Going to buy 2006 or 07 Explorer - need advice

[leonidvp]

Hi,

I'm going to buy 2006 or slightly newer Explorer, budget is up to $15k (maybe a bit more). Most likely it will be V6 since V8 are surprisingly rare in the market?
Want to ask your advice:
- What are weak points of 2006 Explorer? I've already read about leaking radiator so will be sniffing for coolant. Doesn't seem like a serious problem to me but it's a good reason to ask for discount. Surely it's better to take the car to mechanic but I'd like to check as many as possible by myself.
- Could you advise a mechanic in Jersey City or its surroundings to take Explorer for inspection? (not sure but sorry if it is forbidden to ask for such stuff here)

 

[edwx]

IMO if you want one, go ahead and buy one. Explorers are a good bang for the buck, and basically easy to maintain. Buy the best one you can for the $ you have to spend. I don't tow anything, and I really like my V6 4WD.

 

[Threnners]

Go for a 07 to avoid the radiator issue. I replaced the radiator at 28K. I'm at 69K and it's getting ready to go again because I can smell coolant under the hood, although no one can find a leak and my coolant level is ok.

 

[Explorer_PL]

It took me longer but I wanted v8: towing and plowing. With v8 you get better radiator, and better transmission. You also get sparkplugs issue. the mileage is not that much different.

 

[EX-SV]

I purchased my 2007 last year, I only shopped for a V8. Although V8's are less plentiful, they are still available in CA.

My radiator, rear hatch actuator, O/D switch, lighted visor mirrors, battery were all replaced this year. Although the powertrain seems to be reliable, I consider the rest of the truck to be mediocre from a reliability standpoint.

 

[autobahn]

I really like the V6. It´s an old design, but engine bugs have been worked out and if you don´t have to tow much, the power is just fine.

After plenty of trouble with the 5.4V8 3valve´s sticking/breaking spark plugs, i´m very pleased with the V6.

Bought mine in 08 with 40kmls and have 72000mls on the clock as of today, with exactly -zero- problems, other than a very slightly leaking radiator since day one (i top it off with probably 1qt. every three month) and a "faulty TPMS sensor" warning, every time i use bluetooth on my cellphone.

I do take care of it, and don´t abuse it (other than 30 fast Autobahn miles every day

good luck finding the right one!

 

[jupiterak]

Both early years of the V6 and V8 have leaky radiators. But more common in the V6's. I'd go for the V8 cause the mileage is almost identical to the V6 with the towing package/3.73 gears. The common problems with the v8 is broken plugs (not major issue if you buy the tool) and the 6-speed tranny bump (correctable with the TSB).

 

[leonidvp]

Hi guys, thank you for your responses!

Threnners, I thought if you have replaced the radiator in 2006 V6 then the problem is fixed, but with what you said it turns out to be some design issue. Bad news for me.
BTW how much aprox does radiator replacement cost?

Today visited Ford dealership to see 2006 V6 Eddie Bauer. It wasn't a good visit though - the Explorer was in the parking lot, blocked so tight so you could barely open a door, and the battery was dead. Just looked under the hood - looked fine, though the dealer has washed the engine (hate when they do that) so you cannot be sure if it is not leaking. Will come back later to them to testdrive.
Since they are Ford dealership, it's kind of certified - they do inspection and give some sort of guarantee. The car needs new battery and will need new tyres soon, so everything will depend on price.

Thanks again for your advice, will try to find 2007 or V8 Exp

 

[leonidvp]

also a small question - if it is usual if a car doesn't have service history (service book, service bills, ....)? (new in the US ) From where I am from it a reason to be suspicious

 

[EX-SV]

also a small question - if it is usual if a car doesn't have service history (service book, service bills, ....)? (new in the US ) From where I am from it a reason to be suspicious

It's very unusual in the US if used cars actually have service history when purchased from a dealer.

Private parties are more likely to have records if requested.

 

[t0ked]

We just purchased a 2006 Explorer V8 4WD model. I preferred the V8 as there didn't seem to be much of a mpg advantage with the V6. Went straight to the dealer for a trans flush and a reprogramming which immediately fixed the shifting issue. Truck feels solid. I ended up doing all the fluid changes (brakes, coolant, diffs, tc) myself, new battery and new tires and filters. I do get that coolant smell but no visible drop in coolant levels and will be keeping an eye on it. So far so good after about 500 miles at "vigorous" highway speeds.

 

[Davidm53]

I went with the 2006 V-6, the Ford records show it has already had a radiator change.
Replaced the 20PSI radiator cap with a 16PSI.
It's cheap insurance, and there are several threads on this forum about it.

 

[03 Explorer XLT]

I traded my 2003 XLT V6 for a 2008 Limited V8. The V6 was ok, but I love the V8. I get 1mpg better with the V8 than the V6.

Sadly, it's in the shop now having the radiator replaced, the TPMS checked for sensor fault, and the ignition lock cylinder replaced for causing the interior lights to come on.

My battery was dead when I bought it, which the salesman was careful to make sure I didn't find out until I was gone. I discovered that it died sitting on the lot for over a month with the lights in the sunvisor on because the cover was broke. It seems common for the sunvisors to have broken covers, so check that out too.

 

[willied]

I've had my '06 for two years now, it's a V8, no radiator problems. It's at almost 90,000 miles. Only problems I've had are the tranny bump (reprogram didn't fix this, but the dealership that "fixed" it could be the real problem), and the A/C actuator started making noises, and it still worked fine even then, but I replaced it myself for $50. All it involved was taking 3 screws out. I've also had my spark plugs changed and none of them broke. So overall it's been pretty reliable and I love the V8.

 

[leonidvp]

Hi Guys,

Thanks again for your responses.
I've bought 2006 XLT V6 with 64000 miles. Couldn't resist when saw this car. It seems to be in pretty good condition, everything is working and radiator is not leaking at the moment. Anyway will get 16psi radiator cap, hopefully it will help to avoid the problem in future.
The car feels and drives great, v6 power seems to be enough. I feel that I made the right choice

Happy New Year Everybody!

 

[willied]

Glad to hear you got one! Enjoy it and treat it well.