New to the 4.6 DOCH, not new to 04 Explorers. Whats different

[travlincub321]

So my dearest Grandmother just bought herself a (new) to her 04 Explorer. Her 3rd one to be exact. The first was a 2 seat, 4x4 4.0 SOCH Mineral Gray XLT with tow pkg, power pedals, cd/cassette, running boards and a few other odds n ends... they bought new and still own it.. dont know the mileage off my head, but I think probably in the 70's now, given how they drive.... It was a hunk of crap when new and its finally, had almost everything replaced. Solinoied pack, steering shaft, shocks, wheel bearings (on several wheels its been at least twice) ball joints, power steering sensor thingie (or something like that).. It spent a good chunk of its first 4 years being fixed for something...

They then traded there perfectly good, brand new engine 2000 (grandpa blew it up running it out of coolant) at 100k in 2006 for a 2004 Blue XLT from Canada (brought through new york)..It was very similar to there gray one, but had 3rd row, rear ac (I think) and tow package... It was an alright rig, not nearly as trouble prone as the gray one, but it clunked and banged when you turned and had other wierd electrical issues, along with bad ball joints and such. It handled and drove really wierd too. It was traded for a Nissan truck which grandpa promptly totaled in 2013.

Long story short, nothing fits them like these rigs.. They crave big, heavy truck like SUV's... They where about to buy a 2013 KIA Sorrento and THEN a 2004 Limited EXPLORER V8 4x4 with 56K from a family friend (who is elderly) dropped in there lap for $9800. Its been cared for and the wheel bearings and such are new...

My question: What issues can we expect from this? There have been common issues between both v6's but having the v8 did ford fix things?

How does the v8 hold up compared to the SOCH v6??

General thoughts?? I have a 2000 SOCH XLT and im happy to stay with that body style as these seem to have lots of repair issues, but this could change my mind

 

[Number4]

First I must say, a 2004 Kia for $9800 doesn't sound like a deal at all, ranks up there with being sold a bridge.

I guess your question doesn't seem too clear. Maybe why no one has posted.
Are you asking about another Explorer? Or just the difference between the V8 and V6?
If the question is about the Kia, then you are in the wrong forum.

I prefer the V8. Both have will have timing issues, but Hondas have to have their timing belts changed every 60k....so.... The V6 timing is a lot harder to work on. My 04 V8 seems to get better gas mileage than my 05 V6. I equate this to the V6 being under powered for the weight of the vehicle. Once you've had an Explorer with the V8, you won't want one with the V6 again.

 

[travlincub321]

CHalk that up to being tired... LOL

I am asking about the differences in engines and drivetrains.. if the v8 is more robust than the v6...

Yeah, no, Kia involved... I was rambling, sliughtly tipsy and tired..

I am just concerned because no one in our family has had decent luck with these explorers, except my aunt who has an 05 2wd V6 and its been ok. I don't need the phone calls from 2200 miles away trying to diagnose and help figure out whats wrong on a truck I have no idea about

 

[Number4]

The 3rd gens, 2002-2005 (maybe up to 2010) seem to need a lot of maintenance. My 1994 hasn't need half as much and it's a decade older than my 04. I like the looks of the 3rd gens, but at almost 1k lbs heavier than the 1st gens, I think they didn't make them robust enough to carry their own weight.

As far as engine, I say go with the V8. If they don't deal with snow then get the 2wd.