Pheadrus
Member
- Joined
- November 11, 2013
- Messages
- 14
- Reaction score
- 1
- City, State
- Ontario
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1999 Explorer
Hi Everyone
I'm looking for some advice on two potential Explorer purchases. I'm looking at a 2000 2dr Sport with the 4.0 SOHC and a 1999 4 dr 5.0 AWD. It's mainly for the wife because were in northern Canada and live in the country. Driving in the winter snow on the highway is the biggest issue not serious off-roading. Although I would likely use it for fishing.
The 2000 2dr 4.0 SOHC is a one owner with 98,000km(61,000miles). It was the seller's wife's vehicle and she's 70 years old. So I now it's been babied it's whole life. It needs the typical ball joints, rocker repair, tires, battery, exhaust, etc. About $1500 in parts and labour to get it on the road. There's rust holes starting on the bottom of the front fenders and in front of the rear wheels. My big issue is obviously the 4.0 SOHC motor. I checked with the Ford Dealership and the SOHC was never fixed at the dealer. Only one mechanic has worked on it since the warranty was up and he said he never changed the timing chains, gears, tensioners, etc. So the crappy defective factory plastic parts are still in it. He said he's never seen a problem with these motors if they weren't rodded and properly maintained with regular oil changes which this one has had. Right now the motor has no ticks, rattles, etc. to indicate the parts in question are creating any issues. Price is around $900-1000 without all the repairs. All in I'd be at about $2500 without tires.
The 1999 4dr 5.0 AWD has 230,000km(143,000miles). It has the leather interior with power everything, CD player with factory CD changer. The body is about the same as the 2000 but only needs one ball joint and the e-brake cables done. The tires are about 50% but the tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, brakes, etc. were all done in the last few years. The 5.0 motor was rebuilt 10,000km(6200miles) ago. Price $2200 firm. I'm guessing $200-$300 for the repairs not including tires so about $2500 all in.
The 2000 has half the mileage but has the stock 4.0 SOHC. The 5.0 in the 99 is rebuilt and is a much better motor but everything else is higher mileage. I only see a 1mpg difference between the 5.0 and the 4.0 for fuel economy. The AWD is better for snow but the tranny, transfer case and diffs are high mileage. I've worked on my own cars for 20 years so changing diffs etc in the future wouldn't be a huge deal for me. Paying $2000 to fix the 4.0 if it lets go is. What does everyone think is the best route? All advice is greatly appreciated. I would post some pics but I don't know how to do it because I'm new to the site.
Thanks, Steve.
I'm looking for some advice on two potential Explorer purchases. I'm looking at a 2000 2dr Sport with the 4.0 SOHC and a 1999 4 dr 5.0 AWD. It's mainly for the wife because were in northern Canada and live in the country. Driving in the winter snow on the highway is the biggest issue not serious off-roading. Although I would likely use it for fishing.
The 2000 2dr 4.0 SOHC is a one owner with 98,000km(61,000miles). It was the seller's wife's vehicle and she's 70 years old. So I now it's been babied it's whole life. It needs the typical ball joints, rocker repair, tires, battery, exhaust, etc. About $1500 in parts and labour to get it on the road. There's rust holes starting on the bottom of the front fenders and in front of the rear wheels. My big issue is obviously the 4.0 SOHC motor. I checked with the Ford Dealership and the SOHC was never fixed at the dealer. Only one mechanic has worked on it since the warranty was up and he said he never changed the timing chains, gears, tensioners, etc. So the crappy defective factory plastic parts are still in it. He said he's never seen a problem with these motors if they weren't rodded and properly maintained with regular oil changes which this one has had. Right now the motor has no ticks, rattles, etc. to indicate the parts in question are creating any issues. Price is around $900-1000 without all the repairs. All in I'd be at about $2500 without tires.
The 1999 4dr 5.0 AWD has 230,000km(143,000miles). It has the leather interior with power everything, CD player with factory CD changer. The body is about the same as the 2000 but only needs one ball joint and the e-brake cables done. The tires are about 50% but the tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, brakes, etc. were all done in the last few years. The 5.0 motor was rebuilt 10,000km(6200miles) ago. Price $2200 firm. I'm guessing $200-$300 for the repairs not including tires so about $2500 all in.
The 2000 has half the mileage but has the stock 4.0 SOHC. The 5.0 in the 99 is rebuilt and is a much better motor but everything else is higher mileage. I only see a 1mpg difference between the 5.0 and the 4.0 for fuel economy. The AWD is better for snow but the tranny, transfer case and diffs are high mileage. I've worked on my own cars for 20 years so changing diffs etc in the future wouldn't be a huge deal for me. Paying $2000 to fix the 4.0 if it lets go is. What does everyone think is the best route? All advice is greatly appreciated. I would post some pics but I don't know how to do it because I'm new to the site.
Thanks, Steve.
