Hello :)

[BuddhaKitty]

Hello everyone, well where do I begin?

I am looking to purchase a Ford Explorer soon for off-roading, but need to know *precicely* what I need to look for before I jump in.

What year(s) are best, tires to use, etc.

I don't know much about cars so please forgive my ignorance

Thank you!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! A first or second generation would be good for off roading.

 

[BuddhaKitty]

Welcome to this forum! A first or second generation would be good for off roading.

Thanks for the quick response, Brooklyn!

Could you please define "first/second gen"? What year ranges are we looking at?

To entertain the question further, what would it take to customize it for off roading, or are they pretty much solid "as is"?

 

[BrianDye]

1st Gen: 91-94
2nd Gen: 95-01
3rd Gen: 02-05
4th Gen: 06-10
5th Gen: 11+

 

[BuddhaKitty]

1st Gen: 91-94
2nd Gen: 95-01
3rd Gen: 02-05
4th Gen: 06-10
5th Gen: 11+

thanks brian! i think i failed to mention, the vehicle would *also* be my daily driver therefore my purchase needs to have reasonable mileage.. which is tough when looking at older cars... i did however find this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...eName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

first of the 3rd gen. a good start or not really?

 

[BrianDye]

Though that is a really nice X, its WAY overpriced. Ive been looking at 3rd gens lately, and theyre going from around $5000-7500.

And the first year of any new bodystyle is pretty much deemed a no-no. Theyre notorious for having tons of problems, and on this site, it seems as its more of the 3rd gens having the worst problems (2002-2003).

And if your going for some offroading, the 3rd gens have IRS, where as the 1st and 2nd gens dont. (Easier to lift).

I have a 2000 Limited V8 w/ AWD and I get around 18 combined. (70% city, 30% hwy).

I usually average around 16 if im all city.

 

[BuddhaKitty]

good to know, thank you brian.

naturally, the gas mileage makes me cringe as i'd be trading in a nissan altima (26 mpg, man i'm gonna miss that!) but i suppose low gas mileage comes with the territory of having a powerful car.

i'll post a few more that i find on this thread.... any and all input greatly appreciated

Though that is a really nice X, its WAY overpriced. Ive been looking at 3rd gens lately, and theyre going from around $5000-7500.

And the first year of any new bodystyle is pretty much deemed a no-no. Theyre notorious for having tons of problems, and on this site, it seems as its more of the 3rd gens having the worst problems (2002-2003).

And if your going for some offroading, the 3rd gens have IRS, where as the 1st and 2nd gens dont. (Easier to lift).

I have a 2000 Limited V8 w/ AWD and I get around 18 combined. (70% city, 30% hwy).

I usually average around 16 if im all city.

 

[BuddhaKitty]

oh, and awd vs. 4wd... i was under the impression 4wd is better. is this true?

 

[BrooklynBay]

4WD has more components to break plus it adds to the vehicle's over all weight. 4WD is a must have item for off roading.

 

[RangerX]

If you're wanting to offroad it, you'll want 4WD, not AWD.

IMO, your best bet would be to buy a gen1 or gen2 that's already been built to some degree for offroad. The work is already done for you, very important when you don't know much about cars. Plus, they usually sell for less than a similar but unmodified vehicle.
I would take your time and watch the for sale section here for something to come up. Or watch autotrader and craigslist for local sales.