Newbie here and have some questions

[TRAXX]

Hi all,
I am considering buying an Explorer in the near future. I have always liked the Explorers ever since my Mother got one when I was in highschool. Hers is a 93 and for the most part, it has been a flawless vehicle. I personally am a big Mustang fanatic in particular the 87-93 models. In fact I have one that I semi-professionally race.
I was wondering if you all could give me some tips as far as what to look for when shoping for a used Explorer? This car will be my daily driver and will also be used to tow my Mustang to events. I am 99% sure it has to be a V8. Considering I have driven a Mustang I need POWER. Also probably need it for towing. So with that requirement I guess I am looking at 96s and up. What are the main differences in each of the years.

Also, I was wondering about the used prices I am seeing. They are LOW! Is this because the general public is scared of them because of the whole Firestone thing?

Thanks
Trevor Bishop

 

[mrboyle]

The low prices are (like you said) due to the whole rollover B.S. as well as the current panic over the war on terrorism.
As far as buying an X, if you plan to use it strictly as a daily driver/ tow vehicle I would definatley go with the V8 and try to find it in 2wd. The transfer case in the 4wd robs some power in order to opperate.

 

[rustytr]

Welcome to the site you will find it handy for everything explorer related and alot of things not. Stay away from the 97 SOHC if you can that was a bad year, and watch out for the tranny's in pretty much any of them with higher mileage. For towing definately the V8 and it'll probably be all wheel drive. Wish I could help a little more. Good Luck!

 

[Robert]

I don't know about that, all SOHC's built through 4/00 had their fair share of problems. Most of them were minor and all appear to have been corrected. My '97 SOHC has over 80K on it now and still runs very strong.