Looking at 2002-2004 Explorers with about 120k miles

[KDR83]

Hey, I am looking for a DD and am thinking about picking up a V6 2wd explorer. Anything to look out for while looking at 2002-2004 Explorers with about 120k miles on them? This will be used to take on longer trips and daily drive to work about 10-15 miles each way.

So far I found two possible candidates, a 2003 XTL with leather, tow package, new tires, cold ac, etc with 129k miles and a 2002 Eddie Bauer with 125k miles, they are both in the neighborhood of $4k asking price. Both are single owner clean carfax vehicles and appear to be in great condition.

Do these seem like good deals? I want to maybe do a 1.5" body lift and some bigger tires but that is it. My Dodge Viper GTS is my primary toy

-KDR

 

[pet575]

Less than smoothly shifting transmission, rear end whine, wheel bearing rumble/howl, leaking coolant around spark plugs (indicates that intake needs to be replaced). There are other issues but those seem to be the main ones.

 

[KDR83]

appreciate it

 

[KDR83]

Also any particular year worse than the others, will an 02 typically have more problems than an 03 due to being the first year?

 

[apache437]

I have an '02 XLT 2WD 4.0 V6 with 130k miles and have just replaced the right hand timing chain cassette. To change this chain/tensioner set requires pulling the engine out to gain access to the bolts holding it in as well as an expensive (at least one) special tool to re-install the cam sprocket on the back of the cam. If you are up to this kind of repair go for one of them. I know it doesn't happen to all of them, but you don't know until it does. Good luck.