2018 Explorer platinum questions - thinking to buy but having second thoughts.

[jwhall]

I'm looking at a 2018 Explorer Platinum. It's a beautiful car, but hasn't been selling. I have a few questions though:

A) I'm currently driving an '07 Jeep Commander with a 4.7 V8/5spd. Mileage is atrocious but it's been very trouble free for 200,000 miles and has minimal maintenance requirements. Can the Explorer make that kind of mileage? How maintenance intensive is the Ecoboost? I'm used to the 4.7 just needing oil and (a lot of) gas.

B) When do you get the timing chain replaced on the 3.5 liter Ecoboost? I'm assuming it's an interference engine. This vehicle has 44,000 miles on it.

C) Are there any maintenance 'gotchas' or things to look out for on the 5th gen explorer?

D) I have a 19' Four Winns. I'm assuming the Explorer Platinum can tow it. Has anyone had any towing issues?

I guess all my vehicles have been pretty simple and durable prior to this: Jeep with a 4.0 liter and one with a 318. I did have a Ford Five Hundred (which I loved), but it was more complex, but generally served me really well for 10 years.

 

[peterk9]

enough doom and gloom, lets hear some high mileage, reliable 5th gen. stories.

I am wondering if anyone here has a high mileage 5th gen Ford Explorer and I am wondering if anyone has run into any issues or has any positive feedback? I am really planning to drive mine until it dies so I really want to see what kind of problems I might run into in the future.

www.explorerforum.com

Highest Mileage 5th Generation Explorer

Because I’ve owned a ’91 and ’02 Explorer in the past and am familiar with how long their engines ran as well as maintenance. I’m curious about high mileage fifth generation Explorer's and what major repairs were encountered, like a water pump, PTU, etc. The older generation Explorers could be...

www.explorerforum.com

One of the major issues with the engine is that it has an internal water pump. It can cause issues if it leaks and is not caught in time.

Water pump failure leads to dead engine

I hate being the guy that joins only to have his first post be about needing help, but I’ve been lurking here for the better part of a year and now have a depressing reason to reach out for assistance. This is long, so the summary is 1k miles over warranty, water pump failed without any check...

www.explorerforum.com

Members changing the water pump usually do the timing chain at the same time. Offhand, I'm not aware of a scheduled replacement window,
Members are recommending a PTU fluid change around the 30k mile mark.
The vehicle with the factory installed tow package can tow 5000 lbs with a weight distribution hitch.
I had a 2017 Platinum that was leased and had no issues for the 7500 miles, 3 years that I had it.
If you're concerned about this vehicle not selling, ask the dealer for the maintenance history and OASIS report which should show any work done under warranty.

Peter

 

[The D]

Peter pretty much covered it; water pump and PTU oil changes

I have a ‘13 xlt (so not exactly apples to apples comparison) that has ~156k on it. I only recently did the PTU oil, spark plugs, water pump, & timing components. All of these aren’t especially difficult but they are time consuming. If you’re a little mechanically inclined that list, minus PTU oil, can be done in a weekend if you can spare the time.

In addition to the threads Peter has referenced, I started a diy thread about the water pump and timing components that is in-depth and pic heavy.

How to: - Step-by-step water pump replacement

Alright, it took a while but I’ve finished a water pump and timing stuff replacement on my ‘13 xlt. I didn’t really find a one-stop resource for the process so I thought I’d write one up. This was done in my driveway over the course of about 3 afternoons. This can be done much quicker though...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[Digitalgp]

I owned an '02 Grand Cherokee 4.7. Had 279,000 when I sold it. I've heard of some people having issues with the 4.7, but I never experienced any of the major issues some of the 4.7's are known for either. I just got to the point it was nickel & diming me to death every couple months and needed something slightly larger since becoming a family man. Bought my first Explorer after that & now on my second one which is a '15 xlt with the n/a 3.5. The guys above summed up the issues with these. I have 181,000 on it currently and see no issue getting it well over 200k.