buying an explorer, what to look for?

[Ranger_5.0]

hey guys, im looking into buying an explorer, and i was wondering what i should look out for. need something reliable, im finding alot of 97's in my area. suprisingly they are not the least bit rusty as id assumed something that old would be, i just need something to get me to and from work and my son home from daycare. right now ive got two im very interested in, they are both 1997's. they are pretty much identical except one has leather and a moonroof, but the other doesnt. the one with the leather also has 30,000 fewer miles. i guess im just kind of looking for a list (or guide?) of common problems i may find with a 1997'ish explorer. im a very capable mechanic, hoever, i do not want something to nickel and dime me to death, i have my ranger for that already. any help is greatly helpful and apprecialted

Joe

 

[awhughes]

hey guys, im looking into buying an explorer, and i was wondering what i should look out for. need something reliable, im finding alot of 97's in my area. suprisingly they are not the least bit rusty as id assumed something that old would be, i just need something to get me to and from work and my son home from daycare. right now ive got two im very interested in, they are both 1997's. they are pretty much identical except one has leather and a moonroof, but the other doesnt. the one with the leather also has 30,000 fewer miles. i guess im just kind of looking for a list (or guide?) of common problems i may find with a 1997'ish explorer. im a very capable mechanic, hoever, i do not want something to nickel and dime me to death, i have my ranger for that already. any help is greatly helpful and apprecialted

Joe

Joe,
I have a 97 xlt and have owned it since 1999. It now has 182k with the original drivetrain. If its the sohc engine, look to see if the updates have been made to the cam tensioners. Try to find one that has a service history on the transmission. AC blend door is also a weak spot.
I have only replaced wear and tear items, belts, brakes, tires, shocks you get the picture. Everything else original.
My front end suspension parts could use replacement, but I only use it for work commute (9 miles each way) and I don't take it over 50 mph on my commute.
I would go with the lower mileage one. You could probably get a 1997 for around $4500 tops in good condition. If you don't need 4wd, I would opt for 2wd, less moving parts and better gas mileage. Worst gas mileage comes with the V8-AWD combination. I also hear that these eat tires.
A V8 2wd would be pretty solid (harder to find) choice, then a 2wd sohc would be my 2nd choice.

 

[Ranger_5.0]

the one with lower miles, and all the extra options has around 131,000 and hes asking 4500 obo. the one with 167,000 and not as many options the guy is asking 3200 obo. ill look at them both. i dont mind fixing a couple "wear and tear" items, but im not about to buy something, just to turn around and drop a trans or something. thanks for your help, im sure ill be around tomorrow night with my findings

 

[lrlima]

The 5.0 is a good option, though I think both those prices are a bit high. But I guess it dpends on where you live. Im personally getting ready to sell my 96 5.0 AWD w/ 130k and will ask less than what those are...

 

[Kyle0614]

mud

 

[Evil Eye]

Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search.

 

[Ranger_5.0]

The 5.0 is a good option, though I think both those prices are a bit high. But I guess it dpends on where you live. Im personally getting ready to sell my 96 5.0 AWD w/ 130k and will ask less than what those are...

well, too bad you dont live closer to me. the two i mentioned, are completely rust free, and im not going to offer near what they are asking

 

[lrlima]

it is already gone to my brother...was just trying to give you a frame of reference for pricing....But good luck in your search. Im in the process of buying my fourth explorer and have had really had good luck with them. Maintenance is key...

 

[Kyle0614]

i'm on my second my third will probably be a 2002 3rd gen 4wd or awd mounty...maintenance x2 ^^

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

hey guys, im looking into buying an explorer, and i was wondering what i should look out for. need something reliable, im finding alot of 97's in my area. suprisingly they are not the least bit rusty as id assumed something that old would be, i just need something to get me to and from work and my son home from daycare. right now ive got two im very interested in, they are both 1997's. they are pretty much identical except one has leather and a moonroof, but the other doesnt. the one with the leather also has 30,000 fewer miles. i guess im just kind of looking for a list (or guide?) of common problems i may find with a 1997'ish explorer. im a very capable mechanic, hoever, i do not want something to nickel and dime me to death, i have my ranger for that already. any help is greatly helpful and apprecialted

Joe

good luck in your search, and not to try and discourage you by any means, but you sure you want an explorer with the way gas prices are raising like there's no tomorrow?