Maybe buying an explorer round 2

[Cdy291]

I found this.
Looks good to me as long as its decent on fuel. The price is already $75 below KBB value but I will look for any reason to offer a little less.

I know this is an explorer forum but I have also found these.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/2804903073.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/cto/2758249494.html

The Cherokee and Blazer are also very reliable vehicles. The Blazer should have the best fuel economy. The Explorer is definitely the best as far as condition but I am trying to decide if I could spend less and be just as well off.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

If I where you I would buy the Explorer. I like the Jeeps. but the inside is small, especially for a large guy like me. my dad had one of those Blazers, we got rid of it because it pretty much rusted away. we also had numerous problems with the electrical system. No vehicle is without it's faults, but If I was buying one it would be the Explorer.

Just make sure you go over what ever vehicle you buy with fine tooth comb. I am very picky when buying used cars. check the door gaps for uneven gaps, which is sighs of a wreck. check the door jams for overspray, or tape lines, which would mean once again a wreck. look under the hood for "homemade" wiring solutions. Also check the fuses, and make sure they are what they are suppose to be. look underneath for anything bent or broken. all these things you can mention which could lower the price.

 

[Cdy291]

How much oil do the V8's use? What type, 5w30? Also I have had recommendations to get a AWD version, but I don't think I need it. Not counting last year, which was epic for Georgia, we just about never see any snow.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

My V8 takes about 5 quarts, it burns none, and leaks none. I use Valvoline 5w-30 Max life in mine. By far the V8 AWD variety of Explorer is the most reliable. I was thinking the same thing about the snow. I was unsure if you got any, up here in IL we get a lot, with the exception of this year. but even with the full time AWD I still manage to get almost 15MPG. Not great, but good enough for me.

 

[windsors03cobra]

You'll never beat a 4.0/AW4 Cherokee. Probably one of the most durable 6 cylinder SUV's out there. They do have kind of small weak undersized front brakes but other than that they are stone reliable.
The Chev is pretty darn reliable as well, the Vortec is common to have leaking lower intake manifold gaskets and of course its a cheap GM truck but other than that, pretty good and easily do 200k on it motor with not much more than oil changes.

 

[Cdy291]

What are the AWD systems like on the explorers? Is it like a 4x4 except full time? 4x4 usually means more maintenance. I found a AWD v8 explorer that is in the same town I live in, a 2000 also with 140000 miles.

 

[windsors03cobra]

I just saw the Exploder link in your post too and yea thats a nice lookin ride there with nice miles and price too, AWD would be kind of pointless down there I guess but the truth is that the AWD truck will not get much worse MPG than a 6 cylinder, these heavy trucks appreciate the V8 and many use the same amount of gas as there 6 cylinder brethren.
My 99 Grand Cherokee 4.0 is a little better on gas than our 99 V8 AWD Exploder but the difference is almost negligible and the Jeep is in 2wd 90% of the time.

 

[windsors03cobra]

The AWD systems are extremely reliable but they do like front wheel bearings every every 75-125k miles, the bearings are $200 each for a good one.

I suppose what makes these system realiable is they dont have all kinds of sensors and other electronic garbage like that, simple=effective.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Of those 3, none of them are any more efficient than the others to say that you're going to get better mileage than the others. All of them will be mid to high teens on the highway, low to mid-teens in the city.

Looking at it subjectively, of those 3 trucks, you're getting the most features for the $$ with that Limited. That's a top of the line, near $40,000 truck.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Yeap $40k and if you drive all 3 and all 3 are in good mechanical shape and pretty clean bodies there will be no doubt in my mind which one you will want.
The Exploder will make the Cherokee seem like a real POS. And the Chevy ? You'll fuhgedabotit.

 

[Cdy291]

I am looking for something that can be both a car and a truck. I could break it down into 2 different ones but that sounds like too much work. Being 22 I don't own a house to park them both in or anything like that. I just need to be able tow a few thousand pounds when ever I need. My 2001 Ranger Edge regular cab is not cutting it for me any more. I need more interior space.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Dig the Limited as well.

 

[sport97]

I agree with the above statements.

If you check out the blazer watch for that intake leak. Those 4.3's are bad about that. Also our olds bravada's electric system is a total nightmare. Turn signal thing clicks all the time, the hazard light switch is screwy, and the overhead light with the door open doesn't work right. I do have to say the blazers really don't rust out.

Jeeps are very reliable. Only issue is rust rust rust. You may not have issues down south though. Our old 94 was about 10 years old and needed new floors, rockers and the spring perches were almost shot.

Explorer is pretty solid, especially the v8. They also have rust issues but, again, not living in the snow belt will help. The limited will have all the toys. Plus, who doesn't want a v8.

Having had a variant of all 3 in my family I can backup joe's statement of MPG. Its really all the same. Honestly, if you get a good condition, well maintained one, all 3 choices are solid. I like the way the explorer drives the best of all 3, that and it feels bigger inside.I'm a ford guy so that is my vote.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Plus, who doesn't want a v8....

I'm a ford guy so that is my vote.

V8's for life... Also This site may be a little biases to Ford as well... Just saying.

 

[bobflood]

I found this.
Looks good to me as long as its decent on fuel. The price is already $75 below KBB value but I will look for any reason to offer a little less.

I know this is an explorer forum but I have also found these.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/2804903073.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/cto/2758249494.html

The Cherokee and Blazer are also very reliable vehicles. The Blazer should have the best fuel economy. The Explorer is definitely the best as far as condition but I am trying to decide if I could spend less and be just as well off.

Go for the Explorer. The V8 engine/transmission combo is nearly indestructible and the mileage is not significantly different than the V6's. I have a 2WD Eddie Bauer with almost 260K on it and it has been great. Only thing I don't like about the Limited is the air suspension in the rear.

 

[rabbit91]

Go for the Explorer. The V8 engine/transmission combo is nearly indestructible and the mileage is not significantly different than the V6's. I have a 2WD Eddie Bauer with almost 260K on it and it has been great. Only thing I don't like about the Limited is the air suspension in the rear.

I totally agree. I drive a limited V8 AWD and it is amazing, no real problems and i achieve the same highway mileage my dad did with his V6 (the one with 208hp)

Cdy291 you mention that you need to tow a few thousand pounds, why not have a V8 that you know can do it no sweat. Also the air shocks will keep your truck level with any load..

 

[Cdy291]

Well hell, its sold.

 

[Joe Dirt]

No wonder...

So, are you going to "settle" for something else, or go find another Ex?

 

[Cdy291]

There is a 98 AWD V8 XLT close but I just don't want AWD. Nothing but a gas sucker.

 

[Cdy291]

Now its getting weird. The woman that I was calling about the v8 explorer told me it was sold last night. Later before I went to bed another ad pops up for a 99 explorer v8 limited, with the exact same photos as the 2000 limited I posted above. I call the new number today and ask them whats up and the guy says he is actually the one with the explorer and the other ad had stolen his pictures. He gives me an address of where it is located and it is a used car dealer according to google, which he did not mention. He also had it posted it the by owner section on craiglist.