I ask?
And is there any other Toyota cars beside Camry that have that design flaw?

i only read one post.

it said 4runners simply lack performance- how can someone who owns an explorer say that? ever raced a 4runner on the street? ever gone wheeling with one? they walk all over us unless we have the right factory options and some mods in both respects

"Twice the amount of miles and never had a single problem. Plus they run better then my 8 year old SUV. Which I take pretty good care of. I have never beat up on it. I maintane my Ex pretty damn good."

First, this type of exclamation is rarely true....just likethe "My PC/MAC running OSX/XP NEVER EVER NEVER crashes! Not for 10 years!".....

Usually, on further examination, it just aint true. Its all relative.

If yoru friends never maintain their cars and you crawl all over yours every weekend looking fro issues, then of course you'll find more problems than them.....

There are folks here who claim their X has 240k on it and the same tranny...mine blew at 65k....so who is right?? No one...machines are machines.....they will break , all dependent on their own history. Period.

"Dont kid yourself. Imports are simply more reliable and this is fact!!"

My "superior" Honda Shadow motorcycle blew a tranny at 53k miles......blew a stator and left me stranded.....now, the brake lights quit.....I know several Harlety guys who NEVER had this problem. My Honda leaks, their Harleys dont......taht is 100% contrary to the old biker humour.....

I love my Honda, but is it superior to any other make?? I dont think so. Its a machine, and it has pros and cons, and plenty of flaws.

There WAS a time where the imports were better build quality.....(the body would rot out due to bad Jap steel, but build quality was better)......That has all changed.....My wife's 98 Chevy malibu has 75 k on her and I do nothing but change the oil and brakes.....only problem so far (knock on wood twice) is a recurring problem with the AC controls....

Only import I ever owned was an 87 (?) Dodge D-50 (Mitusbishi) and I loved that little truck...frame rotted out and bosdy as well, and had a horrible missing problem before I got rid of it....
ALL machines are succeptible to problems.

A machine is only superior to another when ALL factors are q00% equal...environment, how it is maintained/treated, etc.

I learned long ago that picking one side/make/model of anything (aside from marriage I mean) and sticking to it until death do you part is foolish...you miss out on other cool stuff/machines.

Just my $.02.

Originally posted by DaHeinah
This is simply called exaggeration to make a point...don't put words in my mouth now.





That's all great and all but I could care less about what magazines state about interior quality and reliability. Keep in mind that more X's have been sold than have been 4Runners so of course there are going to be more repairs. That is a fact. 4Runners simply lack performance so there will be less stress on the drivetrain. That is a fact. Judging quality of the interior is subjective, I know I hated my 4Runner interior. That is a fact. Those magazines don't quite understand statistics, I don't recall seeing margin of error, null hypothesis or any other indications that this was a truly scientific poll such as number count, past history or other contributing factors. Until those magazines start performing true scientific polls, I will go off of personal experience. And my personal experience is that foreign cars are over-rated, and too expensive for what they are.





I know, that's why I said...

;)


So basicly your saying you dont feel Imports(japenese) are more reliable?

I could really careless what you think. I merely put my .02 in this thread. Atleast know what your talking about first.

Just because the Explorer is the #1 selling SUV in America, doesnt mean crap! They have sold very well even in the first year. So saying they sell well because they are reliable is crazy. How would so many people feel this way after only a year or two? Your logic is way off.

If your gonna chat with me atleast have some valid anwsers. :) Even if they are opinions...

So basicly your saying you dont feel Imports(japenese) are more reliable?
Yes, that is my opinion.

I could really careless what you think. I merely put my .02 in this thread. Atleast know what your talking about first.

IF you are unable to have a professional, civil conversation pertaining to a relatively mundane matter, then don't participate. I never insulted you nor did I say that I could give a rat's rear end about what you think because I find it interesting to hear others' opinions. As for the "know what you're talking about" comment, I owned a 4Runner for two years, did you? I work on my own cars, as I am guessing that you do as well. Maybe if you had read the past posts...

Just because the Explorer is the #1 selling SUV in America, doesnt mean crap! They have sold very well even in the first year. So saying they sell well because they are reliable is crazy. How would so many people feel this way after only a year or two? Your logic is way off.


Take some business classes! This is EXACTLY the simple question of supply and demand. duh! If the public sees a reliable vehicle that best suits their need, they will purchase it. Will they purchase a vehicle that breaks down every 50K miles?!?!? Think!

If your gonna chat with me atleast have some valid anwsers. Even if they are opinions...
You haven't brought up any facts, you've just been rude.:)


Expo 5.0- I actually owned a 4Runner, yes I have raced one on the street (my roomie's 94), and I have gone wheelin' with him. I have never attacked how they 4 wheel, I was quite impressed honestly.

Listen man, Im not trying to be an ass.

If you still feel the Explorer is the #1 selling SUV because they are reliable, you are dead wrong. There are many other reasons people buy them. They are far more reliable SUV's on the market. People just dont do their homework.

Your logic is off, i just dont understand. That's like saying the Camry is the number 1 selling car(which it is) but yet they just had all the problems with them. #1 selling doesnt mean crap.

It takes many years to find a reliable vehicle. Like I said above, the Explorer sold very well it's first year. Please tell me how all those people some how magicly knew the 91 brand new Explore was reliable???? They didnt, it was somthing else that attracted them to the SUV.

Do you understand what im saying?

DonM, do you work on your own cars.
If your friends never maintain their cars and you crawl all over yours every weekend looking fro issues, then of course you'll find more problems than them.....
That's sorta my point. I'm not trrying to be stereotypical, but I typically see more uppity people drive imports, for the status and feeling of reliablity. More domestic owners are more of the hands on "redneck" type I guess. I mean how many import 4x4 clubs are there. There are, Jeep, Bronco, Explorer, IH clubs, Ford and Chevy pickup enthusiests and Hot Rodders. I guess Land Rovers had (now owned by Ford) a club, but for the price they ought to have a private off-road park in every state. The "rice burner" scen has just began, mostly due to the movies.

Ok, back to the point. Most of these import owners just drive the car, where as these domestic type meticulously maintain their car. Domestic owners tend to mod and start to test the limits of their vehicle, were import owners are happy with a stock vehicle. I don't think a A4LD was ever intended to push lifted X with 32's with 3.73's.

But, no mater what you drive
machines are machines.....they will break

Originally posted by lonestar
DonM, do you work on your own cars.

That's sorta my point. I'm not trrying to be stereotypical, but I typically see more uppity people drive imports, for the status and feeling of reliablity. More domestic owners are more of the hands on "redneck" type I guess. I mean how many import 4x4 clubs are there. There are, Jeep, Bronco, Explorer, IH clubs, Ford and Chevy pickup enthusiests and Hot Rodders. I guess Land Rovers had (now owned by Ford) a club, but for the price they ought to have a private off-road park in every state. The "rice burner" scen has just began, mostly due to the movies.

Ok, back to the point. Most of these import owners just drive the car, where as these domestic type meticulously maintain their car. Domestic owners tend to mod and start to test the limits of their vehicle, were import owners are happy with a stock vehicle. I don't think a A4LD was ever intended to push lifted X with 32's with 3.73's.

But, no mater what you drive

This may be true, but lets not make excuses for are american vehicles. Fact is fact, this is all im saying.

BTW, yes I do work on my Ex. Atleast all the basic and custom type of stuff. Im no mech. And no, I dont constantly check my Ex for problems. Only when one arives.

If you still feel the Explorer is the #1 selling SUV because they are reliable, you are dead wrong. There are many other reasons people buy them. They are far more reliable SUV's on the market. People just dont do their homework.
They were the #1 selling SUV for the first couple of years because people liked the performance, styling, etc. I admit that perhaps people didn't initially buy them for reliability as it is difficult to guage such a quality in that limited of a time span. The fact is, people CONTINUE to buy the X in extremely large numbers. People do not buy unreliable vehicles as that entails work, cost, time, etc. That is my logic, and the logic of supply and demand.
I perfectly understand what you're saying, you just ignore the fact that even after 12 years, the X is still BY FAR the best selling SUV. 12 years is more than enough to guage reliability.
#1 selling doesnt mean crap
That is our source of disagreement. Why come back to vehicles that aren't reliable? Doesn't make sense to me...

People, please...
Could someone answer my questions (couple of posts back).
My gf wants to buy a Toyota Camry and I don't want her to have that oil sludge problem. I don't mined her having a Toyota though...

Don't know anything about a Toyota engione sludge problem. Maybe you could try to search on the net, Yahoo.

http://www.corolland.com/sludge.html

And there were lots more.....