Considering a 3rd generation. What to look

[David in NC]

for? I'm lurking over from the 1996-2001 forum and need some advice. I'm considering moving up to a 2002+ and would love some advice on the good, the bad, and the ugly. My son has a 97 XLT 4wd and I have a 99 XLS 2wd. Both have the 4.0 V6 push rod engine and about 110k miles. We've had them between 1 and 2 years, so we're both still new. Should I stay with my 99 or move up.

What models and accessories do you recommend? What should I avoid? I'm considering a V8 for the solid engine/trans combo and 2wd drive since I don't need the extra traction, maintenance, or fuel expense. Is this a good set up?

What is the difference between the XLS and XLT besides trim? One of the things I'm looking for is comfort. My son's XLT seems more comfortable than my XLS. His seats seem fuller for a better ride. Is this still the case in the 3rd generation? Is the XLT worth the extra bucks?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[skawtland]

The price difference between a used XLS and an XLT are probably very negligable. I have an 04 XLS-Sport 4x4... (Which is just an XLS trim level with running boards, nicer centre console, carpets, etc) We've only had it a little over a week though. However, in that week I managed to put a little over 1000 miles on her, and even though she is pretty much a base model, I find it to be a comfortable place to drive and be a passenger. The seats are nicely cushioned and bolstered in my opinion. The XLT models probably have more available seat adjustments than the XLS does... ours is limited to... well, seat slide forward, slide back, the backs of the seats fold forward or fold back, and headrest up, headrest down! You perhaps will have the options of lumbar support and seat height adjustments on the higher than XLS-trimmed models.

What you also get with the XLT and above is the outside temperature/compass digital readout on the odometer display, possibly even a trip computer, whereas on the XLS you do not. (perhaps it was optional on the XLS) Most XLT's have front foglights too, XLS's tend to not have them.

If you can get an XLT or above for the same price as an XLS (probably likely) then certainly go for it, but for comfortable travelling around town and highway, our basic little XLS does us great... certainly a more comfortable long distance beast than our 02 Yukon.

Scott

 

[JWood]

The good thing about your search for an Explorer

is that there are always a jillion out there to choose from. You will find the 2002 and up to be a much, much better ride with improved handling over the 2nd gen you own now. Off roaders, however, do not seem to like that feature as much as those of us that just drive the streets, but the difference is there and it is nice.

I would buy the model with lowest miles on it and the most features. You will probably see more XLT and XLS models, but shoot for an Eddie Bauer.

The EB seats, in my opinion, are much more comfortable than XLS seats- however the XLT with leather might be the same as the EB. And all of the extras just make it a real nice truck.

V6 vs V8 - I have 2 V6s Exs but would prefer the V8 - I hear the mileage is not that much different and the added HP would come in handy with 3 or 4 people inside riding around in a hilly area. And I think V8s only come with the XLT and up

 

[xartic]

something else to watch out for is a 3rd gen with a "whine" in the rear end when you drive about 60 mph