Considering an Explorer

[Cheddarhead]

Greetings from north of the Cheddar curtain!

Considering purchasing an Explorer..I've had an Expedition which gave us 230,000 mostly trouble-free miles, and now I'm looking to add a moderately-used Explorer to the fleet. Will be doing primarily commuting and kid and critter hauling...some light dtuty towing on an occasional basis. I'd consider vehicles that are between 3 and 6 years old, and mileage up to 100K or so. Mileage as a rule doesn't bother me if the vehicle has been appropriately maintained. I can do most general purpose maintenance myself, but I'll leave the heavy lifting to guys who have the proper tools and facilities.

Basically, I'm looking for some owner feedback on years / models to stay away from...exploding transmissions, bad ECU's and that type of insight that comes too often from hindsight.

What say you?

Thanks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Get a 1998-2000 with a V8. I know that it's older than what you want, but these years should have less issues as far as the transmission.

 

[Cheddarhead]

Just picked up an older ('97) Explorer...but it has the 4.0L SOHC instead of the V8. Approx 104K on the clock.

The immediate need is to replace the rear door latch on the drivers side....it's stuck closed, and has been for years, it appears. That, and I need to replace the passenger side mirror and the deck lid. I'll look for a site supporter for these items.

Planning to do plugs / wires / tranny filter + Flush. Anything else I really need to concentrate on?

Opinions on converting the Engine from Dino to Syn?

Opinions on converting the Trans from Dino to Syn?

I'll use this as an occassional driver ...and for towing a utility trailer to/from the recycling center every couple of weeks. Pretty easy life going forward.

Cheddar