I'm gonna buy 2003 Explorer, Please help!

[DREMEE]

Hi,

I'm gonna buy a 2003 Ford Explorer. It's V8 and has 89k miles. I would like to know if it is a reliable car? Does it have a lot of problems? What about its parts, are they expensive? Is its maintenance expensive?

Please give me an advice, I'm gonna buy it this week, and if it's not a good car I'll look for another. I'm a student so I need a reliable 4x4 coz I live in Flagstaff which has a very heavy snow.

 

[swetrid]

2002-2005 are the least reliable Explorers made but at least its a V8 will save you from some of the big dollar V6 problems. Transmissions, wheel bearings, minor electrical stuff are some of the issues.

 

[Wills05xlt4x4]

2002-2005 are the least reliable Explorers made but at least its a V8 will save you from some of the big dollar V6 problems. Transmissions, wheel bearings, minor electrical stuff are some of the issues.

I think this is a rash generalization besides the V6 parts are cheaper and the three I have I've had to rebuild the trans in one other than that they are gray(02,04,05) all V6 no problems. Moms 04 needed a throttle body (200 for V6 $600 for V8 btw) thirty mins and it was like new
The SOHC 4.0 HAS BEEN AROUND FOR YEARS........
I say scoop that x

 

[Jwigs7]

I think this is a rash generalization besides the V6 parts are cheaper and the three I have I've had to rebuild the trans in one other than that they are gray(02,04,05) all V6 no problems.The SOHC 4.0 HAS BEEN AROUND FOR YEARS........
I say scoop that x

Agreed! I have had my 04 for over a year now (105K miles) and I love it! The only issue I have had was needing to replace the alternator, but other than that nothing mechanical. They are very roomie vehicles, and perform well in just about any conditions you can put them in. You wont be disappointed, especially with the v8 and only 89K miles.

 

[Exproblems]

Hi,

I'm gonna buy a 2003 Ford Explorer. It's V8 and has 89k miles. I would like to know if it is a reliable car? Does it have a lot of problems? What about its parts, are they expensive? Is its maintenance expensive?

Please give me an advice, I'm gonna buy it this week, and if it's not a good car I'll look for another. I'm a student so I need a reliable 4x4 coz I live in Flagstaff which has a very heavy snow.

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If you can afford $$$$ to do this, have your mechanic look at or inspect this vehicle prior to buying it, if you do not have much mechanical knowledge of your own. Might cost you a $100, not sure on mechanics price. If you are doing your own inspection of this vehicle, make sure the transmission is in good working condition, common problem with 3rd generations Explorers, many need rebuilding. Listen and check the sound of the engine for any kind of "knocking" sounds. Don't buy it if you hear a "knock". There are also common problems with "blend door actuators" and the "air recirculation doors", but they can be repaired at home and this web site has repair instructions posted on it for them. To check for these issues, make sure you can switch from the hot and cold temp settings (blend door actuator controls this function) and get the proper heat or cold air coming from the vents, which ever setting is selected. If good, you are okay as of now. Make sure you get proper blower fan air speed thru all of the dash vents, turn to highest setting #4 when checking. If the air flow seems blocked thru the vents, you have a failed "air recirculation door", if air speed is good to all vents, you are okay for now. Turn the Max AC on and see if the AC gets nice and cold, if so, you are okay for now. Make sure all 4 tires have good tread on them. Uneven tread wear on just one tire can cause the auto 4x4 system to kick in (which means 4 wheel drive is trying engage) and you'll have replace one or all 4 tires.
Just some other tips, ask for vehicle maintenance records, how many previous owners, if buying from a dealership and paying retail price for it, tell them you want things fixed or replaced on it at their cost, that you found wrong with it prior to the sale Find out about your warranty from the dealership, how long it's for. If the tires are bad, tell them you want new tires put on it. Dealerships buy these vehicles from dealers auctions all the time, so they buy them for approx: $2,000-$4,000 less or their cost, than what they are selling them retail for on their lots. They have profit room to make the repairs you ask for, but many won't fix things a head of time unless ask or tell them to. Good luck with your purchase if you decide to buy the Explorer, most people in here like the V-8 models better and they tend to get better gas mileage than the V-6's from what I've seen. No vehicle is cheap to repair these days and doing maintenance on the EX's isn't that bad either. Once you get the kinks out of them, they are nice vehicles to own and drive good thru the snow. BTW, if you buy this vehicle, expect to have to do some maintenance updates on it (tune up, serpentine belt, various fluids etc.) some time soon as long as you can afford to do it. 89K isn't bad mileage on a V-8 that is 9 years old, but it's probably due for some sort of manitenance updating.

 

[Exproblems]

The SOHC 4.0 HAS BEEN AROUND FOR YEARS........

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

If I'm not mistaken, I had a "SOHC" V-6 in my 1992 Ford Explorer 4x4 and the engine in that vehicle ran great to the end and had plenty of power for it's size. It had no problem towing my, heavy 22 foot Regal (boat) on a dual axle trailer every summer, including everytime I had pull it up and out of the water on the trailer up the steep boat launch ramps at the Buffalo harbor (Lake Erie). Because of the slippery algae on the boat ramp, I just had to put the truck in 4x4 for extra traction and up the ramp it went, great motor.

 

[imp]

Hi,

I'm gonna buy a 2003 Ford Explorer. It's V8 and has 89k miles. I would like to know if it is a reliable car? Does it have a lot of problems? What parts, are they expensive? Is its maintenance expensive?

Please give me an advice, I'm gonna buy it this week, and if it's not a good car I'll look for another. I'm a student so I need a reliable 4x4 coz I live in Flagstaff which has a very heavy snow.

The most important thing here, and there is little you can do to change it, but be aware: how harshly those 89K miles were accumulated will go a long way toward determining it's future reliability. Vehicles are not built to "fall apart"; they are engineered statistically to get through the warranty period trouble-free, after which time they begin making more revenue for the makers.

ALL parts today are expensive, some makes' being more so, relatively, than others. In general, the greater the build numbers, the more extensive is the distribution and availability of both new & used parts, hence high-production number vehicles offer the "cushion" of great parts availability, usually. Explorers certainly meet the availability issue.

Test drive the vehicle, listen for noises you feel should not be there, looseness in steering "feel', rumbling sounds, or whining sounds. Well taken care of Explorers are pretty quiet for their type, in the Generation 3 you are considering. Flagstaff area demands 4WD certainly, and that aspect of this vehicle should be checked al;so. If you are not reasonably mechanically-inclined, by all means have some who is, do an inspection/running check of the vehicle, someone not associated with the seller.

If you test-drive, or get test results from another, by all means write down concerns, come back here, and relay them to us. We are glad to help, if possible. imp

Edit: Following Exproblems suggestions carefully would be well worth the time. Check all the normal things you would expect to work properly, all lights, brake lights, turn signals. Certain options are more or less frivolous, such as cruise-control; if they don't work, point it out, and use that as a "bargaining chip".

 

[Geologist]

Explrorers in general are relaible, and very good in the snow. The V8 has a well known issue of blowing spark plugs out of the cylinder head, however, and the V6 has a tendency to go over 250k mile without any problems.

 

[DREMEE]

Thank you very much all. I didn't expect all of these replies, Americans are very kind, that's what I notice since I came here 4 months ago.


I was looking for 2001 Explorer Sport 2 doors, but I've told they have lots of problems. And know you made me afraid to buy the 2003. I'm looking for a 4x4 and reliable, price around $5000. So please what do you suggestion? What about a 2000-2002 Silverado? Would it be better? Please give me suggestions from your experience.

I live in Flagstaff and this weekend I'm gonna Phoenix to buy a car, I was thinking of a sedan, but now, with all of this snow, sedan won't work well, so I must buy a 4x4.

 

[Geologist]

There really is no vehichle with a 100% hit rate of good ones. This is especially true for 4x4's. If you get a good Explorer they are, in my opinion, the best of the best for the type of conditions in Flagstaff. Jeep Chereokee would be a good alternative from what I understand, but there will be inherent problems in those as well to be honest.

The bottom line is, if you get a good Explorer, you will never want a different ride. If you get a bad one, you may never want to see another.

 

[Exproblems]

Explrorers in general are relaible, and very good in the snow. The V8 has a well known issue of blowing spark plugs out of the cylinder head, however, and the V6 has a tendency to go over 250k mile without any problems.

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Some Explorers are or were reliable, but the 3rd generation I have now, not so reliable when you have to replace a transmission at 80K, along with all of these behind the dashboard problems. I will admit my Ex was bought with a bad tranny, not done by me. I can't tell you how many posts I have read in here with 3rd generations having transmission problems. Of all the vehicles I have ever owned in 34 years, it was a Ford product I replaced most transmissions in. This is the first time in buying vehicles for over those 34 years, have I ever had to replace anything behind the dashboard that controls heat or blower fan/AC functions. I don't consider that reliable and parts like these, should last forever as far as I'm concerned. Ford simply built these parts cheaply and wrong. I took apart the blend door actuator motor housing and saw why the actuator gear broke, due to an undersized, small gear with thin gear teeth made with very little plastic material to hold up to the torque it would be put under. This tiny plastic gear is meshed up to the brass gear that is coming off the motor shaft itself. All the other gears inside this actuator were well built, strong, except this one. That tells me Ford "purposely" built this actuator to fail, knowing the tiny gear would crap out. I feel the same about the trannys.
Also, I remember reading quite a few posts in here about the 2002-2005 Ex's with V-6's have major problems with the plastic Timing Chain Guides breaking apart and blowing the motors. As far as seeing the V-6 I have now at 87K in mileage ever reaching the 250K plateau, not gonna happen. At driving approx 5K a year, I'll probably be dead before that happens.
I agree with you on the V-8 engine blowing spark plugs out of the cylinder heads, having read a few posts recently on that subject. Haven't seen any with that problem in the V-6. I like my EX, but I don't like some of the things Ford got cheap with, on them. I also don't like (I think it sucks) the fact they removed the tranny dipsticks, but with all of these trannys breaking down the way they do, I now know why they did it.

 

[Exproblems]

Jeep Chereokee would be a good alternative from what I understand, but there will be inherent problems in those as well to be honest.

.

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I had a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 with the inline 6 Cyl. This thing was a tank in the snow and very easy to work on.

 

[Exproblems]

Thank you very much all. I didn't expect all of these replies, Americans are very kind, that's what I notice since I came here 4 months ago.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Welcome to America, Land of the Free!

>>>>>>>>>>>I was looking for 2001 Explorer Sport 2 doors, but I've told they have lots of problems. And know you made me afraid to buy the 2003. I'm looking for a 4x4 and reliable, price around $5000. So please what do you suggestion? What about a 2000-2002 Silverado? Would it be better? Please give me suggestions from your experience.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The older or higher mileage the vehicle you buy, the more repairs or updating you will have to do to it. There is no garauntee the 2003 will have the problems mentioned earlier. You could get a good one. I know people with Chevy's and GM trucks, they have their problems with them as well. Just have someone go with you that is mechanically inclined to look the vehicle over and give you their recommendation.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I live in Flagstaff and this weekend I'm gonna Phoenix to buy a car, I was thinking of a sedan, but now, with all of this snow, sedan won't work well, so I must buy a 4x4.>>>>>>>>>>>>

I've never been to Flagstaff, AZ, but I live in Buffalo, NY and I know snow, and lots of people here drive front wheel drive cars, which work a lot better in snow than the old rear wheel drive cars did, just not as much fun. I miss doing doughnuts and fish tailing all over the place! : Maybe get a an AWD Subaru? Car and truck in one.

 

[DREMEE]

So it depends on my luck ><" !
Well, thank you very much, I appreciate it. I don't have time so I don't know what I'm gonna do!

By the way, the one that I was planning to buy, it's sold out!


One last question, is 2002 Explorer Sport 2dr a good choice if it's in a good condition?

 

[Exproblems]

One last question, is 2002 Explorer Sport 2dr a good choice if it's in a good condition?

>>>>>>>>>>>

I don't know much about the sport models, but if it is in good, running condition and the body is in good shape, and the price is right, yes it is a good choice if "you" like it. We really can't tell you what to buy, only you can do that for yourself, it's your money. We can only give you advice on what types of problems to look out for in buying one of these types of vehicles. If you post the price, mileage, engine size, if it's 4x4 and it's overall condition, we could give you our opinions if we think it's a good price to pay for that type of vehicle. You can also check out the vehicles retail value yourself at the N.A.D.A. web site or one of the other vehicle "blue book value" web sites.

 

[LONO100]

there are no 100% dependable used cars, you just have to do your due diligence to find one that has been taken care of properly and once you get your hands on it, you have to do the same. things you can do to give you the best chances of finding a great used ride:

-carfax
-try to get the transmission checked out, it would be even better if the seller will agree to let you take it to a third party mechanic to get a diagnostic. that way you can get an honest assessment of the vehicle and it should cost you no more than 50 bucks
-getting owner history, including maintainence records. for example, if you can determine that most of the miles on the vehicle are freeway miles, you are in good shape. whenever i look for a car here in the bay area, once i determine that a car has been getting taxed on the city streets and hills of san francisco, i run for the hills, but when i find one that has been getting driven in the napa wine country, or in the flats, im all over it
-looking for rust
-get a good test drive in including surface streets, freeways, and off road if possible.
-test the transfer case and make sure it drops into gear properly
-check the fluids
-examine and test every door, handle, button, switch and anything else that has some sort of function. it would suck to bring home what you thought was the perfect ride only to find out that the rear passenger door doesnt open from the inside, or that the wiper fluid does not dispense.

as for the explorers, ive always wanted one and when i set out to get mine i did tons of homework and found one that i absolutely love. its a great ride, plenty of room, love my sport trac truck bed, it comes in handy for all the stuff i do, and it runs like a clock. ive owned a lot of cars and trucks and this one is def one of my all time favorites.

 

[DREMEE]

Thank you very much all.


I've taken my decision. I decided to buy an Explorer the 3rd generation. 2002 or 2003. What do u recommend? V6 or V8?

 

[LONO100]

it depends. if you get the V8 it will only come in AWD, the true 4x4's are V6. AWD is good for snow and bad weather, but 4x4 will give you more versatility if you go off roading or wheeling on any trails. the V8 will also give you more towing power. its all on your preference and what you will be using it for.

 

[DREMEE]

Thank you for replying. I wasn't know that V8 came with AWD, I thought it came with both of AWD and 4WD.

I'm ok with both of them. So what I need to know, which one has less problems? the V8 or V6? the AWD or 4WD? that's really what I need to know.

 

[Exproblems]

Thank you for replying. I wasn't know that V8 came with AWD, I thought it came with both of AWD and 4WD.

I'm ok with both of them. So what I need to know, which one has less problems? the V8 or V6? the AWD or 4WD? that's really what I need to know.

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The V-6's come with "auto 4x4" which is similar to AWD. This means without activating any 4x4 option buttons, 4 wheel drive will kick in automatically when there is wheel slippage (spinning) on any surface of the road. It will come on briefly till traction is gained then go back into 2 wheel drive mode. You can also select "full time 4x4" by pressing the "4x4 high" button when there is snow on the roadway and it will stay in 4 wheel drive until you turn it back to "auto 4x4" mode. Use this mode for driving in snow, it can handle roadway speeds. Only use the "4x4 low" button/option when your vehicle is bogged down completely and will not move at all, stuck dead. Just keep in 4x4 low until you break free from being stuck then switch out of that mode. Do not use this mode for driving down the roadway in snow, too low of a gear for those types of speeds.
Both the V-6's and V-8's have their own types of problems as menitoned in previous posts and both also share the same common problems as well. The V-8 has more power and the V-6 engine is probably a little easier to work on, smaller engine.