Considering buying an explorer, few questions

[Rob3800]

Well i currently drive an 02 Grand Prix GTP. Nice car and all, but with the snow we get in michigan, i'd really like a 4x4 vehicle. I don't need a big truck, or even a big SUV, so i've been really looking into a 98-01 or so 2 door explorer. Basically i'm just curious as to how reliable these things are and what are common issues i should look for with them.

Thanks, Rob.

 

[Donner]

Welcome! I had a 96 a while ago, and my son has an 01. No issues from either, both a pleasure to drive...

 

[Cozmik]

In my driveway there is currently a 98 Sport, a 2003 XLT V6 and a 2005 Eddie Bauer V8. I love all of them. I have no regrets about any of them.

 

[Pensa]

I have a 95 two door and love it. I've had it for over two years now and it had 204,000 miles on it when I got it. The X seems to be pretty bullet proof in most things, but I would definitely make sure the auto transmission is in good shape. That seems to be the weakest link in them.

Other than routine maintenance the only problem I have had was a minor problem with the tranny that a filter change took care of.

Living in Florida I don't have to deal with snow, so I can't tell how good or bad they are in snow, but I would think four wheel drive would be a plus.

 

[Cozmik]

Bought both my 98 and 05 in winter months. Off roaded both in the winter as well as daily driving in the nasty stuff. They kick A$$!!

 

[Rob3800]

Good to hear they are reliable.

 

[XonDubs]

Nice, I drive a GTP too. Does yours have any mods? Are you a member of clubgp at all?

As for the explorer, are you looking into the V8 or the V6? From what I hear the V8 has alot less problems.

 

[turboranger91]

i've had my 93 xlt now for about 4 months. i friggin love this thing. it's 100% stock right now, and i've driven it in snow, ice and what i would consider pretty extreme off road conditions. in all three it did great! snow and ice are nothing when you have four wheel drive engaged.... and off road, i only got stuck a couple of times but did very very well overall.

so far it's one of my favorite vehicles that i've ever had... and i've had a LOT!

 

[Rob3800]

Nice, I drive a GTP too. Does yours have any mods? Are you a member of clubgp at all?

As for the explorer, are you looking into the V8 or the V6? From what I hear the V8 has alot less problems.

It only has a CAI right now, but that will change. My name on clubgp is the same as on this forum. I post from time to time, mostly just read through the various topics.

As for an explorer, i was really more looking at a 2 door which seem to be all V6's. I really don't need it for a family vehicle or anything so i really wasn't looking at the 4 doors very much. Are the V6's not known to be reliable? I've read something about an issue with the timing chain. Can anyone maybe elaborate on this? If the V8 is going to be a lot less problematic i'll consider one for sure.

 

[96eb96]

It only has a CAI right now, but that will change. My name on clubgp is the same as on this forum. I post from time to time, mostly just read through the various topics.

As for an explorer, i was really more looking at a 2 door which seem to be all V6's. I really don't need it for a family vehicle or anything so i really wasn't looking at the 4 doors very much. Are the V6's not known to be reliable? I've read something about an issue with the timing chain. Can anyone maybe elaborate on this? If the V8 is going to be a lot less problematic i'll consider one for sure.

Yeah the SOHC definately has timing chain issues. There is no assurance that it will or will not happen down the line. In the worst case the engine has to be pulled to do the rear tensioner. If you do get an SOHC listen carefully to the engine on a cold start. If you hear any noise...buyer beware.


Reliability wise the OHV V8 and V6 are about the same, old school proven engines. Probably the V8 is the better of the two, I would put that as one of the most durable engines on the road. The OHV V6 lacks the power of the SOHC. You can't get a V8 in a 2 dr.

 

[Bill Kemp]

V8, 4 dr. is AWD. Not the same traction as a 4WD. Just depends on what you want it for. I have no complaints about AWD but I dont off-road. V8 gas milage sucks (15-18) about the same in an OHV V6, the SHOC V6 does some better.

 

[sjr033]

Where in Michigan are you? I have have an '01 2dr and love it. If you what a 2dr, I would say get an '01 or newer. They have bigger breaks and either 3.73 or 4.10 axle gears.

 

[4x4firefighter]

i LOVE MY EXPLORER!!!!! i cant relate to a 2dr but after mine i would deffinetly consider another one....but ill never get ride of the one i got

reliable....u can drive it like u stole it any day of the week n it will still run like a champ when u put her away

 

[Rob3800]

Where in Michigan are you? I have have an '01 2dr and love it. If you what a 2dr, I would say get an '01 or newer. They have bigger breaks and either 3.73 or 4.10 axle gears.

Near detroit, opposite side of the state if i'm not mistaken. Portage is right next to kalamazoo right?

I have actually been leaning toward a newer one now as in 01+, or possibly a trailblazer as my other option. They are 4 doors but still smaller than a 4 door explorer. Both trailblazers and explorers are getting pretty cheap now with the auto industry the way it is.

 

[Brandon96]

or possibly a trailblazer

Ewwiee! hahah, I saw a possible '03? trailblazer hit a ford Freestar about two months back. The Freestar won the dispute. Imagine this: Soccer mom blasting curse words left and right at a middle-aged scraggly looking man infront of her three kids sitting on the curb in which it appeared the oldest was covering the younger's ears.

I love my X, I beat on her all the time and she never fights back