2000-2010 Explorer Questions

[Trevor Holgreen]

Hey guys,

I don't own an Explorer...Yet. Right now I have a 2014 Ram 1500 and i'm selling it because my wife is starting her Masters Program. So my million dollar question, why are the 2000-2010 Explorers so cheap? I'm in Utah and there are multiple that have around 80,000 miles for under $10000. Are they reliable? I drive 60 miles everyday for work so i'm going to be racking up the miles, but i also go camping, fishing, hunting etc. a lot.

So again (if my rambling got confusing) why are they so cheap? And if you own one, has it been reliable? Thanks guys.

 

[Tech By Trade]

If they have the V6 they are ticking time bombs, that's why. Both the engine and transmission are anemic for the weight, and prone to failure. Not a matter of if, but when the engine goes, and when it does its catastrophic. The V8 has a few bugs, but a stronger transmission and engine, and will usually command a higher price. As for fuel economy, they both get close to the same mileage, The V8 usually better, which is probably ballpark with your ram.

 

[Trevor Holgreen]

If they have the V6 they are ticking time bombs, that's why. Both the engine and transmission are anemic for the weight, and prone to failure. Not a matter of if, but when the engine goes, and when it does its catastrophic. The V8 has a few bugs, but a stronger transmission and engine, and will usually command a higher price. As for fuel economy, they both get close to the same mileage, The V8 usually better, which is probably ballpark with your ram.

Good to know. Thanks dude. The one i'm looking at is an 06 limited with 78k miles for $10k. It does have the 4.6L V8. Honestly, It doesn't have to be the nicest thing, i just want it to be reliable. Yeah i've just decided fuel economy sucks and I don't worry too much about it. I'm actually a bit surprised, my Ram has the Hemi in it, its 4x4 and combined i get about 17.5mpg. Best i've gotten on a road trip was 23mpg all freeway. It'll be sad to let it go.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Only problems with those are the exhaust manifold studs, which will break. Its a little tougher to drill them out of the heads then on the half tones because its a little tighter. Also the early builds have the spark plugs that get stuck in the head. Your 06 will be right in the middle of that, and with 78K , they are probably stuck. That one can get expensive.

 

[Explorer_PL]

They are somewhat reliable unfortunately. I am in the same boat as you. I have had mine for almost 11 years, clock between 80-10 miles daily, and it needs constant TLC on the weekends. Luckily, I enjoy working on cars, but the little things that go wrong constantly on them would drive away any normal owner. So if you can turn the wrenches, then they are great.
I also switched from a Ram MegaCab back then. Stay away from v6 if possible, but I hear some owners are happy with them.
But with your commute, I'd look for v8.
They are very versatile and comfortable.

 

[backroads]

Having had both a v6 and v8 I would tell you not to get either. The v6 is one of the worst cars you can get. the v8 will have spark plugs break off in the head, the radiator will fail , the front hub bearings will fail, exhaust manifold studs will break off in the head, thermostat will leak, heater hose at the cheap y pipe will fail, the blend door will probably fail, the electric back seats WILL fail, catalytic converters will die early.Who knows what is next. Oh were waiting for a new set of motorcraft coils to fix a intermittent miss problem.126,000 miles.
Other than that our 2006 v8 limited rides really nice.
Backroads

 

[thebrakeman]

Thru 2005 was not the Triton 3-valve per cylinder family, so spark plugs would not be an issue.
2006 thru first half of 2008 is where the problems fell. But most of these should have had plugs replaced by now, but maybe not that one with only 78k. Does it have maintenance records?
2008½ should have the 1-pc plugs. You can tell because they changed the coil color from black to brown for quick reference. Or maybe it's brown to black. Someone can confirm.
2009-2010, all came with the 1-pc plugs.

My Mounty V8 has had the little "tick-tick" tell-tale sound of at least 1 broken exhaust manifold stud, since we bought it in 2009. It's annoying for about 10 seconds in worm weather, 20 seconds in the winter. Then the pieces are warm, and seal back up to quiet. Has not gotten worse, or causing any problems. About once per year, I think about spending the money to replace them, but too many people find that they just break again in a year or so. Not worth the money, as it's not causing problems. We tow a 5200 lbs camper, so it's getting used, too.

 

[ronwc]

I have had a 94, 2000, 04 and now an 08. All have been 6 cylinder XLT. I have bought all used cheap with about 90k miles on them and sold with about 180k. My 08 now has 182k miles, paid $5000 about 4 years ago. It runs and drives perfect, has been very reliable. I have done some normal maintenance on it, front wheel bearings, radiator and stabilizer bushing but no big deal, cost about $500 for all. I change the oil at about 4k miles, runs very smooth. Only downside is the gas mileage about 15 average, but I can live with that. Will probably start looking for a 2011+ soon.

 

[thebrakeman]

Point taken. Any vehicle can have a problem, not just the V6. Sometimes, you get the diamonds! You must be livin' right!

 

[gdgiordano]

I have had a 94, 2000, 04 and now an 08. All have been 6 cylinder XLT. I have bought all used cheap with about 90k miles on them and sold with about 180k. My 08 now has 182k miles, paid $5000 about 4 years ago. It runs and drives perfect, has been very reliable. I have done some normal maintenance on it, front wheel bearings, radiator and stabilizer bushing but no big deal, cost about $500 for all. I change the oil at about 4k miles, runs very smooth. Only downside is the gas mileage about 15 average, but I can live with that. Will probably start looking for a 2011+ soon.

Your Mileage should be a couple mpgs better than that in an 08. Done the spark plugs and wires? Maybe sea foam is in order

 

[ronwc]

Unfortunately 15 MPG is about all you can get with a 4x4 in the city, on hwy I get about 21, see 2008 explorer mpg - Google Search

It is running good and I can live with it, and I have two other cars I can use, one a 97 Corvette, which gets great MPG by the way (about 26 hwy).

 

[gdgiordano]

Unfortunately 15 MPG is about all you can get with a 4x4 in the city, on hwy I get about 21, see 2008 explorer mpg - Google Search

It is running good and I can live with it, and I have two other cars I can use, one a 97 Corvette, which gets great MPG by the way (about 26 hwy).

Ah ok.didnt realize you weee mostly driving city

 

[tripplec]

I looked long and hard at forum and other info on the Explorers. 2009 V6 4.6L AWD is the best of the bunch, 2010 should be go but slightly lower ratings but the Ford updates are all there as well on what they fixed. 2008 maybe if plugs been changed and exhausts are good along with the rest of the vehicle. I would not touch any of the older ones nor any V6.

There is a ton of discussion, recommendation in older threads going into details if you search. The 09 &10 are the safest bet and very reasonably priced. Focus there or be prepared to spend a lot of time knowing the pitfalls and checks you may need before buying especially privately!!!

I picked up an 2009 LTD for my son as per the signature its AWD. Don't get the 4WD build you find in most older builds only!!

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Unfortunately 15 MPG is about all you can get with a 4x4 in the city, on hwy I get about 21, see 2008 explorer mpg - Google Search

It is running good and I can live with it, and I have two other cars I can use, one a 97 Corvette, which gets great MPG by the way (about 26 hwy).

Whaaaatttt. Probably over 90% of my driving is in town (25-35mph) and I am constantly getting around 12mpg, sometimes even 11. I heard a leaking exhaust manifold can cause crappy MPG, not sure if this is true or not.

As the the OP's question - I'm with Tripplec, I'd stay away from 2006 and 2007. Definitely get the V8.

 

[gdgiordano]

Whaaaatttt. Probably over 90% of my driving is in town (25-35mph) and I am constantly getting around 12mpg, sometimes even 11. I heard a leaking exhaust manifold can cause crappy MPG, not sure if this is true or not.

As the the OP's question - I'm with Tripplec, I'd stay away from 2006 and 2007. Definitely get the V8.

Something is wrong bud. I drive 50/50 highway and city and get 18.5+ avg. check your air cleaner lol? That is waaaay below what it should be.

 

[PotatoExplorer]

Something is wrong bud. I drive 50/50 highway and city and get 18.5+ avg. check your air cleaner lol? That is waaaay below what it should be.

Yeah, doesn't seem right. I figured it was from the constant stop/go. I put in a new air filter, new plugs, new COPs, new fuel filter, new trans filter, new trans fluid, new front and rear diff fluid, new transfer case fluid, new throttle body, cleaned the MAF sensor, and reset the PCM (Plus several oil/filter changes) within the last 10k miles. Tires still are good and I keep them properly inflated.

The only thing I can think of is that I have a gnarly exhaust manifold leak upon start up, but quiets down after a few seconds. I though that maybe I have a stuck caliper or something but I don't have any evidence of it, but also never really dug in too deep.

 

[gdgiordano]

Yeah, doesn't seem right. I figured it was from the constant stop/go. I put in a new air filter, new plugs, new COPs, new fuel filter, new trans filter, new trans fluid, new front and rear diff fluid, new transfer case fluid, new throttle body, cleaned the MAF sensor, and reset the PCM (Plus several oil/filter changes) within the last 10k miles. Tires still are good and I keep them properly inflated.

The only thing I can think of is that I have a gnarly exhaust manifold leak upon start up, but quiets down after a few seconds. I though that maybe I have a stuck caliper or something but I don't have any evidence of it, but also never really dug in too deep.

The only thing with the manifold issue is if it goes any after a bit shouldn’t gas mileage return? Check your plug wires too. They can get resistance when they get older.

 

[thebrakeman]

Anyone comparing V6 gas mileage claims needs to specify if you have the HD tow package (2" receiver, 3.73 axle ratio) or not/standard (1¼" receiver, 3.55 axle ratio). Those with a V6-tow package vehicle will get worse mileage than without, and likely worse than the '06-'10 V8 trucks (which keep the 3.55 ratio with the tow package, due to the 6sp trans).

 

[gdgiordano]

Anyone comparing V6 gas mileage claims needs to specify if you have the HD tow package (2" receiver, 3.73 axle ratio) or not/standard (1¼" receiver, 3.55 axle ratio). Those with a V6-tow package vehicle will get worse mileage than without, and likely worse than the '06-'10 V8 trucks (which keep the 3.55 ratio with the tow package, due to the 6sp trans).

Mine has the little 1 1/4 inch receiver lol.

 

[07EddyB]

Whaaaatttt. Probably over 90% of my driving is in town (25-35mph) and I am constantly getting around 12mpg, sometimes even 11. I heard a leaking exhaust manifold can cause crappy MPG, not sure if this is true or not.

As the the OP's question - I'm with Tripplec, I'd stay away from 2006 and 2007. Definitely get the V8.

No - you are good. Don't listen to claims of 18 in a 50/50 scenario even with a V6.
Best I can do with a true 50/50 is about 15 and a V8.