Doing research for an explorer purchase

[Sky-high]

Hello everyone- this forum seems to be just what we were looking for.

My wife and I want to buy a pre-owned explorer in the next 6-12 months and we are looking for resources regarding the pros and cons of various model years (any known things to look out for) as well as finding out the differences in the various trim packages (ie XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer etc)

We had a chance to drive an explorer on a recent vacation and we were quite impressed

Any help / links would be appreciated

Cheers!

 

[ExplorerDMB]

You can find a lot of information on just the internet itself about the years and the "reviews" from past magazines and critics. The Trim Packages are, I believe, XLS, XL, XLT and Eddie Baurer. The XLS is the cheaper of the bunch, and the Eddie Baurer is your "luxury" trim. I have a XLT, and what I have is a tan interior with black accents (i.e. instrument panel trim/bezel, radio bezel, etc.). I also have cloth seats that are powered (just the driver side). The Eddie Baurers usually come in Leather, and are usually tan interior. I am not exactly sure what years you are looking for, but mine is a 2000 and The only problems I've heard about these are the timing chains. I believe there was a recall on them, so if you do buy a 2000 make sure it has had the recall done. The Engine and Transmission in the Ford Explorer is a good combo and will last a good amount of time with proper maitanace. Hope that gives you a little idea. What I would do to figure out trim packages and stuff is go on like cardomain.com and just look at what people have on the inside. Good luck. Hope you get a Explorer.

-Drew

 

[IZwack]

r we sure that an explorer is what we want? take into consideration the gas prices and what u plan on using it for.

personally i have a "thing" for station wagons.. i think wagons are great cauz have comparable interior space to SUVs and they get pretty good gas mileage (compared Explorers)... most are available with all wheel drive which is another plus.

i drool over the CrossCountry

my mom has an 05 Subaru Forester and its pretty nice too.. one plus it has over my explorer is the sunroof that is sooo freaking long i swear u can glide a plane into the vehicle.

well im not trying to sway u from explorers but i hope u look at some of the other options first and analyze ur requirements / intended uses before making the final decision. whichever vehicle u go with, have A LEMONADE!

 

[james t]

Get a 96-01 V8. You can find them cheap, and the drivetrain is very reliable.

 

[Brian_B]

I just bought mine in January. Its just an explorer XLT (4 door) with a 4.0 SOHC and 4X4. However, it does have the leather interior and things like the "EB" and it has the "sport package". I am not sure what all is included in that package, but it has 255/70/16 tires from the factory and no chrome anywhere. It has fender flares and nerf bars from the factory as well (part of sport package-I think).

Click on my website for a complete list of all the options. Have fun looking for yours. I know I love mine, so far. I average about 20 MPG in mixed driving. Thats no great, but not horrible for a 4500 (?) pound 4X4.

 

[DirtyDog]

The Trim Packages are, I believe, XLS, XL, XLT and Eddie Baurer.

XL, XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited-----But close enough Drew

I like the Limited's the best. They are the fully loaded model with every bell and whistle. But that's my opinion

EDIT: Welcome to another

 

[Sky-high]

thanks!

Thanks to everyone for their detailed replies (you see, the internet is NOT all about **** and viagra spam

 

[off-road97Xplor]

I agree with dirty that Limited's are the best.

 

[repete.CA]

Loads of info on this site. I looked and researched for weeks before deciding what I wanted. Trail truck? Daily driver? Mix of both? I picked up a '94 XLT 4dr. 4X4. I like the looks and price of the 1st gen. Driving it daily for now but plans are for a dual purpose type. Off road maybe a couple of times a month and nothing too tough, for now. But I'm sure I'll get carried away with it. Google helps too.