Looking to join Explorer family, have questions

[GC13]

OK, well, I started this thread here cause I wasnt really sure where else to put it yet. Here goes:

I am looking to purchase a used Explorer. My only real requirment is 4 wheel drive. I have been looking around at used ones, and I like driving a 5 speed but was wondering what opinions on the clutch in the explores are like, and if I do want to take it off road a 5 speed would be more beneficial then an automatic would it not?

The more I look the more I see used Explorers with fairly high miles. Now I was wondering what problems should I look for in an Explorer with 100,000 miles on it, and what kind of extra maintinance should I do to keep it running at that point? Are there severe drawbacks to an Explorer with that much mileage on it other then just wear and tear? What should I expect to need to have replaced?

I currently live in Charlotte, NC, but I am moving to Harrisonberg, VA .

Sorry if I am a newbie to this, but am not the worlds most knowledgable automotive person, but I am willing to learn. Fairly mechanicly inclined, just not had much chance to try on a vehicle. If there is anyone who lives near Harrisonberg that wouldnt mind helping educate me once I get there I would appreciate it.

I appreciate any feedback at all I can get and if you think there is anything else I need to know please share with me. I am reading through all the forums learaning as much as I can right now.

 

[88vert]

I personally like the automatics better but one of my 92's is a automatic and one is a stick I love them both though one is for off road and one is a daily driver.I think the motor is the best aspect of the explorer and the tranny the worst they are very easy to mod and to upkeep and they made millions of them so parts are easy to come buy.Not to mention that you have this wonderful kick ass site with lots of helpful people that have been through just about everything with them.Five speeds suck in snow and ice but probally last longer than auto's.You should be able to get a good deal on a first gen ex maybe even with mods and a tranny overhaul,I have had five ex's and have got three great deals off of ebay,you should be able to find alot of great deals living on the east coast.If you need any help with anything just shoot

 

[NoBoundaries]

Welcome to the site.

The Trannys on Explorers are a weakness, although they became progressively better oer time. The manual trannys hold up better than the autos. If you perform a search you will be able to find some info on this.

The engines are no problem. I have heard of the 4.0L getting up to 500,000 miles without a major problem. Anything that will need to be done should not be too big a problem, but you never know 100%.

Good luck and happy postin'!

 

[RTStork]

Welcome to the site. If you are getting a automatic, I recommend a V8 model. They seem to have the stronger transmissions. The 5 speeds are tough, but they are limited to the V6 only.

 

[GC13]

I deffinetly appreciate the feedback. How bad is the gas mileage in the V8 though? Are there any aftermarket setups that are easier on the transmission?

 

[RTStork]

I get an average of 17 city and 19-20 highway mpg, with a best of 22 mpg on a long trip. Mine is only 2 wheel drive, so a 4 wheel drive may get a little less. Do a search for gas mileage and you will see that there are several guys with the V6 that are only getting 15-16 mpg, so the gas mileage doesnt differ too much between the V6 and the V8.