New to forum. 2000 US XLT Explorer (Australian model)

[sean mcloughlin]

hi all

Recently bought an explorer because it was a cheap runabout that I can use as a work car, it has a tow bar, and I can tie my kayak to the roof. Managed to pick up a clean one for under $4k on the road.

Mixed reviews on Australian sites saying parts are expensive and the Explorer was unreliable etc. when you dig deeper not the case.

 

[Rick]

Welcome to the forum

Overall, the Explorers are very reliable. As with most vehicles after 100,000 miles transmissions can become problematic. If you have the OHV or the V8 the engines are very reliable, if you happen to have the SOHC, the timing chains are a known issue. You can search the forum for info.

 

[sean mcloughlin]

Thanks for that

Unfortunately the SOHC. I think that’s how they were all released. However with over 230000km (143000miles) it’s doing pretty good. Not sure if the timing chain has had attention ever. I would guess not as most mechanics in Australia will put a sticker in the engine bay to say when it was done etc.

I think I see timing chains in my future

Bye for now

Welcome to the forum

Overall, the Explorers are very reliable. As with most vehicles after 100,000 miles transmissions can become problematic. If you have the OHV or the V8 the engines are very reliable, if you happen to have the SOHC, the timing chains are a known issue. You can search the forum for info.

 

[CDW6212R]

Welcome Sean. You'll like that truck for just about everything except the engine and transmission weaknesses. Those will need more attention and if they begin to have trouble, stop driving them immediately. Fixing them is not cheap or simple for typical people, but if the vehicle is driven until it stops moving, the damage will usually be much worse.

Fixing the timing chain parts is a bit troublesome, but waiting until they break and ruin the engine is worse. The trans can be rebuilt by any decent transmission shop, but if things get burned up inside(from driving it with symptoms), then it gets less likely to repair it successfully(more expensive and typically will fail soon again(not fixed right)).

 

[shucker1]

Any pictures?

 

[allmyEXes]

welcome !

 

[sean mcloughlin]

Pics

 

[shucker1]

Good looking rig Sir!

 

[allmyEXes]

Cool ! RHD ! My Mailman would love to have one of these Aussie models to deliver the mail in !