I Want To Buy An Explorer. Is It Right For Me? Reliable? Weak Points? Need Info

[3LiterRanger]

Hey guys, Im new to this forum.

Im in the market for a new car. Not by choice unfortunataly, Insurance is killing me @ 600/month for my Crx because of some tickets so I need to buy a new daily driver to put under my mothers name.

I live in Canada, Im 20 years old working as an apprentice at a machine shop. Dont make to much money but I have about 7k saved up. Explorers seems to go for around 5-10k canadian here, maybe cheaper if I can find one on ebay.

Im looking for a reliable, comforatable daily driver, that I can count one for one. I dont mind doing maintenance as I can swap my cars motor in about 2 hours but Ive been searching on the site for a few hours and see that some generations have tranny problems and such but I cant pinpoint what year and model have what problems or even what year comes with what motor.

Im going to keep mods simple for now, 20-22" black rims with a polished lip and HOPEFULLY lower it. But I havent read any information on that yet, so if anyone could help me on what type of model is best for that Id appreciate it. I seen some info on torsion bar flips and such but dont know if that works with all models

The cars basically just to calm me down, wont have 400hp like my car and my girlfriend will probably appreciate the luxury.

How are these cars on insurance?
Gas mileage?
Reliablilty?

Those are my biggest concerns and what I should be looking for if/when I buy a 2nd gen. Im also interested in 3rdd gens and will probably make a post there to.

Thanks guys

 

[Millertime1987]

Well the unsurance is just relative to how you drive. If you have ticketts on the record it will be high no matter what. But it can be lower if you don't have 4 wheel drive or a V8.

Mileage its about 13 on the low end to 20 ish pending how you drive and what size engine.

I have had my ex for little over a year now with no major issues as of yet. My insurrance went up a little bit but went back down cause i am over 25 and have a clean record.

I love mine and got it cause its like driving a truck without everyone asking to take your car for moving help.

 

[3LiterRanger]

Well the new vehicle will be going under my mother name and hopefulyl some other things to lower the insurance, me not being primary driver would probably help

 

[justin146]

i'll sell you mine

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

i'll sell you mine

Hey....im right next to you in Alabama....is your's for sale?
ACTUALLY, i used to live right north of you in Desoto (Hernando).

 

[Patton]

I've had my '01 sport for a few months and no major problems. It handles like a car and has all the power I'll ever need. I just wish it were 4x4 damnit.
I love my explorer though.

 

[justin146]

Hey....im right next to you in Alabama....is your's for sale?
ACTUALLY, i used to live right north of you in Desoto (Hernando).

I'd let it go for the right offer, I want a 3rd gen 4.6.

 

[Hoppy]

I am on my third explorer now and my fourth Ford SUV. I love the explorers they are a very versatile vehicle. I look at them as being a station wagon on a truck platform. Great for almost everything imaginable.

I would not advise lowering it. If anything you will get stuck easier, plus why waste the money on lowering a vehicle that does not handle like a sports car.

Insurance with a clean record, well I am paying less than $1000 Cdn a year for mine. Still too much if you ask me. If you want to keep insurance costs down as well, make sure you get the base model and add the options after. If you get an Eddie Bauer or a Limited, you pay more because it has Leather and bells and whistles. You can get a base model, IE, an XL or XLS cheaper, and the insurance is less as well. They almost all come with power windows, locks, a/c cruise and tilt. I have only seen one explorer up in northern ontario with hand crank windows and no power locks. I never looked close enough, but it probably only had an AM radio as well! Then you have the fun of adding things to it like autolamps / mirror.

In my experience, they are very reliable vehicles with proper maintenance. As I mentioned earlier I am on my third ex, and the second one saved my life in a t-bone collision at 90Kmph with an impaired driver.

 

[ma96782]

With those tickets.....I wouldn't expect a miracle.

Yes, insurance in you mother's name will work........though, it's called insurance fraud.

That being said......you got a job and that is EXCELLENT. Are you looking to change your ways? And, to start to take some responsibility? OK....at least, you're honest about your situation and have realized the expense of your past errors.

Here is something (advice) about buying 1st and 2nd Gen Explorers:

There are some KNOWN problems w/ 1st Gen Explorers.....among them: 4.0L ohv head crack, over heating, rear hatch closing on your head, radius arm bushings, shift motors, broken interior door handles and the weak trans. And, remember you're using older computer technology. The 4.0L ohv has only 160 HP.........IMHO, from climbing mountains (paved road)........it's a DOG.

The 2nd Gen had the OBDII and a better trans. But, they also come w/ KNOWN issues. Among them: 4.0 sohc (205 HP) timing chain cassette, the usual 4.0L ohv engine problems (if you got that engine), HVAC blend doors, torsion bar pads, and broken interior door handles.

Now, say you make the purchase........

New USED Car Owners….advice:

IMHO.....for those that have just purchased a USED vehicle from someone/some car lot (questionable history) and have noticed some issues...............

IMHO, may I suggest a complete tune up. Include the: air filter, motor flush and re-fill w/oil and new filter, fuel filter, pcv, cooling system flush and re-fill w/ new coolant, plugs and wires, run some sea foam, and don't forget the fuel system cleaner added to the fuel.

Clean the MAF and IAC……it’s a little more involved:

Explorer Maintenance

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144066&page=1&pp=20

Explorer MAF cleaning

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154711&highlight=cleaning+mafs

IAC Cleaning:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220&highlight=iac

And, another IAC Cleaning thread:

http://www.moddedmustangs.com/cleaning-your-iac.html

IF you feel energetic........do the transfer case, frt diff. and rear diff. Expand that to a check of the breaks, bearings, trans mounts, motor mounts, shocks and RAB (for the 1 Gen Explorer). Anything else....feel free to, "just do it."

Check for codes. Get a “base” to work off of.

Aloha, Mark

PS......Insurance advice:

Since you're looking to cut insurance costs. IMHO......buy a vehicle w/ cash.......so, you don't have to buy the collision insurance. And since you paid cash.......think of the vehicle as, "somewhat disposable." Insurance.......is to cover yourself in the event of an accident.......realize that you're trying to protect (w/$$$) youself and others. So, buy enough insurance.

 

[Mk3]

Well the new vehicle will be going under my mother name and hopefulyl some other things to lower the insurance, me not being primary driver would probably help

I'm sure your mother appreciates you driving a car in her name with your record... She must really love you. What kind of insurance you get for $600 per month? On a CRX (Honda)? 400hp? Insurance rates are too much yet you can afford 22" rims? Not sure your priorities or facts are straight here bud.

Now about Explorers: My '98 is great. Typical wear items and maintenance repairs. Not sure how bad the insurance is, was about $50/month to add it to my full coverage policy (2nd car). I bought it only for lifting and having fun so my expectations were lower. Gas mileage isn't too great but then again it's not a 2 liter Honda. Actually gets worse gas mileage than my '05 Tahoe with the 5.3l.

 

[sn0border88]

its perfectly normal and legal to have a parent as the primary driver on an insurance plan.

 

[Mk3]

Either way he must be a high risk driver and if he causes an accident in his mother's car she is legally responsible. Insurance only pays out what $$$ amount of coverage you buy then after that the lawyers go for your assests (car, house, bank account, etc.)

 

['97 V8]

Either way he must be a high risk driver and if he causes an accident in his mother's car she is legally responsible. Insurance only pays out what $$$ amount of coverage you buy then after that the lawyers go for your assests (car, house, bank account, etc.)

there is an easy solution to this...dont speed or crash

IMO for the 2nd gens, the 1997 mountaineer V8 is the best. V8 standard, good on gas imo, very smooth and luxurious. If you get a 97.5 mounty, they came with the gt-40 p heads which are better than the regualr 40 heads on the pre 97.5 mounty's and explorers. But aside from heads i would get a pre 97.5. They are just better

 

[ma96782]

its perfectly normal and legal to have a parent as the primary driver on an insurance plan.

Yes, in some instances it is......minor kids living at home......adult students (college aged) living at home (or dorm) going to school. Basically, a DEPENDANT.

Though, it was already mentioned that the arrangement was to, "reduce insurance costs," due to a Bad driving record.

So, just as an experiment.........ask an insurance agent.........see what they say.

WWJD??

Aloha, Mark

 

[sn0border88]

I did ask my insurance agent, she gladly quoted me with that option. Insurance comapny's arnt as nieve as you think, as long as they have assurance they can get their money from you they dont care whos name is on the policy.

 

[ma96782]

Insurance comapny's arnt as nieve as you think

I never said they (Insurance Companies) were "nieve."

Insurance companies are in the business to make $$$. IF, they don't have to payout.......well you know.

So, you missed an important consideration........an insurance company will deny coverage, when FRAUD is involved. Where your insurance company draws the line, is the question.

And.......FYI......"fraud" as a term, used here, in this context.......was also used, by Judge Alex (on TV), in a similar set of described circumstances. If criminal prosecution results........or IF the insurance company uses it to deny a claim.......well, you can't say, you weren't AWARE OF THE POSIBILITY.

Aloha, Mark

 

[offset_98]

I just rolled 175k today...get about 16mpg mixed and haven't had any major problems in 75k miles now

 

[skoal_mint]

yup i'll sell you mine.$4500..i dont like explorers..mainly mine...the short wheel base is so tippy and bad on bumps...going down a dirt road at 60mph and hitting washboards is just killer and theirs no room for carring anything..and if you want to be a machanic you'll want the room..but its awsome off roading and mudding