Hi, looking at 2003 Explorer Sporttrac

[cruzerjd]

Hi all, looking to replace my HHR and like the looks of the Fourtrac Explorer trucks. The one i found seems to be a bit high peiced. It is a 2003 XLS 5 speed 4.0 OHC v6 with 109k. Really sharp looking truck, has the bed extender rail, alloys and is in great shape. The only problem i see is the design of the ohc 4.0 motor. My friend from work has a comparable Explorer suv with similar mileage. It has the same motor and he had to replace the cam chain tensioners about 3 months after he bought it. As you all know, this is a major pita operation, requiring removing the motor to get the rear tensioners . So am i being paranoid or does this seem like a decent deal. Great forum, lots of information.

 

[LONO100]

its all going to depend on how the previous owner took care of it. if the oil changes werent done on time, leaks werent resolved, things like that, then chances are that tensioner will need to be replaced along with other stuff. try to find out the service history of the vehicle, how many owners, things like that. when i was looking for my trac, it came down to a 4wd trac with an iffy history and a 2wd that was in pristine condition, with all of the service history. as much as i wanted the 4wd, i went with the 2wd with all of the service history documented in pristine condition and i have been enjoying my trac ever since. one of my favorite vehicles ive ever owned. im not saying go out and get a 2wd, what im saying is that the condition and history was enough for me to pass on the 4wd and go with 2wd. it was worth that much to me to have all of the history and have it in perfect condition. if you find a good one, you will love the utility and dependability of these little trucks. i dont do any hardcore wheeling, just need it to get me up trails so i can mountain bike, or to a good fishing or camping spot and its been great. threw some rear lockers and it gets me places my old 4x4 would have a little trouble in.

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site.