2017 Ford Explorer Decision Question

[Myballzich]

Hello Everyone,

We have decided to purchase a 2017 Ford Explorer. We have test driven the ecoboost and the V6. We noticed the ecoboost is louder than the V6. Is that normal? I also notice a different transmission behavior with the two. Wondering what the professionals think I should check for. Both vehicles have about 75K miles.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
Yes, the Ecoboost engine does make more noise when accelerating and it is due to the turbos. Once up to speed, it should be the same as the NA V6. Since my last 3 vehicles have all had the Ecoboost engine, I can't comment on the transmission behaviour since it has been so long since I've had the NA V6. I don't think I noticed much if any difference.
Which trim levels were you looking at? XLT, Limited, Sport?

Peter

 

[Myballzich]

Welcome to the Forum.
Yes, the Ecoboost engine does make more noise when accelerating and it is due to the turbos. Once up to speed, it should be the same as the NA V6. Since my last 3 vehicles have all had the Ecoboost engine, I can't comment on the transmission behaviour since it has been so long since I've had the NA V6. I don't think I noticed much if any difference.
Which trim levels were you looking at? XLT, Limited, Sport?

Peter

Hi Peter,

I am looking at the Limited with the 2.3 Ecoboost. Does this one have the internal water pump? Concerned that will go out soon and worried about the replacement cost. I’ll probably have a transmission service done on it too.

 

[mguy13sport]

Hi Peter,

I am looking at the Limited with the 2.3 Ecoboost. Does this one have the internal water pump? Concerned that will go out soon and worried about the replacement cost. I’ll probably have a transmission service done on it too.

The waterpump is not internal on the 2.3
Also the transmission is a 6F35 which is known to have issues. The 3.5 Ecoboost uses the stronger 6F55 transmission.

 

[Myballzich]

The waterpump is not internal on the 2.3
Also the transmission is a 6F35 which is known to have issues. The 3.5 Ecoboost uses the stronger 6F55 transmission.

Thank you very much for the information. Will changing the transmission fluid more often offset the known issues?

 

[peterk9]

Hi Peter,

I am looking at the Limited with the 2.3 Ecoboost. Does this one have the internal water pump? Concerned that will go out soon and worried about the replacement cost. I’ll probably have a transmission service done on it too.

As already mentioned, the 2.3 Ecoboost does not have an internal water pump. That was one of the reasons I inquired. Good luck.

Peter

 

[Myballzich]

As already mentioned, the 2.3 Ecoboost does not have an internal water pump. That was one of the reasons I inquired. Good luck.

Peter

Yes that is great news, but now I am worried about the transmission. Hoping doing the the transmission service will help to nullify the issue.

 

[J_C]

Which V6? 3.5L normally aspirated or ecoboost?

The ecoboosts have an issue with valve carbon fouling and the 2.3L, with a head gasket failure. Either 3.5L has the internal water pump issue. Either of these issues, seems more prevalent than transmission problems, depending on the load you put on it. Additionally, if it is AWD, the PTU cooking itself is a more prevalent issue if fluid is not changed at a shorter cycle or after a stressful event like towing in hot weather.

Ultimately if you are going to only use it for people transport and 4 or fewer (say 600lbs total) then I'd get the 2.3L EB. If you have more weight to haul or tow, then I'd get the V6 whether the ecoboost or naturally aspirated.

It would be a good idea to get the transmission fluid changed at 75K mi. and if AWD with PTU, change that as well every 30K mi or so.

Either way, you are buying a vehicle new enough that the government fuel economy mandates have caused compromises to be made that will increase your cost of ownership when a resultant fault occurs. If you drive conservatively, the 2.3L EB will save you a bit on gas to offset that. If you don't drive many miles/yr then I'd go with the 3.5L naturally aspirated and just plan for eventual water pump replacement before it fails rather than waiting till it does. If you drive like you stole it, then you want the 3.5L ecoboost, even if it is likely to cost the most to keep running, long term.

 

[Myballzich]

Which V6? 3.5L normally aspirated or ecoboost?

The ecoboosts have an issue with valve carbon fouling and the 2.3L, with a head gasket failure. Either 3.5L has the internal water pump issue. Either of these issues, seems more prevalent than transmission problems, depending on the load you put on it. Additionally, if it is AWD, the PTU cooking itself is a more prevalent issue if fluid is not changed at a shorter cycle or after a stressful event like towing in hot weather.

Ultimately if you are going to only use it for people transport and 4 or fewer (say 600lbs total) then I'd get the 2.3L EB. If you have more weight to haul or tow, then I'd get the V6 whether the ecoboost or naturally aspirated.

It would be a good idea to get the transmission fluid changed at 75K mi. and if AWD with PTU, change that as well every 30K mi or so.

Either way, you are buying a vehicle new enough that the government fuel economy mandates have caused compromises to be made that will increase your cost of ownership when a resultant fault occurs. If you drive conservatively, the 2.3L EB will save you a bit on gas to offset that. If you don't drive many miles/yr then I'd go with the 3.5L naturally aspirated and just plan for eventual water pump replacement before it fails rather than waiting till it does.

Thank you!!!

 

[peterk9]

Thank you!!!

I personally would look into getting a Ford ESP of some kind. It would have to be one on a 'used' vehicle.

Ford ESP at dealer cost to forum members

Guys, I have been referring hundreds to Joel for ESP and Maintenance plans. I spoke with Joel yesterday and he is now selling them at dealer cost to forum members because of how Flood has been matching him. He will not do communication by email, he will only do it on the phone. Members have...

www.explorerforum.com

I realize it's a personal decision, but I aways take out the manufacturer's ESP if I intend to keep the vehicle beyond the factory warranty. Just for peace of mind if for nothing else.

Peter