07 Limited V8 Pro/Cons?

[njj502]

We sold her 95 Limited early this year and got a Fusion. Decided she wants to get back into another SUV...not sure why being I drive a 6L Excursion....

Anyway, want some solid feedback on the newest gen Explorer and what you guys think. Going to look at a 2007 Limited V8 that's got pretty much all the goodies and 55K on the ticker. Very sharp Pearl White and 2tone tan interior! Reasonable price and it hasn't been in the salt belt till now according to the CarFox, also one owner!

Anything specific to look for? I'm extremely competent so don't be shy! I realize theres a few engine noises to look for that seem to pop up more frequent than others. What else guys?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[NCcarguy]

From everything I gathered on this site, most of the new gen "issues" were in the 06 model, by 07 they had most of the problems solved. I don't know of any specific issues you'll be looking at.

 

[njj502]

Good to hear. I'm going to give this 07 a real test drive (planning anyway). Hope to drive it for a day or so and get a good feel for it. Anyone else got anything to look fer?

Thanks,
NJ

 

[EX-SV]

The V8/6 speed is a nice powerful and refined package. My 2007 Eddie Bauer is equipped the same. I understand why your wife prefers to drive a SUV especially if she drives in traffic. Although gas mileage is much different than a Fusion sedan. I get 14-15 in mixed suburban driving and 19-20 in fast freeway driving (75-80mph).


A 2007 is mostly likely out of warranty. Minor things that might come up are the broken hinges on lighted vanity mirror covers and rough shifting into 1st gear when rolling to a stop. These can be fixed at a cost that's not a deal-killer.

 

[njj502]

I'm not worried much about little things like mirrors but funky shifts do concern me. Is this corrected with software updates? It looks to have a couple drivability concerns in it's past but not w/in the last 22-25K. I'm going to call the previoius dealer and see if they can tell me anything. I drove the truck looking for a funky shift out of it but only got a slightly firm 1-2 shift. Nothing I'd consider out of the ordinary.

Thanks again!
Nick

 

[EX-SV]

Funky shift (rough 2-1 shift at low speeds) isn't a big enough deal to worry about. My 2007 does it sometimes, I will probably get the reprogram done at next service.

Here's TSB that I found here:

TSB
07-23-2 6R60 TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED VEHICLES ONLY - BUMP WHILE BRAKING - BELOW 10 MPH (16 KM/H), DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, HESITATION ON TIP-IN AFTER BRAKING

Publication Date: November 6, 2007

FORD: 2006-2008 Explorer
2007-2008 Explorer Sport Trac
MERCURY: 2006-2008 Mountaineer


This article supersedes TSB 07-13-8 to update the Service Procedure.

ISSUE:
Some 2006-2008 Explorer 4dr, Mountaineer and 2007-2008 Explorer Sport Trac vehicles equipped with 6R60 transmission may exhibit a bump feeling while braking to a stop less than 10 MPH (16 Km/h). Some vehicles built prior to 05/4/2006 may exhibit the following symptoms:

Delayed engagements into Drive from Park Neutral or Reverse.
Hesitation upon tip-in after braking to a stop.
This fixes the bump while braking to a stop, improves the delayed engagements and reduces the incidence of tip-in hesitation while accelerating from a stop.

ACTION:
Follow the Service Procedure steps to reprogram the transmission control module (TCM) and the powertrain control module (PCM). Some tip-in hesitation is normal on this transmission in order to provide smooth operation. This calibration update will help to improve the condition. The harsh bump while braking to a stop will be eliminated. Several days of driving may be required for the transmission to fully adapt.

 

[njj502]

This was a firm 1-2 shift not a 2-1 shift. We are going to drive the truck for the next day so we'll keep an eye on it.

Thanks for posting the TSB!
Nick

 

[EX-SV]

This was a firm 1-2 shift not a 2-1 shift. We are going to drive the truck for the next day so we'll keep an eye on it.

Thanks for posting the TSB!
Nick

I knew you meant 1-2 shift firmness on the upshift. Some firmness is normal as long as it's not harsh or noisy.

I mentioned the 2-1 shift jolt and visor problems in response to your 1st post, as something to watch for. Both of these problems are very common and I have experienced both in my 2007 EB.

 

[swetrid]

2007 should be a good year, not too many problems. You will have to deal with the broken spark plug issues in the future. Wheel bearing issues surface on these also but not to the extent of 2002-2005 years.

 

[jupiterak]

It's a hit or miss with the tranny bump TSB update. The lasted update cured my bump, but there's other who still have it afterwards.

 

[njj502]

I drove it all over this afternoon in town and on hwy and seems to have no issues other than needing tires. She drove it this evening and likes it but after looking at what they offered on the Fusion + this Explorer needing new tires the numbers are way off. She's still pushing the Edge AWD..........thoughts?

I appreciate all the response and advise, Gentlemen!
Nick

 

[EX-SV]

I see the Edge as just ok (although 2011 is better). Otherwise there's lots of choices out there in mid-sized crossovers.

If you really like the Explorer, keep negotiating price down over phone and email or find another at another dealer.

 

[daspud]

Test drive it again , get it good and warm. Hold rpms at 800 to 1200 rpms and listen for the terrible clattering and tapping from the cam phasers.