looking for a newer X, 2004?

[pzy3339]

Hey there everyone. New profile, but I am not new to the site.

I have had a 1999 4.0 OHV 4x4 explorer for about 6 years now. Got it my senior year of HS. Now it is getting pretty darn ugly and the trans is starting to act up and I think it is time to move on.

I love my little truck, it has been great to me and I want another that is just as great. I have been looking around and I really like the look of the 2006 and newer ones but I hear terrible things about the trans/overheating/radiator issues. They are also more expensive than I want so right now I am looking at the 3rd gen X's.

I need something that will be reliable for the next few years. I can fix minor stuff, but if the trans is known to grenade out of nowhere I cant have that.

Anyways, looking for any info or opinions on where you guys might steer me. looking for a decent newer 4x4 X under about 9k.

I am going to go look at a 2004 V8 4x4 XLT tomorrow, listed at $8k, with 107,000 miles.

Thanks!

 

[vlxerdon]

You will most likely want someone that has had one longer than I,but I will jump in anyway.
I had a 98 for many years and if not for a woman losing control of her car,would still have it. Loved it! Went out and got an 04 with 95000 on it for $6500.00
I have read about all kinds of problems with both the 98 and the 04 about transmission troubles among others.
I tow both a boat and travel trailer on a regular basis. I was told a long time ago by a trans mechanic to never under any circumstances tow in overdrive. This was stated about any vehicle but Ford in particular. That said,I never had a trans problem with the 98. I just towed a pontoon boat 60 miles with my 04 up mountain roads with no problems,I know that is not much ,but till next spring,I'm done towing. Both vehicles are 4.0 liter v 6 powered. I have not owned the 04 long enough to really speak of it's reliability,but I do like it a lot. Oh yea,they are both red xlt's with the grey leather interior. Hope ya find something you will get good service from. JD

 

[EXPLORER04]

I've had an 04 v6 for about 4 years now. I have never had any of the major like the trans or diff problems like the earlier years have. The only things that went on it were one front wheel hub, u joints, front axle oil seal. All of which are just normal wear and tear and easily fixed.

 

[pzy3339]

I can deal with routine maintenance. I have put hubs, shocks, intake manifold gaskets, etc in mine. All that is fine. I just want to know if there are any major design flaws in the third gen. I hear good things about the v8 and ford typically has a solid drivetrain. If it will be like the one i have now then i would be happy to buy one. I would keep mine but the with 227,000 miles on it and 13 ohio winters it is beat up, worn out, paint is peeling, rusty, door locks all suck, etc. Im ready to upgrade a bit.

 

[pzy3339]

Will my 15X8 rims with 31's fit on it? Would love to swap them over!

 

[jvano]

I have had my 04 xlt v6 for 2 years now, got it with 70k miles. I love the truck, I only had to replace the rear passenger wheel bearing and fuel pressure sensor. Other than that just oil changes and brakes, which is normal. I did change my differential fluid over to Royal Purple synthetic to prevent any differential problems. It is a solid truck in my opinion.

 

[pzy3339]

i have found a 2006 eddie v8 4x4 for 8,800. it would only add like $20 monthly so i am interested in that. Been researching stuff, seems there are loads of radiator/trans issues? but mostly with the 4.0

2 years newer for $800 seems worth it, if its as good a truck?

 

[94Eddie]

Jump on the 2006 V-8. I was going to suggest getting a fourth gen model as, IMO, they have fewer issues to deal than a third gen model of any year. The V-8 fourth gens also have the six speed transmissions which gets you away from the problem prone SR55W in the third gens. The V-8 is also a better, more powerful, engine and gets the same gas mileage as a V-6.

 

[pzy3339]

Jump on the 2006 V-8. I was going to suggest getting a fourth gen model as, IMO, they have fewer issues to deal than a third gen model of any year. The V-8 fourth gens also have the six speed transmissions which gets you away from the problem prone SR55W in the third gens. The V-8 is also a better, more powerful, engine and gets the same gas mileage as a V-6.

just called about it, its on hold for some people who already put a down payment on it! ugh

still looking, still reading, ill find a good one!

 

[pzy3339]

thoughts on a 2007 v6 sport trac?

 

[pzy3339]

test drove the 2004 v8, and a 2007 v6 sport trac. loved the brakes, handling, ride, looks, interior, pretty much everything on the 2007, but. i dont really want a sport trac, i need the interior space for cargo, people, and dogs.

both vehicles did things i have read are typical. the 2004 downshifts really hard. feels like you got bumped by the car behind you. the 2007 idles real rough after being on the highway. it also had some ticking/pinging under acceleration.

i think i am set on a 2006 or newer v8 4x4 eddie bauer or limited. the 04 had great power, but did not feel new enough to bother. the 07 was nice in every way but i dont trust the engine and i would rather have the interior space.