Is this car worth 4 grand?

[lightningrodbob]

I'm in love:

http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/cto/1518545713.html

 

[X6StringerX]

It looks good, but it's a V6. I cannot stress how much more reliable the 5.0 is than the 4.0sohc. With 142k miles on the clock, it would be imperative to see documentation showing that the timing chain tensioners have been replaced prior to me even considering it for purchase. I would also be very leary of the transmission if it hasn't been rebuilt.

I'm not trying to burst your bubble here or anything, but you've got a mountain of useful information at your fingertips here on the forums. Take advantage of it and research before you buy. There's a reason why I've owned one 4.0 and three 5.0s.

 

[lightningrodbob]

It looks good, but it's a V6. I cannot stress how much more reliable the 5.0 is than the 4.0sohc. With 142k miles on the clock, it would be imperative to see documentation showing that the timing chain tensioners have been replaced prior to me even considering it for purchase. I would also be very leary of the transmission if it hasn't been rebuilt.

I'm not trying to burst your bubble here or anything, but you've got a mountain of useful information at your fingertips here on the forums. Take advantage of it and research before you buy. There's a reason why I've owned one 4.0 and three 5.0s.

How can you tell its a V6?

 

[X6StringerX]

It has a selectable 4x4 switch on the dash and no V8 badges on the fenders. It's highly unlikely that the person shaved the badges or replaced the fenders and also replaced the radio trim bezel with one from a V6.

 

[lightningrodbob]

It has a selectable 4x4 switch on the dash and no V8 badges on the fenders. It's highly unlikely that the person shaved the badges or replaced the fenders and also replaced the radio trim bezel with one from a V6.

So only the AWD comes with a V8? Thats lame

 

[X6StringerX]

Yep. All 2nd Gen V8s were either 2WD or AWD from the factory. Ford didn't produce a V8 selectable 4x4 Explorer until 2002, which was the first year for the 3rd gen.

 

[lightningrodbob]

So is this one a V8 then?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/1521334155.html


If so, it will probably turn out to be a 2WD, thats my luck haha.

 

[X6StringerX]

It sure looks like it's a 5.0, aka a 302ci, V8. Of course, someone could have slapped the badges on it, lol. As for the 2WD or AWD thing, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it's most likely AWD. 2WD 5.0 Explorers, at least in my area, are few and far between. Shoot the seller an email and ask them to verify if it's a V8 and whether or not it is 2WD or AWD.

 

[lightningrodbob]

It sure looks like it's a 5.0, aka a 302ci, V8. Of course, someone could have slapped the badges on it, lol. As for the 2WD or AWD thing, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it's most likely AWD. 2WD 5.0 Explorers, at least in my area, are few and far between. Shoot the seller an email and ask them to verify if it's a V8 and whether or not it is 2WD or AWD.

I've already emailed them numerous times, they aren't very good at correspondence haha. I posted this same truck earlier in the thread like 5 days ago, still haven't heard back.

 

[lightningrodbob]

So can anybody break down why exactly the V6 is so unreliable compared to the V8?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

So can anybody break down why exactly the V6 is so unreliable compared to the V8?

The basic block design of the 5.0 has been around since the early '60s. The 4r70w tranny used with the 5.0 is darn near indestructible. The same can not be said for the V6 trannies. The SOHC V6 have the timing chain cassette issues. Not a cheap or easy fix by any means.

I noticed the Craigs list link for the Explorer in your original post has been pulled by the lister.

 

[lightningrodbob]

The basic block design of the 5.0 has been around since the early '60s. The 4r70w tranny used with the 5.0 is darn near indestructible. The same can not be said for the V6 trannies. The SOHC V6 have the timing chain cassette issues. Not a cheap or easy fix by any means.

I noticed the Craigs list link for the Explorer in your original post has been pulled by the lister.

Are all the V6's the SOHC you're referring to?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Are all the V6's the SOHC you're referring to?

No. Ford used 4.0 OHV & 4.0 SOHC engines in the Explorers. The SOCH has been in use since the 1997 model year but was not standard as some hve the OHV in their 98's & 99's. I think (but don't quote me) that the SOHC became standard in 2000.

 

[killawood]

So is this one a V8 then?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/1521334155.html


If so, it will probably turn out to be a 2WD, thats my luck haha.

So whats better 1997 Ford Explorer V8 with AWD or 1997 Ford Explorer V8 with 2wd?

 

[coonerboy]

So whats better 1997 Ford Explorer V8 with AWD or 1997 Ford Explorer V8 with 2wd?

One isn't necessarily better than the other. Its just a matter of preference and availibility.

AWD will offer better traction and stability in parts of the country where its needed for snowy, icy, or wet roads.

2wd will offer better fuel economy and less parts to go bad(no front drivetrain). You would find more 2wd Explorers say in the south where they dont have the need for an AWD vehicle. They are probably less expensive also.

 

[lightningrodbob]

No. Ford used 4.0 OHV & 4.0 SOHC engines in the Explorers. The SOCH has been in use since the 1997 model year but was not standard as some hve the OHV in their 98's & 99's. I think (but don't quote me) that the SOHC became standard in 2000.

So is the OHV preferred to the SOHC?

 

[71cutty455]

So is the OHV preferred to the SOHC?

I don't think they're particularly preferred, especially since they are down 45 horsepower compared to the SOHC's, they are just a heck of a lot more reliable. But keep in mind all the V6 Explorer's have pretty weak transmissions. You would probably have a harder time finding a OHV V6 than a V8 anyway since most of the relatively newer Explorers have the SOHC V6's or V8's. If I had to buy a V6 Explorer it would probably be a SOHC that would be checked out extensively. Regardless there are so many V8 Explorer's out there that you should just continue to look for those.

 

[lightningrodbob]

I don't think they're particularly preferred, especially since they are down 45 horsepower compared to the SOHC's, they are just a heck of a lot more reliable. But keep in mind all the V6 Explorer's have pretty weak transmissions. You would probably have a harder time finding a OHV V6 than a V8 anyway since most of the relatively newer Explorers have the SOHC V6's or V8's. If I had to buy a V6 Explorer it would probably be a SOHC that would be checked out extensively. Regardless there are so many V8 Explorer's out there that you should just continue to look for those.

Yeah I'd love to wait around and keep looking until the perfect one comes along, but i'm sharing my girlfriends car right now and thats only gonna last until her maternity leave is over and she has to go back to work. Which will be the middle of January.

I don't have the money to buy a crappy V8 and fix it up to the point where I enjoy driving it. All the cheap V8's I keep seeing are in pretty crappy condition cosmetically, or have ridiculous amounts of miles on them.

That V6 is a great looking truck and looks like its been babied pretty well, maintained well and she has all maintenance records. You think it would last me a couple years until I can save up a little bit of money and get that perfect V8 Limited w/ low miles I've been searching for? Or you think its gonna fall apart as soon as I drive it out of her driveway? Haha. Serious question though.

 

[lightningrodbob]

On second thought Cutty I think you should just sell me your Explorer for 5 grand haha

 

[71cutty455]

Sure you can buy mine for $5000. But I'm keeping the rims ....

Honestly if the SOHC Explorer you are looking at is in good condition, well maintained, and is not currently having timing chain issues you could probably drive it for several years without any issues. Sure a V8 is preferable and more reliable but there are plenty of SOHC owners that HAVE NOT had and NEVER WILL have issues. Just think, there are MILLIONS of Explorers out there so the posts you see about their issues are just a small percentage of Explorers out there. If you need a vehicle right away go ahead and get it as long as it's the right price. Just be sure you have a reputable shop or dealer check it out. It will be well worth the small fee.

Good Luck.