Any 97 Sports Out There ?

[knightmoves1]

I bought mine new, loaded, with the upgraded V6-SOHC engine. Made the mistake of leasing it for 2 years, but put so many miles on it that I had to buy it at the end of the lease. Just paid it off last month after 6 years. But it has been a dream.

It gets 18mpg highway, which is what I do lots of (261K miles) and has been a tough off road truck on the deep, soft sands of Cape Hatteras, NC. Recently I've replaced the lower ball joints on the passenger side and tie rod ends up front. Have had lots of strange bulb burnouts and have bever been able to track down a short in the wiring system. The only mod I've made is a K&N drop in filter, which gave it better acceleration. Have changed the oil every 3-4 K religiously and have no tranny problems. The dealer tells me that the upgraded V6 will go forever if it's maintained properly.

I've considered a new X, but feel like I want to see how far this one takes me. The paint is primo and body has no rust. I take it weekly to the self service car wash and meticulously clean it. Also, I bought the rear cover for the area behind the back seat from Ford when I bought it, so the carpeting has never been touched back there. When I bring it to the dealer, the service guys marvel at it.

Anyone have similar luck with their X ?

 

[dogfriend]

I only have 88k on mine, but have had only a few minor problems with mine so far. I bought it with 32k from a private party who took great care of it. I have the OHV engine which should be pretty bulletproof (if somewhat slow)

I have gotten kind of paranoid about the transmission after reading the other experiences here, but I have not had any problems yet.

I don't have any rust either, but mine has spent its life in California

 

[Robert]

I have a '97 SOHC 4x4 Sport as well. Your mileage of 261K at least gives me hope. The way people talk around hear about the SOHC makes me feel fortunate that I've gotten to 104K 261K is something to be proud of for any vehicle.

 

[Deak]

Yeah feel lucky,
If I knew that the SOHC was such a problem I never would have bought an X with that engine in it. It's in right now having the front cam guide replaced (on warranty) but the mechanic dropped something in the intake when putting it back together because when they started it one of the cylinders has a knock. Which means they have to pull the head off of it to find out what is in the cylinder. All of this will not cost a dime(it better not) but it's really annoying that ford mechanics can't be more careful. Not to mention not bothering to call to tell me they had found the problem, were fixing it, and when it would be done. It was like pulling teeth to get any info out of them. Get this when they said it wasn't ready, and I needed the truck the next day they said "Oh we don't call the customer every time something little happens and delays completeing the job" this was said before he actually found out what happened which makes the manager look really bad because he's just feeding the customer a line.

Sorry about the rant
Deak