Mercury Mountaineer AWD ?

[FPrep2ndGenRX7]

Any concerns with the AWD system on those or anything else that may be a common problem. Going to test drive one tomorrow and need a little heads up on it. The Mountaineer in question has 97 w/94,000 miles on it but looks to be in good shape. Exterior is nicely kept looking with the interior showing the usual signs of wear. Nothing some elbow grease will not take care of. I test drove a 96 Explorer w/V8 2-wheel drive 111,000 miles also and it was nice but not the greatest color. It was gold with a tan cloth interior while the Mountaineer is white and a gray leather interior. Definetly like the looks of the Mountaineer better but really need to buy the best long term vehicle for local driving. Gas milage isin't to much of a concern. I only live 10 miles from work. Let me know what you think.

 

[section525]

Do it! V8s are very reliable.

 

[FPrep2ndGenRX7]

I'm not afraid of the engine, I'm just leary of an AWD system I know nothing about. Are they prone to failure at higher milage and if so whats the usual cost of repairs? Things like that. What have you done to keep your Explorer or Mountaineer reliable when they approach 150,000 miles. Whichever one I end up with I'll keep for many years if I can.

 

[Mike]

I have AWD on my v8 and i love it.. great in the rain/snow/ice/sand and everything else i have tryed it on... never had a prob witht he AWD and i love it!

 

[Mike]

I have AWD on my v8 and i love it.. great in the rain/snow/ice/sand and everything else i have tryed it on... never had a prob witht he AWD and i love it!

 

[V8-X]

I have the AWD on my 5.0 X and it's wonderful. Never have to worry about shifting into 4WD. Only thing I would say are about the hubs & 4 wheeling.

The AWD doesn't have the low end torque/gear ratio for heavy off roading. So if you plan on playing in the mud and off road a lot, a 4WD would be better.

I only have 58K on my X and haven't had a problem with the hubs yet. But since they are engaged all the time, I would believe they will fail or wear out before a 4WD hubs would.

Otherwise I love the AWD, feels better handling wise than my fathers 4WD X.

Hope this helps.

 

[liquidx9]

ive had no problems with my hubs or AWD system, and there is nothing to lead me to beleive it will fail anytime soon. the AWD transfer case is mechanical, not electrical, so its MUCH less prone to failure than the electrical control trac transfer case

 

[FPrep2ndGenRX7]

Thanks for the replies. I will not be taking either vehicle I end up with off roading. Never been interested in that. My primary needs are good reliable vehicle and occasional towing of the racecar. My wife will drive it some also so I have to get her approval also.

 

[liquidx9]

well, the AWD is going to be safer in inclimate weather as well, thats a concern a lot of people have too

 

[Bluedog]

I have had no major problems with my 97 with 95k on it. Only pinion seal leaks[front and rear] which were cheap to repair.
V-8 AWD rules for towing..............

 

[Scormunch]

V8 AWD here with no problems related to engine/AWD system after 105,000 miles... still feels solid

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I have 112,000 on my 97 Mountaineer AWD. The only problem I have had is the pinion seals (covered by extended warranty) and replacing the cats to the tune of $1500 Don't let that scare you out of buying the Mountaineer as I have not heard of this being a common problem. If the shocks have not been replaced I would highly recomend replacing them. I won't go into which is the best as that is another tpoic all together.