1st gen aviator reliablity?

[grizzlyxjim]

So I am in the market for an explorer platform vehicle and I haven't really given much thought into the Aviator, I know it has the 4v 4.6. Is it a reliable vehicle? most I am looking at are around the 170k mark. What are the common failures that owners have experienced? What is the price of parts in comparison to a base explorer? I used to own a 99 mounty and it was my favorite vehicle that I have owned, I love the idea of having that 302 hp engine under the hood but I worry about aftermarket and affordabilty as well as reliabilty. I'd love to hear from long time owners.

 

[Albino 94LTD]

2003 to 2005.

The rear diff bearings suffer the same issues as the early Explorers and begin to whine after 50k-60k.

The coils are known to start failing around that same time.

But OH the handling! I miss my 2003 but I needed more towing capacity.

Yes, there is an Aviator thread on the forum