Wanted Need help choosing an Explorer model

[Explorerwanted]

Hello everyone! I´m new in the forum and I am surpreised and happy that this forum exists. My question is: I have a budget of around 4,000 USD and want to buy an Explorer 4 door, 2 WD. What model and year do you recomend the most as far as reliability. Thank you for your help!:exp::exp:

 

[IZwack]

1998-2001 4-door with the v8 engine (reliability). And whatever you do, absolutely skip the 2002 model (too many things break on that year).

 

[Glen4X4]

Welcome To The Forum! 2nd gen V8 is your best option, far less transmission and engine issues.

 

[Explorerwanted]

WOW ! that was very fast, I thank you for your speed answer. So, 1998-2001 but these cannot be 6 cil?

 

[Glen4X4]

The V8 gets the same fuel mileage as the V6 and is more reliable and has a world of aftermarket support if you're into that type of stuff due to the engine platform being around for years and being used in mustangs.

 

[SirkXLS]

agree with the other guys! i went with the 99 Sport because i wanted 4x4 not AWD, but now i wish i had the v8! either way welcome to the wonderful world of explorers......hope you got cash lol

 

[Glen4X4]

agree with the other guys! i went with the 99 Sport because i wanted 4x4 not AWD, but now i wish i had the v8! either way welcome to the wonderful world of explorers......hope you got cash lol

That gives a bad impression, they're just like any other vehicle they require routine maintenance but as long as you perform them then these trucks run well and last a long time. Plus 2wd's have less moving parts to keep after.

 

[NHarris]

WOW ! that was very fast, I thank you for your speed answer. So, 1998-2001 but these cannot be 6 cil?

I have a 98 OHV V6, very reliable car, transmission is good, engine runs great. I would definately suggest the V6 to you. The V8 is availible only in All Wheel Drive.
I get about 20mpg with my OHV V6.

Some advantages of the V8:
All wheel drive
A lot of aftermarket support
More powerful than the V6

 

[BlackMounty]

I have a 98 OHV V6, very reliable car, transmission is good, engine runs great. I would definately suggest the V6 to you. The V8 is availible only in All Wheel Drive.
I get about 20mpg with my OHV V6.

Is it honestly yours? Or is it really your parents?

The v8 is available in the all wheel drive OR two wheel drive options.

 

[Explorerwanted]

Thank you guys for your comments, Wow this just shows that you are definetly passionate about explorers, I´m a girl and just don´t have a clue and need your advise, Thanks again

 

[Glen4X4]

I will put this out there, my 96 also has the v6 and auto transmission has 176k on it currently but this is a rare case, a lot of v6 explorers develop transmission issues by at least 150k that is why we suggest the V8. And yes we're passionate about our trucks

 

[Equnoxe]

i have a 97 4.0 SOHC v6 with 260 000 and its motor/tranny are still running mint, i do wish i had the V8 for the reasons already mentioned. but getting the v6 isn't the end of the world. if you take care of it it will be fine.. obviously if you haven't changed the tranny fluid/filter after 150K its going to try and eat its self.

 

[Jestarr]

The v6's are great if taken care of, my mom's 97 Xlt has over 270,000 on it and her boyfriend's 03 xlt is pushing 300,000 with only maintenance items done to either truck... Both were bought new though. My 99 sport (bought used) has the 4.0 sohc and I have had to have the tranny rebuilt twice. Moral of the story is you never know with used vehicles so be careful.

 

[J.Mitch]

Explorerwanted, I just bought a used 2000 XLT. It has the 4,015 cc 4 liters 6 V engine. I am extremely satisfied. It has all the options i need and runs great. I guess if you are buying used with a budget of 4k, then my advise would be to shop around and get the carfax. I looked online for mine within a radius of 250 miles of my home. Found my XLT in a little town 200 miles away. Clean Carfax and I looked it over good. Drove it a bit testing the 4wd, A/C, transmission, brakes checked the plugs, hoses etc... Got a good look at the interior. Dont be afraid to drive it for a while before buying it. Get a good feel for it before you make a decision. Explorers are a nice, smooth yet sturdy ride.
'98-'01 i do believe is in your price range. I bought my XLT for 5k, and it is loaded pretty nicely. As far as v8 and v6 are concerned, it doesn't matter. Find one that is clean, has a clean carfax make sure everything (major) works and most importantly that you like it.

P.S. When driving the 4wd Do Not turn sharp on pavement/concrete. This is a general rule when using 4wd without differential. The 4wd HI is made to travel at higher speeds but not to turn on non-slip surfaces. It should only be used when needed, like in snow or mud. I just found that out recently when looking up "why my 4wd was slugish and bucking while turning"

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Besides the power of the V8, the transmission is a little tougher so it's good for towing & off roading.

 

[rhauf]

My personal bias is towards the first gen ones (91 - 94). but i suppose thats because i own one (well 3 actually).

i say just buy which ever you like best and/or find in good condition, well taken care of for you're budget.

if you plan on much serious off-road use, the first gen is you're best bet, it has the strongest steering (non rack), strongest axles (bigger and no CV joints) and suspension (coil/leaf sprung not torsion bar)

if you want fast go with a v8 model. i'd avoid AWD systems as they are prone to failure and are finicky about tire mismatches etc. i'd also avoid the over-head cam engines.. (thats another personal bias, i hate overhead timing chains, they always seem to be failing) as stated above, there is a lot of after-market for the v8's (both 5.0's and 4.6's). the aftermarket on the v6 engines is very, very limited.

 

[celly]

Another vote for 98-01 with 5.0. Contrary to a post above, it is available in 2WD. Just harder to find in some places. Rock solid. I left the V6 game 5 years ago and so happy I did.
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[MrQ]

My personal bias is towards the first gen ones (91 - 94). but i suppose thats because i own one (well 3 actually).

i say just buy which ever you like best and/or find in good condition, well taken care of for you're budget.

if you plan on much serious off-road use, the first gen is you're best bet, it has the strongest steering (non rack), strongest axles (bigger and no CV joints) and suspension (coil/leaf sprung not torsion bar)

if you want fast go with a v8 model. i'd avoid AWD systems as they are prone to failure and are finicky about tire mismatches etc. i'd also avoid the over-head cam engines.. (thats another personal bias, i hate overhead timing chains, they always seem to be failing) as stated above, there is a lot of after-market for the v8's (both 5.0's and 4.6's). the aftermarket on the v6 engines is very, very limited.

He is right. The first gens may be a little on the old side, but they do shine up well.

If you get a 1st gen with a manual you are set. Get it with an auto then expect problems.

The V8 powertrain from what I have heard is an incredibly solid platform, especially for an auto.