Deciding between '03 and '04 Explorer Sport Tracs. '03 is $8.3k, '04 is $10k

[Toleroh]

Hi all,

I drive a Ford Ranger:rangergreen: but am replacing it with a Sport Trac Explorer as soon as I find the right one.

Tonight I drove a like-new Red '04 with ~130k miles. Everything seemed great.

Then I drove a very nice Blue '03 with ~130k miles (yes, same). Everything was great with it as well.

The guy wants $10,000 for the '04 and the couple with the '03 only wants $8,300 and I think they'd drop further.

What are the differences & issues I should be aware of? What would you choose?

The '04 had a fancier looking engine with SOHC 4.0 on the top, reminded me of my wife's Honda Odyssey. Guy said it was a special 4.1 liter or something bonus for some reason.

The '03 was a 4.0 also (maybe they all are?) but engine looked totally different. Had no markings at all that I could see. The wire that the gas pedal pulls was positioned on top of it.

Both had a hard plasticy clicking sound when the hood was open and engine was running like something was switching on and off. The '04 did it a few times in a few minutes while the '03 just did it twice. I don't know if it was a fan or compressor or what.

Thanks for your help.

 

[EndFed]

That's a lot of dough for one of those. I ran across 2 for less than 5 thou while looking for my 04 exp.

 

[Toleroh]

I think in my area it fits the demographic perfectly and they are very popular.

 

[OffTrac]

Don't buy the '04. He's lying about the engine. There's no telling what else he might be lying about.

 

[Toleroh]

I had the '03 checked out at a local shop and everything is tight. Ball joints are in great shape. Only recommendations were fluid flushes and a serpentine belt service. I'll join the explorer club as soon as I can get all the paperwork and people to the credit union.

 

[ponkotsu]

Seems like a lot for an '03 Explorer with 130k. I paid $5900 for an '05 Aviator. Deals are out there is you look and are patient.