2000 Explorer purchase

[TJ Micale]

I am 20 years old and looking to trade my 2005 Chevy Cavalier for a 2000 explorer or around that year model. I want to know what all I need to be looking for to make sure I'm making a wise purchase. I'm new to the car buying market and want to get something that'll last. I am choosing the explorer because it has the ability to be an around town car and I can take it and load it up when I want to go camping. Any advice would be taken and highly thankful for it. Thank you everyone!

 

[Tech By Trade]

Wise purchase would be anything but an explorer. I guess if you need to have an explorer avoid anything with a V6, they are a matter of when, not if they will detonate. Keep an eye on the hub assemblies, body bushings, rads, thermostat housings, and a few hundred other things I'm sure I'm missing.

 

[TJ Micale]

Wise purchase would be anything but an explorer. I guess if you need to have an explorer avoid anything with a V6, they are a matter of when, not if they will detonate. Keep an eye on the hub assemblies, body bushings, rads, thermostat housings, and a few hundred other things I'm sure I'm missing.

What would be a better option over an explorer?

 

[Turdle]

Actually, there isn't a much better choice for a full size SUV with 4wd. As long as you are just going light duty off roading, the v8 with AWD is a great choice. Maintenance will be higher than the cavalier though, of course. I would avoid any 1995-2001 with the sohc engine.
Some are available with the ohv, and 5 speed which would be a good choice also.

If you do want to go to a more aggresive off road vehicle, I suggest a 1992-1994 4wd with 5 speed transmission. They are the most capable, out of the box.

Good luck with whatever you choose. Keep us posted.

 

[CDW6212R]

Welcome, and if you chose the 2000 model based on appearances etc, normal taste choices, then pick from the 98-01's. The 98-01's have virtually all the same options, only minor changes occurred along the way. Just don't buy a V6 for long term use, the trans is weaker, and the SOHC V6 is a time bomb if not highly cared for.

The 98-01's have the most reliable drivetrain available, the 302 V8 which has the strong 4R70W behind it. Those last for ages unless really neglected by no maintenance.

The Limited will get you the most options without spending time researching each vehicle. Mountaineers have the same option choices, except the Limited's one unique feature, memory seat.

1999 got the biggest fender flares, so those from 99-01 have that type, and 1998 has either none(most), or a milder fender flare style.

1999 also began the side air bag option, which is bad for any truck without them(the tiny dummy sensors will not succeed at tricking the module after a while(the air bag light will come on(which disables the system too))).

So I'd suggest a 1998 model, or what ever you find in the best shape. Look under all doors and the hatch, for rust. Look at all body seams underneath it, for any obvious corrosion. Rust is impossible to kill.

 

[Mike65]

Welcome TJ.