Insight needed on '98 Sport purchase

[02XLS]

Just sold my '03 Explorer and was looking for a better mpg car when I spotted a very clean '98 Expl. 2dr sport loaded w/ pwr, sunroof & new tires. Asking $3999 w/ 65K miles. I know the new generation '02+ Ex. have a bad rep w/ the encased 5sp. auto trans. but how do the '96-01 trannys compare. More reliable? How much are they to rebuild or new? Any other things I should look for? Whats the HP rating on the 4.0L, i know my '03 was rated @ 210HP?

Thx. fellas,
02XLS (I guess I should be changing my name also...lollol)

 

[robertoa1a]

Depends on the mechanics in your area. I wouldn't pay any more than $1,400 With clutch. If it's that Mazda trans with slave cylinder in the bell housing, then the slave cylinder can be a problem. I don't think that truck has enough miles on it to really worry a lot right now.

 

[cheeech]

98's have either the OHV vin X(8th digit) or SOHC(vin E). You'll want the Vin E for longevity and the 210hp. The Vin X is a pushrod motor and has 160hp. $4k is highside value.
MPG's are gonna be under 20mpg.