New here, shopping for an Explorer. Advice?

[KB1JHU]

Hey everyone. I'm in the market for another vehicle since my 97 Dodge Stratus is on its last legs. I've been looking at Explorers since there are quite a few out there on the used market which seems to keep the prices lower than the competitors. For the most part, the '02-'05 generation falls into my budget. I have looked around on here and see that there are a few issues with that generation, including transmission problems and climate control problems. Occasionally there are a few '06 and newer that show up in my searches.

One thing that is steering my choice between the 2 generations is installing a scanner and radios. Havis makes a nice little console for the 3rd Gen Explorer that seems easy to install and doesn't require removing the whole center console. See: http://www.havis.com/products/CON_VS_12TMS_0DG_HC_EXPL_02_05-29812-82.html
The console they have for the 4th Gen Explorer (http://www.havis.com/products/CON_VS_16TMS_0DG_HC_EXPL_06_10-34214-82.html) is bigger, but requires the removal of the entire console and working around the console shifter (which I'm not a fan of in trucks & SUV's to begin with).

When I have been out looking around, I have a tendency to steer away from the 4th Gen because of the console issue, but I really don't want that one thing to lead me to buy an older truck that may not last as long or could have a major issue with something like the transmission. I'm hoping you folks can help out and give me some advice of what to look for and some pros and cons of the 2 different generations.

 

[sjr033]

What are you planning to use the truck for? Basic commuting, towing, hauling people, off-roading?

 

[KB1JHU]

Daily commute and such. No off-roading but I go up to Maine once in a while and dirt roads aren't always friendly to my current car. I have no plans for any serious towing. I just started a new job as a Fire/EMS dispatcher, so I need to be able to get to work in all weather conditions. While my Stratus has served me well in New England winters, the added capability of 4x4 should give me a better shot at making it to work with fewer problems.

 

[sjr033]

Basic info for 3rd GEN... Engine is either a 4.0L V6 or a 4.6L V8. The gas mileage is very close. Most people that buy a V6 hoping for better mileage, end up wishing they had the V8. Tow package gets you a 2" receiver, 3.73 gears and trans cooler with up to 7400lb?
No tow package gets you a 1-1/4" receiver, 3.53 gears and 3500lb max. Most V8 came with all wheel drive. The V6 came with a selectable transfer case. As or recommendations..most will say stay away from the 2002. That is the first year of the 3rd gen and seem to have the most problems.

 

[KB1JHU]

Thanks for the info. Are there any major bonuses to going with a 4th Gen over the 3rd Gen besides it being newer?

 

[94Eddie]

Thanks for the info. Are there any major bonuses to going with a 4th Gen over the 3rd Gen besides it being newer?

If you get a 4th gen with the V-8 and six speed tranny you will go a long way toward avoiding transmission and other problems. If you can afford it, I would recommend buying a 4th gen (with V-8 and 6-speed) over a 3rd gen.

When people look at buying 3rd gens I recommend buying one with a dead transmission and rebuilding it. You can get one with a dead transmission for a super low price and if you get the V-8 you should be good to go for many miles with a good rebuild of the tranny. All the third gens are subject to potential wheel bearing issues and differential problems along with blend door issues etc. Just expect to deal with a few repairs and some might be expensive like a transmission rebuild with any 3rd gen.

 

[sjr033]

The 4th gen have a different frame. Similar but different. The interior is different. Personal choice as to which is better. I like the 3rd row better in the 4th gen because it splits so you can fold only half down if needed. The trans shifter in the 4th is in the center console. The v6 is the same but the v8 is not. The v8 in the 3rd gen has 2 valves per cylinder 4.6L rated at 239hp @ 282lb. 4th gen has 3 valves per cylinder 4.6L rated at 292hp @ 315lb.

 

[KB1JHU]

Just took the following for a test drive.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?listingId=78743535

Everything seemed to be in great shape. The salesman I talked to had been using it for a little while driving to and from the lot and from what I have seen they don't usually drive vehicles with problems around. I'm picking it up on Thursday to have my mechanic look at it. I'll have it all Thursday and will be taking it back on Friday. If all is well with it I will probably be purchasing it Friday.

Any thoughts? Besides things the mechanic would be checking is there anything I should take a close look at?

 

[Rick]

KB1JHU de AB7FH

Welcome aboard!!!

 

[KB1JHU]

Well, I drove it all the way from the dealership in E Windsor to my mechanic in Milford (~65 miles) and it felt great. No vibrations, no shaking, no strange noises. My mechanic said, "If I hadn't looked at the odometer, I would have thought it was a 30,000 mile car." (It's just over 90,000)

The salesman said that there's a few bulbs out in the instrument cluster that they will fix. The power running boards also don't move. I'm not familiar with how they work. Would they normally come down when you unlock it or when you open the door? Is there a way to disable them? Could it just be a blown fuse?

 

[KB1JHU]

Just bought it today (see cars.com link above, until the link goes bad...). They managed to fix the running boards. They said the motors had seized up. I found all the threads on here about fixing them, so I should be able to take care of them myself if they stop moving again. I managed to get them to take the $299 "conveyance fee" or whatever off the price, but they wouldn't budge any more. They claim they mis-priced it when they listed it for $16k and they aren't going to end up making any money on it. Since similarly equipped Explorers are going for ~$20k around here, it could be true. Thanks for all the help folks!

 

[KB1JHU]

Pic of my new 2007 Limited

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic but between rain and work I haven't had a chance to take a good picture when I have my good camera around.

 

[stevecostantino]

I just bought the same vehicle last week. 2007 Black Limited with all available options except for heated windows and sync system. 92,500 miles for 15,995... I am loving it so far!