Is Purchasing an '04 Explorer AWD A Good Deal?

[Pepse]

Hello, people. I am new here and as my subject line poses "Is a good thing to have an AWD vehicle"? I am planning on buying a 2004 Exploere XLT AWD V-8. It is from a Ford dealer here in Barron Co. WI. It has 122750 miles. Took it for a decent test drive and the one thing that isn't right is a hard shift from 2nd to 3rd and from 3rd to 4th. The carfax states the fluid and filter were changed at approx. 35000. The mechanic said it isn't right but "thinks" changing the fuid and filter will make it better. The salesman said he would include a fluid and filter change. If that doesn't improve it much should I back off and find a different Explorer? It does come with a 45 day 5000 mile 100% on engine and drivetrain. If you pros deem this as okay, especially with the warrenty provided, I would like to know if AWD is better than pushbutton 4WD, or isn't there much difference? This is primarily going to be a backup vehicle/get out of the damn driveway in the winter so my wife can get to work (she drives farther than I do)/just in case I need to pull a small trailer or haul a few things.

Now if this is deemed not a good idea I still plan to purchase an '02 to '05 Explorer, anything newer is ugly and anything older are 4 passenger and smaller.

Also, I would like to stay with the V-8 but I understand that they only came in AWD? True?

Later. Pepse.

 

[waskly]

awd is not 4x4

 

[Pepse]

I realize that it is Not 4WD; it would be same (I'm sure) as the '05 -'06 Ford 500. No big deal. Just enough to get through the snow. I would say more like a passive system.

So, is it always in AWD? And should I be concerned about that hard shifting? And did the '02 - '05 Explorer V-8 have a normal 4WD. I say the V-8 because the mechanic stated that AWD was for the V-8 Explorer.

Later. Pepse.

 

[c0rtney]

I would be worried about the hard shifting... I'm thinking it's either the solenoids or the whole tranny needs replacing. That's what happened with mine, first the solenoids and then a whole tranny replacement. Thats my experience with hard shifting but could possibly be something else.

 

[Pepse]

cOrtney, I thank you for that info. If I gotta turn down the deal, not a problem. I have time to continue looking. Theoretically it don't snow down here until late Nov. early Dec. And at least by having time on my side I am able to find something that will be worth the investment.

Now all I need is an answer to the "Is AWD the only choice with the V-8"? I would rather stick with the V-8 if I can get it with 4WD.

Later. Pepse.

 

[AJ@AutoAnything]

Welcome aboard and enjoy the forum! Good luck with your purchase

 

[Pepse]

Thanks for the Welcome. I will not purchase said Explorer, but I will be keeping my eye out for one. Or a Mountaineer with a cloth interior.

It is good to know of a website for these said vehicles and Broncs and Rangers.

Later. Pepse.