Life of SOHC engine

[03ExplorerSPT]

I was wondering who has the most miles on their SOHC V6 engine and how many problems you've had with it. I ask this because I found a used 2000 Eddie Bauer Explorer about 45 min. away from where I live with 41,142 miles on it. I'm not sure if it is 4x4 or not. I may be able to get a new car at the end of this year if everything goes well money wise. If there is another deal like this around December do you think it would be wise to buy one with that many miles? Oh btw the price was $19,950. If I got an X with that engine and 4x4 will it last for around five years? I also plan on lifting one if I get one. Thanks.

 

[sk1er17]

I have 113K on my 98 SOHC V6... keep in mind when i first got it ( i was 16,, almost 17) and it had 70K miles i beat the crap out of it-- like all kids do.

Still runs beautifully...

Hmmm, problems..
T-Case shift motor blew (probably didnt like being submerged in mud)
Thermostat
Regular maintaince (belts, tranny fluid, oil, etc)
I had a pinion leaking slightly

Thats about it. I need another 5 years out of it too... i plan on putting 200K miles on it before i get a new car. I change the oil EVERY 3K miles and put in Castrol Syntec Blend 5W30.... that helps.

40K miles on an EB--- that things just barely broken in!!

 

[03ExplorerSPT]

Thanks for the reply. I'm glad to hear you beat the crap out of yours when you were 16 and 17. Right now I'm 17 so when I get the newer one I will be 18. Currently I'll only need the 4x4 for the snow but I plan to go off-roading with a family friend in Colorado with it too. I didn't think that 40k miles was very many. My mother thinks thats a ton but I know its not. Thanks again.

 

[Hokie]

We've got a buddy with a '98 XLT SOHC 4x4 with atleast 130k on the clock. Tows in Colorado like it ain't nothing and has gotten 22 mpg on US29 (55 mph limit). Mine's a baby with 63K.

 

[rangerjeff]

I have always had good luck with the 4.0 motors. I just sold a ranger 4x4 with the 4.0 that had 150K on it, and was daily driver for 150 mile daily commute. The only thing I ever had to do is clean to corrosion out of the tcase motor. My 95 Explorer LTD had 140k+ when I got rid of it and it ran just as good as when I bought it. The 4.0 is a great motor, but KEEP THE OIL CHANGED.

 

[rangerjeff]

OH, SOHC motors. I dunno. I got one with 17,000 miles on it. I bought a rollover 99 4x4 4dr with 17k on it 2 years ago for parts and never done anything with it I did drive one of these once for a weekend, very impressive for a 6 banger.

 

[SWLathrop]

We had a 98 Sport with the SOHC roll thru the shop at 187,000 miles on it. Came in for a set of plug, wires, air filter and oil change. Ran smooth as silk. Dude that owns it is a heavy equipment sales rep. And it comes in quite muddy at times for a good detailing. As far as $19,950 for the EB, we have one on the lot that is Dark blue/Tan with tan interior loaded w/V-8 4X4 for about $17,000 or less. I believe it's also a 2001.

 

[rangerjeff]

don't pay too much for an Explorer. I just bought a 98 (Yeah, I know its old) but it only has 28K on it. Was owned by elderly couple since new and I gave $12,000 for it. I have seen plenty of explorers and mountainers for reasonable with next to no miles on them. Take time and look around. Check www.autotrader.com get some trader mags, check some used car lots.

 

[wallygetsit]

I just turned over 106,000 on my 1997.

 

[Biteme2718]

i have 94K on my 97 sohc and I have had a couple of problems but none with the engine.