IMO, the 4th gen Explorers/Mountaineers were the last of their model to have any serious off road capability and much of the durability of the F150. Especially the V8 models. After this they became mostly pavement queens. For me, the 2002-2010 were a near perfect mix of size, comfort features, function and off road ability. The two 1st gens I owned were much the same for the time frame I owned them. The 2nd generation was probably better than the 1st generation but I never owned one to know personally.These are great vehicles with good, strong engines if you keep them up properly! I love the size, and there doesn't seem to be anything quite similar in "new" production. I wish they still made the Expedition-sized body style. The new, large(est) Subaru SUV may be worth considering some day.
Oh - I'm aware. Bearings were easy at first - which ones haven't been replaced? It's probably that one then - worked every time. Now - it's which one that was replaced is the oldest! It's a bigger problem when you are particular and you can't just shrug things off because it's an older car.Sorry to dissapoint you but Gen4 its a Never-Ending-DIY car.
Always broken.no chance to fix em ever.they came broken from factory.
I mean i love em a lot.
But once you get fixed the whole car ,the first part you fixed will be broken again LOL
I'm particularly fortunate in that case - my 2007 was bought in 2008 with 19K on it as a CPO. So mine was lightly used when I bought it and someone else took the depreciation hit. I don't really have to worry about the history on it - I've owned it for all but the first year. It makes it that much sweeter when I fix something and keep it on the road because I had that much less in it to begin with.Considering the typical monthly payment on a new mid/large sized SUV, a repair here and there on a paid off 4th gen V8 isn't all that bad if they are properly maintained. The V6 models are a different animal, IMO. The engine and transmission issues they have can easily repair total them.
My last car payment was in 1993. I haven't missed them at all. I finally listened to my father's advice about letting others take the depreciation hit on a new vehicle. I do like when people buy new since it is necessary to support my habit of buying used.I'm particularly fortunate in that case - my 2007 was bought in 2008 with 19K on it as a CPO. So mine was lightly used when I bought it and someone else took the depreciation hit. I don't really have to worry about the history on it - I've owned it for all but the first year. It makes it that much sweeter when I fix something and keep it on the road because I had that much less in it to begin with.