Newbie - '00 XLT AWD 5.0?

[Oversquare]

Hello! This could signal a return to the Explorer Forums for me. I used to have a '96 sport that I drove hard and enjoyed its useability. Alas, I sold it to pursue other options... but have come full circle to yet another Explorer. Anyways...

I'm looking into purchasing a '00 XLT AWD with the 5.0L V8. It has under 45k miles on it, and I'm looking about a $12K price. Is there anything specific I should check for before purchasing this vehicle? Are there any common failures or malfunctions that I should know about or expect with this specific Explorer?

Any additional opinions are greatly appreciated and welcome.

I will use it for a bit of commuting, lots of weekend trips to the mtns (mtn biking) as well as towing (around 5k lbs)Of course, the aftermarket is never far away with me, and I look forward to using the forums (yet again) for advice and ideas to extract the most enjoyment from my new Explorer.

Thanks!
-Brad

 

[spta97]

You can check the IAC (that seems pretty common). Here are the other things that went wrong on my 2000 XLT AWD:

- Dead rear wiper motor
- Squeaking alternator belt and bad tensioner (happening again after repair)
- Bad connnection from transmission to radiator
- Worn disk brakes
- Rear Anti-lock brake sensors (2 times - this disabled the anti-lock)

Other than that it's been pretty good (knock, knock). I got mine at 26,000 miles and have about 33,000 now so it is fairly new. The other ongoing problem I had was the gas mileage - IT SUCKS!!!!! Others have claimed decent mileage, but I've been ranging from 10 - 13 if I'm lucky. The winter blend is worse for mileage. A lot of people on the board will report differently but this has been my experiance.

Oh, the V8 + tranny seem to be a strong combo according to people around here.

 

[Oversquare]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it.

Anyone else with similar experiances or opinions?

-B

 

[Nitrous SSC]

I bought mine with 73k on the clock and it has 96k now.

I've done minor things maintaince wise and overall this truck has been very good to me! I've replaced one hub assembly. Also the deck was a problem but every explorer with a dual media deck faces the dreaded "black out".

I also get around 13-16mpg but thats because of the bigger tires I put on. Stock I'd get around 15-18. But if its gas MPG you're looking for don't get an SUV

For what you mentioned you'll be doing the 5.0 will serve you well. Its a very relible engine. I have a stock 140k shortblock in my stang thats lived 14 years with racing and nitrous use. 5.0's RULE! Also the 5.0's have a stronger transmission. Its used in the mustangs, F150's and expeditions.

The price you're looking at is pretty good if its in mint shape.

 

[seldont]

One DPFE sensor. One rear wiper motor (still not fixed). One set of front brake rotors and pads and of course the dual media stereo blackout. But mostly 120k of reliable driving. 5.0 AWD and still runs great. Still on the original plugs which are to be changed this summer.

 

[Oversquare]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Keep 'em coming.

-B