02 explorer, to buy or not to buy

[jadedview]

I have a 02 explorer xlt v6 with 66k sitting in my driveway, on extedted demo. I will be using it to drive to school 60miles one way each day so about 26000 miles per year for the next two years,,

looked at consumer reports, they pretty much say no way in hell to get one,

it sounds like alot of tranny and rear end problems.

should I get it and just get a warrenty or not get it at all?


I really like it but need something reliable..

Help me

 

[IZwack]

since ur in school, id say Explorers are not the way to go. i think most 2nd generation v6 transmissions will go around 100k-120k miles (of course there are those who have gone over that, but this is in general because there are also those that have not even reached 100k). in addition, since you mention your going to be doing about 120 miles back and forth, i would focus on a more gas efficient vehicle. So I guess to sum it up, I would look into a toyota reliable and gas efficient - perfect.

 

[jadedview]

like a 4runner then? the same year 4 runner is 19000 for the equal model,, well equal but far better I guess,, so says consumer reports,, my dodge dakota that I had to resort to driving after a corsica I bought died, only got 12 mpg highway,, I looked a little closer at the exploder and noticed some overspray and tape lines on the drivers door,,

yesterday so excited, today so dissapointed

 

[IZwack]

like a 4runner then? the same year 4 runner is 19000 for the equal model,, well equal but far better I guess,, so says consumer reports,, my dodge dakota that I had to resort to driving after a corsica I bought died, only got 12 mpg highway,, I looked a little closer at the exploder and noticed some overspray and tape lines on the drivers door,,

yesterday so excited, today so dissapointed

ive driven two 4-runners and they are pretty good. oh and just to let u know, U-Haul does not rent their equipment (trailers, tow dollies, etc...) to Explorers. so theres a plus side to getting something other than an explorer in case you have the need to move or something. So I'd def go with the 4Runner.

 

[explorer4x493]

i'm on my third explorer, and two of them have needed tranny work. my '96 gave at 115k and just needed rebuild. my '02 went at 55k (pathetic IMO) and needed to be completely replaced. I just love the vehicles though...

 

[NitroRCfan]

If you get it, get a warranty! I have an '02 and I love it other than all the problems. Drives great but I think I have the lovely tranny and rearend problems that are so common on these. I wish I would have came to this site before I bought mine. I havent had it very long but I would say we will soon have a parting of the ways. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[IZwack]

If you get it, get a warranty!

yeah the warranty is great but its kind of dissapointing how most of the time, the transmission goes wack just a few miles AFTER the drivetrain warranty ends.

 

[NitroRCfan]

Very true! Or you get the good ol "thats not covered". I may very well go look at 4runners myself.

 

[CaptainObvious]

Get a little Honda/Toyota Crapbox and save your money. That way when you get out of school you can afford a nice house and then a nice SUV.

 

[davidmmm69]

have an 02 and never had a problem yet and it has 108000 on it.. no problms with tranny or rear with me orr previous owner..
i would say go and keep it..

 

[IZwack]

oh yeah and the 4 runners' solid rear axle is coil sprung - which usually means a more comfortable ride.

 

[jadedview]

Get a little Honda/Toyota Crapbox and save your money. That way when you get out of school you can afford a nice house and then a nice SUV.

bought a house last summer, bought a corsica with 80,000 miles on it for 900 from a buddy,, alternator went out overheated and fried the piston rings,

am debating keeping the dakota and buying another comuter car, but I dont want another one to crap out on me and anything year 2000+ is pretty pricey with lower miles,, ex. 2001 honda civic with 40000 miles for $9999 is pretty average price,,

on the other hand it sounds like a reliable suv or truck of the same year would cost $17,000+

I think I might bring up some ads to the dealer and show him that I can get other explorers with less miles for cheaper and tel him I will buy it if he throws in a warrenty for 5/100,000 if he bites I got a nice truck for cheap with a warrenty and if not I will have to decide then,,

does that sound like a good Idea?

 

[tbe2002]

have an 02 and never had a problem yet and it has 108000 on it.. no problms with tranny or rear with me orr previous owner..
i would say go and keep it..

Same here just with about 75,000 miles. Only problem here were the Front wheel bearings.

 

[IZwack]

..I dont want another one to crap out on me...

between an explorer and a 4runner, i would def go with the toyota - dependability industry ratings on the 4runner usually scores 2 points (out of 10) higher than the explorer.

my friend used to work at a local parts counter and he used to say that its amazing how toyota overbuilds the important things like engine/transmission parts when compared to the domestic makes. i guess thats why they usually last longer than the domestics.

.

 

[davidmmm69]

Same here just with about 75,000 miles. Only problem here were the Front wheel bearings.

i was talking with tranny and rear end..

but had to replace rear wheel bearing 3 days after i bought it.. tha tsucked. $350.00 3 days after i bought it...

 

[1992explorer]

I bought one about 2 weeks ago and I am satisfied. I had a '92 which I loved. The only issue I have had so far is a noise, maybe from the shocks, when I go over bumps. I have a warranty so I will get them to take a look at it. Other than that, I am satisfied. I have been getting 15.6 mpg.

 

[explorer_drew]

I just got my 02 on 11/15/05. So far I love it. It rides alot better than the 04 ranger the we traded in on it. It has about 49,000 miles on it and still looks new.

 

[BigR]

Bought my 02 new, 80K miles, no issues at all. Tight clean running truck. V8 4x4. Do the proper maintenance and it will last almost forever.

Guy with the bump clunk.... get a needle nose attachment for your grease gun and lube the ball joint. Worked for me. Cost: $4.

Randy

 

[NitroRCfan]

Well, I ended up doing it! I traded my 02 Exploder in today for a 4-Runner. Its not as plush and not quite as roomy but I know I will not have to worry near as much about getting to my destinations anymore.