HELP! What Explorer to buy?

[Ray Hutchinson]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a used EX to buy here in the SW, and take to my summer property in Maine, and leave there. As many know, I already have a modified '93 (Lift, lockers, on board air, rock sliders, extra skids, etc.) but I want one to leave fairly stock to be my main transportation while I'm there. My requirements are: 4dr, min XLT, 4WD. Auto, Air, under 75K mi, and cheap. Consumer reports says to avoid the '98 '99, and '01. 4X's. So that leaves the 93-98 and the 00. I doubt I'll find a 93 or 94 with that low Mileage so its probably going to be 95-97. I don't know much about these Ex's. Does anybody have any reccomendations for these years, or know of any non snow country, clean stockers for sale?

Thanks, and If this has been answered 1000 times before I apologize, I couldn't figure out what search parameters to use.

 

[section525]

What do you think about a V8 AWD?

 

[ricklorion]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a used EX to buy here in the SW, and take to my summer property in Maine, and leave there. As many know, I already have a modified '93 (Lift, lockers, on board air, rock sliders, extra skids, etc.) but I want one to leave fairly stock to be my main transportation while I'm there. My requirements are: 4dr, min XLT, 4WD. Auto, Air, under 75K mi, and cheap. Consumer reports says to avoid the '98 '99, and '01. 4X's. So that leaves the 93-98 and the 00. I doubt I'll find a 93 or 94 with that low Mileage so its probably going to be 95-97. I don't know much about these Ex's. Does anybody have any reccomendations for these years, or know of any non snow country, clean stockers for sale?

Thanks, and If this has been answered 1000 times before I apologize, I couldn't figure out what search parameters to use.

I have a '95 XLT and it used to be a major pain in the butt to get parts, but now it is fairly easily and cheap (for a X that is). I would go for a '93-'95. :exp:

 

[Ray Hutchinson]

98 Awd

Section 525,

Well, I think I want to stick with a V6 since I know them pretty well, and have some spare parts etc., and I'm partial to part time 4WD with a definite xfer case and lo range. I didn't mention, but the Maine land is about 70 acres of woods etc., that I need to drive in 4X on. I keep getting stuck with my 2X F250 I have there.

 

[96limitedX]

i think a 95-98 4.0 4x4 limited would fit you well. very luxureious(sp?) and look damn good. and i geuss down south they can be had for under 10k.

 

[Sport4x4]

how is an 00 any different than a 99 or 01? i don't see why CR would say to avoid 99 and 01 but not 00. I'm not a big fan of CR anyway, in my experience they hate all things american and german and love everything japaneese

 

[96limitedX]

sport4x4 i agree i wouldent trust CR farther then i could throw it and i have a very weak throwing arm!

99-01s are also great truck!!

 

[FROADER]

Hey Ray, my mom had a 95 of exactly what you're talking about. She had a lot of problems with it. Maybe just me but I like to stay away from the first year a company changes something. I'll keep my eye out for you in the area though. What are you looking to spend? I think our definitions of cheap are a little different.

 

[FROADER]

white 97 with 80k
white 98 with 82k
green 97 with 72k

 

[outhouse]

I have a 99 and couldn't recommend it highly enough.

However, these were the run out model years before the all new Ex arrived, and after alll that bad publicity (specifying under inflated truck tires) perhaps not as much attention was paid to development and build as should have been.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hi Ray,
Having had a 95 and still have the 97, I don't like the 95-96 models, because of the auto4wd option. You never really know when it's engaged. 97 took care of that with the auto 2wd, 4Hi, 4LO. I also had a ton of problems with the O2 sensors and other assorted things.
The only major problem I can see with the 97 is the timing chain tensioner. Ford did have a recall on this, but don't know the TSB and I sure that what ever truck you buy will have either already had it done, or if not, had too many miles on it and Ford won't do it for free anymore. This is a costly repair if needed, so make sure that you check the records on the truck before you buy. You can tell if it is gonna need it buy hearing it when it first starts up from being idle for some time. It sounds like a rattle and then after a short time it will go away.
I don't know why CR says stay away from the 98,99, 01. I know that the timing chain tensioner was supposedly fixed on the 99 models, and I have seen Gerald just beat the hell out of his 99 and it's still running. Guess you can't please everyone. Hope this helps!

 

[Ray Hutchinson]

Stocker???

Thanks for all the info guys...

Colin, you hit the nail on the head with the 3 you sent me, I already have been eyeing that Green 97 w/ 72K mi. and the price isnt too bad. It's over in Ftn Vly. I'm not in a huge rush.

Ray, thanks again for the timing chain info.

96limitedx and Sport 4X4, I agree with CR's definite pro-Japanese bias, and I treat them just as another source. They've been less than enthusiastic about several products that I've had excellent luck with, so.... That's the reason for the post here. Ask the guys that own them

Anybody else got any thoughts. they'll be welcome.

Thanks again

 

[Ray Hutchinson]

Any More?

Any more thoughts Guys?

Also, I learned quite a bit from GaXport's thread: Possibly getting an EX .

I'm not in a huge hurry, so If anybody hears of a good one for sale in So. Cal, Please let me know.

Thanks Again!

 

[Blee1099]

Ray you may want to also consider auto auctions if you know anyone who is in the industry. I just purchased a 98 XLT V6 4x4 model for $275 plus freight. They totalled the truck cause it had both air bags stolen and due to age & mileage on truck. I believe the mileage was somewhere in the 280K range. I just have to wait for it to arrive from Copart's auction in Abilene, Texas. Hopefully it won't be too long. I have yet to see it in person only a few pics.