LOOKING TO BUY A 4x4 (PLEASE HELP)

[kniskern]

I am looking to trade in my little car for a 4x4, and was seriously considering an Explorer Sport 4x4. Please guys and gals... If you were starting at ground zero, which model / year would you go with to get the best value / deal??

Please email me with any help, or comments that you have to offer!!!

Thanks!
Ken Kniskern
kkniskern@mmcable.com
k2technologies@mmcable.com

 

[Anime]

depends

Well, what year/model is best would seriously depend on what you wanna use it for. The 1991-94 models are great for off-roading, and the easiest by far to modify for major lifts and big tires. They also are the cheapest in terms of current buying price. However, they do leave a little to be desired in some maintainance areas..serious 4 wheeling tends to wear on the radius arm bushings and the plastic stock hubs can go bad.

The newer 1995-1999 models are more comfort oriented..still good off road and in bad weather, but not as easily modified as the older models. If you just plan on using it as a commuter and family vehicle, a 95-97 model miht be just the thing...probably easy to find one in good shape, and at a reasonable price..plus there are options that werent available on the older models, and theres no radius arm bushings or hubs to worry about...

Then theres the 2000-01 models..high style and lotsa extras and goodies...but definitely more expensive than any of the older models since itd be hard to find one even slightly used except as a leased/program vehicle.

Basically I'd suggest a 1991-1994 if you wanna do wild 4x4 stuff, and a 1995-98 if you're more going for luxury and comfort and probably will just do around town driving...you might have to shop around a bit to find a newer model sport with the extras you want.

 

[jimbo74]

not just because i have one....

i believe the early Xs are the best because they are solidly built, easy to modify with good results and are cheaper. plus if it gets a little banged up you wont care as much. however, as mentioned before the auto hubs suck, it eats radius arm bushings, and then you have the dreaded rfi problem if you run a cb

 

[bluethunder]

like the other guys said, it all depends on what you really want to use it for. i have a 1996 that i love, i mostly drive it around town cause its my daily driver, but i use it pretty hard on the trails too, its a good compromise for me. mine has also been very reliable and has had only one repair to date with 60k on the odometer. hope this helps.

 

[Perry]

kniskern
Since no one has welcomed you yet, I would like to welcome you to this site. I hope after you do find a Explorer you will find all your answers.
If you are looking for a Explorer and you aren't in a hurry, my dad will have one or two for sale. Look under the before and after for "My dad's 2 Explorer's" or something like that. They will look better when he sells them..

Oh, my opinion is like the rest. The 91-94 for four wheeling and then the newer ones for part time four wheeling, but then there are a few newer ones on this site that have done some serious four wheeling.

 

[mdrut]

A 91 nicely equiped Sport model, That would be my choice.....Welcome to the site

 

[kniskern]

OK, then let me Clarify

Thanks for all of the input...

I plan to use the SUV for around town driving, some light towing, and occasional not even once a week light trail riding. I wont be doing very many major mods, as I have no clue what to do or how to do it... I suppose that will come with much time and research. If anything, I might do a suspension lift of a few inches, and some bigger tires. but probably not much more. Although the more I read, the more it seems that this will be one of those things that I never complete... once started, there is always that next mod to make, I can see my savings flying away right before my very eyes!!! (I CANT WAIT) Any suggestions for some web sites that I can look up the suggested prices of some of these vehicles? I want to start hunting a few down to test drive and I need to know what Ill be looking to pay in advance!

Thanks For All of the Input!
Ken Kniskern

 

[mdrut]

Ken, as it stands right now, I have 91 sport, Paid 3500 for. painted $300, Lift 2" $210, Body lift 2" $100, Motor mods misc. $800, Tires $450, Stereo system $1500, Misc. Body moldings and trim $350..All the work I did my self..The 91-94 model is probally the cheapest to up grade...I use mine as a daily driver and Love it..Hope this helps..Go buy a copy of OFF-ROAD magazine, full of cool web sites..