Any Major Diff Between '98 v8 and '00 v8?

[RedondoBeachBob]

Hi All:

I've been lurking here for about a month. Looking to buy a 4x4 Explorer. After reading all the info I could find here, I decided on the v8, with the 2000 probably being the best year I could afford. Looking to spend no more than $8.5k, if possible. Cars with less than 100k on them seem to be going for a bit more than that here in L.A., plus not so many to choose from.

Today I saw an ad for a '98 v8 XLT, 72k, pics look nice and owner claims runs well, with trans just flushed and recent tune-up, smogging and new tires, for $5k. Don't have the VIN, so I can't CARFAX it yet. Any major reason to wait for a better deal and get a '00 over the '98?

Thanks,

Bob

 

[section525]

A '98 will be just as good as a 2000. The V8s have been mechanically sound since '96. I don't think there is a single motor/drivetrain change between the '98 and '00. Good luck with your buy and welcome to the forum!

 

[justin146]

There is no difference between them that I am aware of....only visually. The 98 will have a different front bumper. I say go for the 98 and put the money you save on mods.

 

[RedondoBeachBob]

Thanks for your help! I try to avoid asking questions in this forum that can be answered with some searching, but this deal had come up on short notice, and I needed to move fast. I passed on this particular ’98, but have widened my search to include ’98 - ’00 as a result of your feedback.

Bob

 

[410Fortune]

97+ has PATS and the P heads on the GT-40 5.0L

Other then that no signifigant changes from 96-01.