Considering 2007 4.0L XLT 4X4 Advice?

[Brian2417]

Hello, I'm new to the forums. I thought that I would do as much research as I could to make the most educated decision possible. The vehicle is for my wife who's Jeep Liberty lease is due in June. Since the days of the extremely cheap leases are over, I'm looking for a used mid sized SUV. We're between an Explorer or a Grand Cherokee. My wife puts very little mileage on in a year. The vehicle doesn't even warm up most days as she drives to school about 1 mile away from our house although we would also use this vehicle for weekend trips and vacations.

I'm looking at 2007 4X4, 4.0L, 38,000 miles (Built 8/29/2006) VIN 1FMEU73E97UA41526

I've been reading in the forums here looking for potential problems to anticipate on this vintage model. Any feedback from the experts on this forum would be appreciated.

Also, a couple other questions. Could a factory remote engine start be added? Also, I would get it certified and extend the warranty for the 6 years/100k miles that's included with that.

Thanks again,

Brian

 

[cmk0808]

the explorer is a great truck with minimal problems.


remote start can be added. they have a ford unit that is ok but not that great. id advise you to look at the autopage rs-603. it will work 3 ways, as a one button remote, remote start and keyless, and as an addon to factory remote. all three ways can be used at once.

 

[kkreit01]

For such minimal mileage, and close commute, I'd possibly look at an Escape or Patriot. I've had 2 Mariners, and they were excellent in the snow. Their ground clearance is just as high (or higher) than Explorer. They will get a lot better mileage.

Explorers are great also (I'm on my 4th). I just wouldn't use one for such a short commute. That is low mileage for an '07.

 

[Brian2417]

Thanks for the feedback. Kkreit, I've looked at the Escape as well. I personally like the more truck based vehicles like the Explorer for the eventual time when the warranty has expired and I'm working on it myself. Any knowledge of Escape reliability or product maturity? I know that the early models had some issues. Thanks for the feedback

 

[kkreit01]

The CD4E tranny is a wink link in the 08 & older Escape model years. It's best suited to the 4-banger (as that's where it's origins are). It seems quite taxed when mated to the 200hp V6. Most do a fluid exchange every 20-30k mi. The 09+ have had some 6-spd tranny/differential issues as well, but they'd all be covered under warranty. If it's taken care of, they will last a long time. They can be tight on long trips for a family of 4. Front seats are horribly small (and I'm small as well). They are a great short commute vehicle though.

Explorers are great as well, but you'll probably get 10-12 mpg driving 2 mi/day.

 

[feetwet]

I had a Liberty and bought a 06 Explorer XLT V8 in the past year to replace the libby. I get slightly better mpg in the explorer than the much smaller Liberty. If you can find one, I'd say it's worth looking for a V8 explorer. The V8 gets roughly the same mileage as the V6 and is great if you ever do any towing.

In hindsight, it is ridiculous how bad the MPG is on the Liberty for how small a vehicle it is... Very capable 4x4, but horrible mileage.

 

[JamesBond]

I had a 06' with the V6 and I could live with it but I did think it was gutless. And when I got rid of it I made up my mind that if I got another Explorer it'd be a V8. Which I did and couldn't be happier.

 

[Brian2417]

Well, I bit the bullet on the 07 Explorer. I'm pleased with my decision and my wife likes it which is all that counts.....ha. Our liberty gets 11 mpg on her short commute 1.5 miles from home to work and back. It was terrible for such a small vehicle I will agree.

I did get it certified to extend the powertrain warranty out. What can I do proactively to ensure that this vehicle lasts as long as possible? I already plan on putting synthetic oil in it and a K&N Air filter and I do most all of my vehicle repairs myself. Any advice on chassis component or transmission longevity tips? Thanks again

Brian

 

[JamesBond]

Mine was an 06' with 54k on it and before putting on the lot the dealer changed the fuel filter, tranny, front and rear diff fluids, tranny filter (I think) and since it was used they also replaced some parts, like the antenna. :scratch: Who loses their antenna?
Don't know about the oil, I've done both synthetic and just changing it every 3k miles.
I think the idea is to keep it changed.
Good luck with you're new purchase.

 

[feetwet]

k&n don't block as much dirt as a good disposable filter like wix from what I have read.