Buying an early gen 2 Sport Trac

[gordo5]

Hi. I'm looking to buy a new to me vehicle and the Sport Trac is on my short list. Most of what I'm seeing listed that are in my price range are 2007s (I'm not interested in a Gen 1 model) which I know is the first year of the gen 2s.

So, when inspecting various samples what are common issues with these that I should look out for? Are there any particular areas that are prone to rust? Common mechanical problems that are specific to 2007 Sport Tracs?

 

[Tech By Trade]

Check my posts and you will see all the repairs you have to look forward to. They will happen to every model year as the mileage increases.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385793

 

[calebg]

Yeah, definitely a good link there.
I've dealt with the majority of those on my 2007, so almost done I hope! haha! Thermostat housing was a PITA twice for me. I usually don't believe in 'extended warranties' but I'm glad I did with my truck - saved me a lot when my engine overheated due to the radiator leak... just something to think about.
Sounds like we are complaining, but I'll pay for a new engine before I get a different truck - I love it. Just yesterday a random guy walking by as I was getting in asked me about it and said how great it looks.

 

[gordo5]

Well, I can't say that thread fills me with confidence, although it is a sampling of one person. Problems with things like wheel bearings just make me shake my head... no excuse for that.

I'm trying to decide between a crew cab Colorado/Canyon and the Sport Trac, with the Sport Trac being the luxury option. Maybe I should keep it simple?

 

[gordo5]

Can anyone tell me what the combined length of the bed and gate is? I'm wondering if it is long enough for a dirtbike.

 

[edj1993]

I've had my 07 for 3 years and it now has 68k on it. I have had a tie rod end replaced and an HVAC control replaced(left side different temp than right side). Just had a brake job done but that was normal wear. Also had a squeaky body mount replaced that squeaked periodically. No issues yet with the 4.6L engine. The main reason I bought the trac over a Colorado was for the V8 engine-gotta love that rumble and punch. No regrets yet in buying the truck.

 

[swshawaii]

Well, I can't say that thread fills me with confidence, although it is a sampling of one person. Problems with things like wheel bearings just make me shake my head... no excuse for that.

I'm trying to decide between a crew cab Colorado/Canyon and the Sport Trac, with the Sport Trac being the luxury option. Maybe I should keep it simple?

This shouldn't inspire confidence either.

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ehmk45ghgl/chevrolet-coloradogmc-canyon/

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/el45ejiek/chevrolet-colorado-gmc-canyon/

 

[OffTrac]

The Colorado/Canyon is one of the worst vehicles GM has produced in the last 40 years. Have you test driven both yet? I think you'll notice a difference pretty quickly.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Got to agree, I test drove the canyon before I bought my ST and it was junk. Classic GM plastic everything and it all felt loose. Kind of like a sunfire. My wifes 08 escape was more solid then a new one of those.

 

[gordo5]

Thanks for the feedback. The Forbes link was a surprise. I guess it's just as well that I decided to buy the Sport Trac.

I did try a Colorado and didn't mind it. The 5 cyl engine revved a lot more but it's a lighter truck so I think acceleration is probably similar. While they are both small trucks with crew cabs (at least the ones I was trying) they are clearly very different animals. Funny thing is that while the Colorado seemed like a functional, basic truck and the Sport Trac almost like a tall luxury car, used models in the years/mileage I was looking at weren't priced all that differently so it was kind of a no brainer once I confirmed that the bed, with the gate down, is *just* long enough to load a dirt bike.

So I'm joinin' the club! I'm now the proud owner of an 07 v8 Sport Trac with 72K KM that is in pretty sweet condition. Came with a lot of bling too.

 

[swshawaii]

Smart choice on the 4.6L since the MPG is just slightly lower than the V6 despite the extra power.

Here's a TSB link to stay on top of things unless they've already been done by the previous owner.

http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html

 

[Karpiel73]

Nice. Welcome to the family!

 

[OffTrac]

Congrats!

 

[JohnnyO]

I got mine new in '08, have almost 95k on it now. Few problems other than front wheel bearings. Mine is a 4x4, 4x2's don't seem to have that problem.