2nd gen or 3rd gen?

[Willcall]

Okay I have searched and I haven't found a definitive answer for this...
I have a choice between purchasing a

2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer- Fully Loaded
4x4 w/ 3.73 gears
4.0L SOHC w/ 5R55E
194,014 Miles
Needs: Upper Ball joints, new shocks, console lid replace, and new door posts.
This car is at a dealership's auction lot.

or my parent's

2002 Ford Explorer XLS- Base model
4x2 w/ 3.55 gears
4.0L SOHC w/ 5R55W
130,384 Miles
Needs: Gas shocks on rear hatch, fix window on passenger side that does not work.
Car has been in our family for the last seven years (2nd Owner)

Should I go ahead and get the Eddie Bauer? it drives well and my '98 could share some stuff before we sell it. The 4x4 is functional.

Or should I just go with 2002? I've heard good and bad things about the 3rd gens and this one has been well cared for in my family. And the only option it has is Keyless Entry.

Thanks,
Will

 

[weh87]

i like 2nd gens and 4wd so i'ma say the 01 eddie

 

[windsors03cobra]

I like the 4.6 in the 3rd gens and the body style and interior. I do not like the independent rear suspension and its associated woes.
2nd Gens are good trucks but that is alot of miles on the SOHC & 5R55 and both may be near the end of their useful life.

In this case I would go 02 as fixing the rear wheel bearings, rear control arms, rear springs or rear differential are all cheaper and easier than swapping a engine or tranny.
All the items I just mentioned are known problems in the 3rd Gens independent rear suspension (IRS). The problems are more evident on 1st model year 2002 and if your family has not replaced anything back there yet, your probably close to due for some work.

Base model Vs. EB kinda blows but having bad motor or trans is the ultimate in suckage.

Good luck to ya.

 

[sport97]

I agree with Windsor. I don't know what the cost differences are, but 194k is alot on a SOHC. Especially since its an 01 and has the older tensioners, not the new upgraded ones. Also you know the maintenance record of the 02.

 

[Carguy3J]

I don't really like the 3rd gen's, as I think they got too "bulky". Also the 2002, being the first year of the 3rd gen, is known to have a number of issues. However, the fact that the '02 has been in the family since new weighs very heavily in it's favor. I'm also assuming your parents are giving it to you, or are selling it to you at well below "market" value. If that is not the case, and you have to pay them close to the regular private party value, to anybody off the street, then I might go back to that '98, depending on how cheap it is.

 

[Hitchhikingmike]

I have a 2x4 SOHC '02 with 83k original miles. Just got back from a trip to colorado. Had the cruise set on 90mph through the state of New Mexico, and going 75-80 through the mountains, truck never flinched. The IRS may not be the best for wheeling, but its great for long distance travel on the highway.

No repairs have been made to my entire drivetrain. Only work done on my suspension have been front ball joints. Overall I'm very satisfied.

I don't think I would hesitate to buy another higher mileage 3rd gen based off my experience.

Buying previous family vehicles are a big plus in my book, since you know the history. Hope this helps you.

 

[Willcall]

Thank everybody for your input. I decided to go ahead and get the 2002 because all around, it seems like less of a headache and my parents are selling it well below the KBB value. I did build my good ole 1998 from a base model XLT to almost top of the line. So I guess I could do it again. So now its time to start looking for mods!
Thanks again y'all,
Will

 

[RIcArDO1697]

buy a 2generation eddie bauer or limited the are the best

 

[waskly]

depends what you want it for, dd go 3rd gen off road 2nd gen.

 

[celly]

2002 model year was arguably the worst year in Explorer history. 2001 was the last year of arguably the best generation in Explorer history. The only turn-off for me is the SOHC V6 is the '01. With all the timing chain problems in the SOHC, I would only buy 2nd gens with the V8 now (I have a '99). On that note, the '99-01 model years are virtually identical. Ford made few changes in these years (4 door only, 2 door had major changes in '01).
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[96eb96]

well..maybe this will help you choose:

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/
vs
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2001/

 

[Willcall]

Well after driving it for a little over 1,000 miles, I began to notice problems
-High pitch whine from rear differential
-front brake pad is warped
-rear windows do not work

So now this '02 XLS is my little brother's car and I still have my trusty '98 XLT.

GO 2ND GENS!!!!

 

[bergerwm01]

hey man. I have a 3rd gen. i love it, but I CANT LIFT IT!!!!! get the 2nd gen if you like to have fun in the mud, or the 3rd gen if you like the way it drives and luxury.

 

[wicsmith1997]

well..maybe this will help you choose:

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/
vs
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2001/

Holly crap that's a big difference. The 2002 has a ton of complaints. That is why I never go with the first year of a product line, and why I wait for Service pack 2 on operating systems.