Is my '04 Explorer XLT a Good Buy?

[WoodrowCall]

Hey everybody, this is my first post, but if all goes well, then it will be the first of many. I currently drive an '08 Honda Element, but I'm in the process of buying an '04 Explorer XLT with about 68,000. The dealership let me take the Explorer home to test out, and when I did I noticed that when I turn on my defrost heater, there was a clicking sound. I did my research and found out this is probably the actuator and/or breather, if I'm correct. I told them about this and they offered to put a provision in the contract that they would have it fixed free of charge. My question to you guys, the experts , is whether this is a good buy. I'm ready to pull the trigger; the Explorer is in great shape, drives well, has new tires, and has a towing kit, the main reason I want it, but I want to see what you guys think? Thanks, and I look forward to spending a lot more time on here!

 

[Burnout]

How much are you buying it for? I have an 04 and it works great. With that provision to fix it, you'd be safe in that aspect. I'd say it would be good depending on price.

 

[WoodrowCall]

I'm paying $11,997, which is under the KBB when I looked it up. I checked the CarFax and it said there's been one owner, and it's all highway miles. Everything's in great shape, I really am looking forward to it...

 

[zerodevil]

id say hop on it, is this the 4.0 or the 4.6?

 

[WoodrowCall]

id say hop on it, is this the 4.0 or the 4.6?

It's the 4.0 V6. As I said in the OP, the transmission feels great, no tears in the upholstery, brand new tires, 4x4 works just fine. My only concern was the whole "blend door/actuator" that I didn't want to replace. The 4.0 feels great after driving my Element. I live in the foothills, and going up hills my Element sometimes has to hit 5,000 RPMs to make it up, the Explorer didn't stutter and goes up at about 2...I loved it. Thanks for the input so far!

 

[CALDWELL]

for 12,000$ thats a pretty good deal...

before you purchase, i would ask for the maintanence report from the dealer...

depending on how recent certain things were done. some great things that will keep the X running like a champ. it will be a little bit of money, but will will be well worth it, and keep the X running for a long time

TUNE UP !

Synthetic Motor Oil - im going to try MOBIL 1 " Truck and SUV " next change

K&N Air Filter - for the extra $ its worth it

Coolant Flush

Fuel System Cleaner

Transfer Case Flush

Transmission Flush

Plugs and Wires

I wanna see pictures of this X !!

 

[WoodrowCall]

Well, I went and picked up my new '04 Explorer XLT yesterday evening. The dealership fixed the actuator, I checked, and the truck looked great. I had time to take this one pic with my cell phone before it got too dark. I was happy to see this is in my driveway this morning, and it was a much better ride than my '08 Honda Element on my way to work this morning. I need to find some dirt now!

 

[Joe Dirt]

Congrats!

Sounds like you're already falling for her...

 

[jakedrew]

glad they fixed that blend door deal. I fixed mine for 60$, but some people ford shops usually rip out the dash and rip out 1000$ from your $aving$. I havent priced it myself.


i would listen for the rear end howl too. get up to about 55mph, let off the gas, glently get on it, let off, glenty get on it. If you hear a howl come and go it is time for a rear diff replacement.
Sounds goofy, but wait till the truck is good and warm. I drove mine 10 miles and didnt hear it till it(fluid) warmed up and then i heard it.

 

[WoodrowCall]

glad they fixed that blend door deal. I fixed mine for 60$, but some people ford shops usually rip out the dash and rip out 1000$ from your $aving$. I havent priced it myself.


i would listen for the rear end howl too. get up to about 55mph, let off the gas, glently get on it, let off, glenty get on it. If you hear a howl come and go it is time for a rear diff replacement.
Sounds goofy, but wait till the truck is good and warm. I drove mine 10 miles and didnt hear it till it(fluid) warmed up and then i heard it.

Man, I hadn't thought of that, but now I'll make sure to check that out tomorrow. Is that a common problem in 3rd gen Explorers, or just ones with my amount of miles?

 

[zerodevil]

just about EVERY 3rd gen with the LS rear end gets the rear end whine, its not fatal, just annoying. i dont even realise mine is wining anymore.

 

[jakedrew]

common enough. There is a TSB out there for it. Basically it is a new ring and pinion and thicker fluid. Mine happened at 55k miles.

 

[WoodrowCall]

I feel like an idiot, but how do I post pictures? I've been putting the link up, but it doesn't work. I searched for the answer, but haven't found anything.