General Reliability/what to look for

[alchemist]

I'm new to the Explorer....I had a full size 90 EB Bronco for a while. I'm looking at getting a second generation explorer 4x4. I'm curious what the long term reliability of these are. I'm probably going to buy one with 60-70K miles and keep it for a few years. Unless of course I can buy a higher mileage one and not worry about the engine or tranny going to hell.

That said, what are the common faults in these SUVs? Is there anything in particular to look out for?

Wich engine is the most reliable? The 5.0L (my bronco had 225K on her engine and ran strong), or the SOHC engine? I'll be using it basically for city driving and some bad MN snow in the winter.

Any help or pointers are greatly appreciated....i read the long High mileage explorers thread already.

Any thoughts on what I can expect to pay for one with a V8?

 

[Alec]

The 5.0/4R70W is the most reliable. But in general these vehicles are very stout. The weakest part of the V6 trucks is the tranny, they often fail without much warning and sometimes it's just luck on how long they last.

Besides that, they are very good vehicles and most of us are very happy with them.

 

[alchemist]

Any thoughts on what I can expect to pay for a 5.0 explorer....various years and miles?
Thanks

 

[Alec]

Try www.kbb.com or www.nada.com

 

[Doug]

One thing alec did'nt mention is if you get an explorer with a 5 spd manual you're going to have a driveline as reliable as 5.0/4R70W I've had the 4.0 ohv and 5spd manual in both of my explorer's and have been very happy with them. though you can only get the 5spd in the 2dr sport in a 2nd gen.

 

[dean Mac]

reliability

Reliability really depends upon maintenance. I have had a 96 ohv 4.0 litre with an automatic transmission since day one and do the regular service that is required and it has never had any engine or trans trouble yet at 140000 miles. It does not use an ounce of oil either.

If you are serious about buying one. I hear that the ohc is a better engine - no lifters to collapse or pushrods to wear out. They can go 160000 without any problems - if well maintained.

Ask for service records and get it thoroughly inspected by a knowledgeable mechanic. He'll be able to tell you if its been well looked after. During inspection - get him, to drop the tranny pan and see the condition of the fluid and if there is any silvery sediment on the bottom - an indicator of too much wear/lack of maintenance.

Change Oil every 3000 miles
change tranny fluid every 20000 miles
change engine coolant every 28000 miles
change pcv valve every 15000 miles
change rear axle fluid every 35000 miles
change transfer case fluid every 50000 miles
change air filter every 15000 miles

follow this procedure and you'll get long life out of it.

Another thing - drive it gently - don't abuse it with a heavy foot. This too puts less strain on everything and will help it last longer.

 

[alchemist]

For some reason I'm shying away from the 6 cly models. I like the V8 for the added torque. I've been looking at various SUVs and want a combination of reliability, affordability, and looks. Personally I like the looks of the chevy blazer but i've heard the long term reliability is questionable. I see Land Rover Discoverys are pretty cheap...but thats because they are rather unreliable.......I know everything comes down to maintanence.

That said i like the explorers looks and V8 availability....I definitly want an auto tranny though.....i like stick shift, but mainly in small cars.

On the explorer....is there a dipstick for the transmission (I heard there wasnt)....if so, how does one check to make sure its full, and add fluid if necessary.

 

[Alec]

I think only 2002-2003.5 4 doors don't have a tranny dipstick.

As far as reliability of the motors go, all 3 are good motors. The SOHC had a few early problems, recalls, and TSBs, but is a great motor if these have been performed. The OHV does have pushrod, lifter, rocker wear; but can still easily last 200000 miles without being rebuilt.

My OHV has been supercharged for half it's life (40k out of 80k) and is still going strong. The tranny is a year old and has since given me no problems.

 

[rydinhigh]

Whatever you do go with the v8. I have a v6 and I really really wish I got the 8.

 

[Doug]

One thing to be aware of is with the v8 you dont have low range only awd or 2wd.

 

[alchemist]

So is that a major negative to not have 4-low? in awd? I like the reliability of the 5.0 platform. Any thoughts on how it would handle in the snow? I don't plan on really off roading much if at all. I plan on using it for city driving, and the snow in the winter.......is that ok?

Or do i really need 4 low if i get myself a bit stuck?
That said is the AWD platform reliable?

 

[Doug]

I've heard very good things about the traction of the AWD in the snow. I personally prefer having low range in the snow. i think the added torque helps alot in the deep snow. I also 4wheel my truck often and cannot imagine living with out 4wd.

 

[Alec]

AWD will be fine for light-moderate snow driving and wheeling as long as you know (like any driving) the limitations of the vehicle and how to drive

 

[Doug]

Sorry Alec but i'll take four wheel drive over two wheel drive no matter how much power is going to it any day.

 

[Alec]

Where did that come from?

 

[alchemist]

Well then are you saying I should look at the SOHC engine platform instead of the V8 for use in the snow.....i dont anticipate much more than 6-10 inches before a plow (St Paul MN). Does the SOHC use a belt or a chain (I hate belts and interference engines). What is the reliability of that engine/trans package (4x4) as opposed to the v8/awd package

 

[Jason_25]

The 4x4 SOHC uses 3 chains and is an interference engine. I recommend you get the V8/AWD if you're not going to go offroad.

 

[alchemist]

the most offroad i'll ever do in it would be if i slide off a road into a ditch....other than that I'll be honest and say I'm not looking for a rock crawler or anything of the sort.....i just need something capable of the occasional bad winter weather and possibly a firm beach or two in the summer (doubtfull).

So the AWD V8 is the way to go then.....so am i permanently in AWD in this car or do i drive in 2wd most of the time and switch to awd in the slick stuff?

 

[Alec]

The V8 has the option of either full time AWD or 2wd only (2 separate vehicles to be clear). The AWD has a limited slip rear and open front differential, so it is not true AWD in that one tire can get power if the other 3 lose traction. However, it is a very good system and as I said very good if you're not gonna do hardcore wheeling.

 

[Doug]

I'm sorry alec i was only joking.