KamaDelaney said:
I have a '97 Explorer Sport 2 DR with 190K on it. Maint has been kept up to date and no heavy towing or driving, had it since It was new. I am considering selling it, but not sure that I should. What is the life expectancy of the 4.0 Ltr Engine? My tranny has not failed either and I am a little paranoid although I have not been given any reason by the truck to be. What do you think?
A lot depends on your personal financial situation! If moving up in year -- and cost to own -- I'd probably make the move if I were in your shoes.
On the other hand, if your Explorer is paid off, spending some money to keep it on the road would still be much cheaper than making a continual monthly payment on something newer -- that could also need work. There are really no true warranties on any vehicle, even new, though it would seem like there is... The warranty on a new vehicle is seriously off-set by the higher payments, taxes, insurance, etc., that comes along with that truck.
In all likelihood, I'd say that a 97 Explorer that has had basically no major service is probably due (in ball park figures) for a transmission failure ($1800) a cam adjuster failure ($1000), ball joints, u-joints ($300) and perhaps some electrical issues (??). It may also need an engine rebuild ($1000). All told, once these issues are taken care of, you have another 100 K or more in the truck with normal maintenance costs (tires, oil, etc.). Almost any new or newer truck on a similar line will cost you a minimum of $400 a month -- every month for 4-5 years.
Tough choices, but choices that can be made. What I do is to drive one of my vehicles until it won't anymore -- and keep one "relatively" new, i.e., not "brand new" but "good used" - a couple years old. That way I eliminate the hit one takes when driving a new truck off the showroom floor ($5K!) and lower monthly costs, all while having a reliable vehicle. Generally, by the time my beater is dead, the newer one is ready to take its place, and I start over with another newer vehicle.
Hope this advice is worth something to you...
