Are Explorers Disposable SUV's?

[chadb]

I'm just reading all the posts here and then thinking about my Explorer, 95, and all it's problems. It's like the damn things are just in a state of falling apart over 80,000 miles. It sounds like I might as well just buy a core 4R55E and keep a rebuilt one in the garage at all times! Guess I'm feeling bummed about my Ford and wondering if I can ever get it running well without dumping thousands into it every few years.

 

[CobraXP]

Chad - don't worry. Mine has 165K and the largest repair I had to do was last week. I had to rebuild the rear end - everything but the housing. Most of the guys here have mods to something - engine mods, suspension mods, etc.

There are problems with Explorers, but go to any site devoted to any type of vehicle. Everyone complaints about their rides and things that they do to them.

 

[Doug]

I put my truck through hell and back and it stands up beautifully. I beat it offroad on the weekends then drive 40 miles round trip to work each day. I have ~125k miles on my truck now and the motor still runs like it's new. the 4.0 ohv is a pretty tough motor.

 

[JasonF]

We had some service done to the 96 around 90k miles, but it seems like once you get over that hill its smooth sailing again. 114k and counting.

Jason

 

[asterus]

I have 171,000 miles on my truck and the biggest repair I have had to do is replace the radiator, but that is expected from a 8 year old vehicle.


David Larson

 

[CodePoet]

I know how you feel. My poor explorer is in the shop right now getting a new slave cyliner/release bearing, master cyliner, clutch disk, and pressure plate. Why on earth we didn't do it ourselves I don't know...it's probably going to cost around 1000 freakin bucks. There go my new tires for a couple of months But on the up side everything else is great on it! The engine runs like a sewing maching, electrical is pretty good, and the body is in great shape especially after a can or two of bondo and herculiner on the rocker pannels I honestly love my truck! And will deffinitly keep it for a number of more years, after that i'm probably going to get a ranger but hopefully keep the explorer for a trail rig....bent I beams, new gears(at lease 4.56), lockers, 33's, maybe even a 5.0 (ahhh dreams). Anyway I dont' think they are "throw away" but like every vehicle they aren't perfect. It does seem like the auto has more problems than the manuel though.

Later
CP

 

[STANN]

I love my Explorer, but it's dying a very slow (and expensive) death. I'm current on my 4th tranny in 2 years, luckily we only had to pay for the first one- all others were under warranty. After just getting it back from the shop, the ABS light came on, and my right turn signal shorted out. I have a complete new rear-end too. It's just getting ridiculous. Every time something gets fixed, something else brakes. I hate to do it, but I think it's about time for the X to depart- maybe another year or so. But despite all my problems, I know it has been one of the best cars I will ever own.

 

[Opera House]

I think they are for many

Almost two years ago I bought my 97 4D 4WD XLT w/107K for only $5,200. It had a number of little things wrong with it but it came with new brakes, battery and shift motor assembly and very decent tires. Obviously someone thought it was an endless money pit and gave up. I put another $300 into it and have driven it 30K. I pity anyone who doesn't work on it themselves.

 

[DaHeinah]

I bought my X from an auction. It had torn leather seats (the driver side no longer had any padding...the previous owner was one HUGE guy), the paint on the roof was peeling (never waxed in 9 years )...but the drivetrain ran like a dream. Ebay fixed my seats and a my paint is now fireball red, so that's all resolved. The only problems I've had with my X was the electrical sensor on the master cylinder that detects brake fluid and that was fixed by some electrical tape . The X is by far the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, heck it even converted my girlfriend who used to drive a Toyo to Ford! The only thing I don't like about them is that they don't come with a lift out of the factory.
Greg