Being a V8 is a huge plus. Did Ford use the 4.6 V8 in '03? I've heard the early 4.6's had problems with the spark plugs breaking off in the head during removal and I think even blowing out of the engine. Other than that issue, check the body mounts (4 per side, A-D). It's the 2 under the cab, B & C, that wear out the most. They're made of some kind of weird foam that tends to disintegrate over time. The OE Ford ones are ridiculously expensive if you can find them, but aftermarket replacement bushings, like Prothane, are fairly cheap (around $100 for a full set) and work well. Other than the typical Explorer electronic gremlins other wear items are upper and lower ball joints, sway bar end links, tie rod ends and wear parts you would expect to replace on any older vehicle with over 100K. I have an '01 Sport Trac I bought for cheap as a fixer-upper. It has the POS SOHC V6 engine and ****ty 5R55 transmission. It needed many, many repairs, but 99% of them were due to neglect, abuse and failed shade-tree repairs attempted by the previous owner. I like the idea of the Sport Trac (kinda like the automotive equivalent of a mullet) 4-door convenience up front with a small bed on the back. If mine was a V8 I'd love it. As it is it's my around-town daily driver when it's drive-able.
