2001 Explorer 2 Door purchase

[Hollybry]

I am looking at buying an explorer to replace my broken down 93 Grand Cherokee.
I looked at a 96 explorer sport yesterday that had the passenger window and sunroof silicone shut so they wouldn't leak. It also had terrible rusted out spots from the rear wheels to the doors. The drivers door panel would fall off when I tied to pull the door shut, no AC, 4x4 seemed to work and the auto transmission shifted smooth. Tires were about 75%. Dash was a tore up mess and the drivers seat was completely worn out. Drivers window motor was shot. Over 200k miles but odometer was broken. Guy was firm on his $1100 asking price.
Today I checked out an 01 Explorer Sport. Interior in much better shape. Hatch does not open. 4x4 works and tranny shifts smooth. Passenger seat is completely broken and will not raise from recline position. There is some leakage around rear differential and the band that goes around the passenger side spring looks like it is about rusted through. Runs a little rough but not too bad. Asking $1250.00. It has a keypad on the door, so I am assuming I can get a remote for the doors?
Can someone recommend things that I should look for that are common problems with these two model years? Are rusted bands on the leaf Springs normal? What areas are prone to rusting? Anything engine wise I should look at that is prone to breakage?
Any help or recommendations are appreciated.

 

[Mike65]

Welcome to EF. On start up listen to hear if the timing chains rattle, check the rocker panels inner & outer they are prone to rot out, check the rear spring hangers & shackles at the rear of the truck where the springs mount to. The pass side seat might just be a broken bolt that attaches the seat back latch to the seat back.

 

[Robman]

In my mind, a second gen explorer has to be in immaculate shape in order to be worth more than $1000.

One in crappy shape is worth scrap price, they're a dime a dozen. Those 2 you described sounded like they're in poor shape.

The 4L OHV with standard trans is the most reliable with the v8 5L w/ automatic a close second.

The 4L SOHC eats gas and is a time bomb sadly.
5r55e automatic tranny is also a time bomb.

 

[koda2000]

Where I live, $1100 is too much for a trashed, rusted Explorer Sport. BTW, I don't think the SOHC engine was available in '96, which is a good thing. Prices vary by location, but even $700 sounds like too much for that truck.

 

[juggar]

I am looking at buying an explorer to replace my broken down 93 Grand Cherokee.
I looked at a 96 explorer sport yesterday that had the passenger window and sunroof silicone shut so they wouldn't leak. It also had terrible rusted out spots from the rear wheels to the doors. The drivers door panel would fall off when I tied to pull the door shut, no AC, 4x4 seemed to work and the auto transmission shifted smooth. Tires were about 75%. Dash was a tore up mess and the drivers seat was completely worn out. Drivers window motor was shot. Over 200k miles but odometer was broken. Guy was firm on his $1100 asking price.
Today I checked out an 01 Explorer Sport. Interior in much better shape. Hatch does not open. 4x4 works and tranny shifts smooth. Passenger seat is completely broken and will not raise from recline position. There is some leakage around rear differential and the band that goes around the passenger side spring looks like it is about rusted through. Runs a little rough but not too bad. Asking $1250.00. It has a keypad on the door, so I am assuming I can get a remote for the doors?
Can someone recommend things that I should look for that are common problems with these two model years? Are rusted bands on the leaf Springs normal? What areas are prone to rusting? Anything engine wise I should look at that is prone to breakage?
Any help or recommendations are appreciated.

I paid $1000 for a 1998 XLT AWD 5.0 recently with 216k miles and no major issues, only thing really was the broken A/C but that turned out just to be major refrigerant leaks.

Like others have said, those sound like garbage and really you could do better for the money.

Again, OHV engines are the way to go.

 

[Robman]

Things to look at when buying a 2nd Gen Explorer:

Windshield
Rust
Sway bar links
Axle seals
Ball joints/ Tire wear.
Check engine light? .. other dash indicator lights.
Brake lines? The coated brake lines seem to last forever.

Automatic transmission shifting/ check the lines for rust, especially cooler lines right under the radiator.

Hinges for rear hatch glass ( they break )
Hood shocks are usually useless.
Rear leaf spring shackles. Look for broken leaf springs also.
Does the 4x4 work properly? Engage nicely?
Front wheel bearings.
Heater and A/C condition. Does the blend door work?
SOHC automatic trans filler tube likes to rot out.
SOHC cam chain noise/condition.
Gasoline filler neck rots out.
Do all the door locks work properly?

That's it for the moment.

 

[Hollybry]

Thanks for everyone's help. I am in the Louisville Ky area, a d it seems everything around here is so much more than any where else. Even gasoline is more expensive. I agree with not getting the 96. It was trash. The guy was firm on his 1100.00 price and it was totally not worth it.
I will look at the items you all recommend on the 2001. Honestly, I don't want to spend more than 1500 on a replacement snow vehicle. But those prices are hard to find around here. The 2001 was the best one I had seen so far for the price. If anyone else has any leads on better cheaper explorers, let me know! If the price is right, I would have it shipped to me!