Newbie to Explorers/Ford, looking at used 2004 v8

[SAABturbo]

Hi guys,

This looks like a great site/community, I'm glad I found it.

My father's old station car finally died, and he's looking to replace it w/ a useful vehicle/SUV.

A 2004 Explorer 4.6 v8 popped up through an acquaintance of a relative. Apparently it's very clean, has about 85k miles, and the asking price seems very good to me.

I'm very familiar with SAABs, so when looking at a used one, I know the common trouble areas to look for...but I have no idea when it comes to Fords, or the Explorer. What are some key things to look for? My online searches have brought up a lot of mention of transmission problems. Should this be a concern? I assume the v8s and v6s have different transmissions. I hope the v8 one is not a problem?

This car would be used to drive ~2 miles each way to a train station during the week, and for home depot/nursery runs on the weekend. I could also see it being used as an alternative to the main family vehicle when the weather is bad or we need to carry a lot of load/people.

Thanks for any help/advice you can give, and if this pans out, we're excited to join your ranks!

 

[thepotroast]

I assume the v8s and v6s have different transmissions. I hope the v8 one is not a problem?

Same transmission is used between the V6 and the V8. Common issues with the 3rd Gen's (2002-2005) pretty much across the board, are wheel bearing failure before 100k miles, whiny rear differential, and a jerky transmission when putting it in drive (or while shifting). These are sealed transmissions (o dipstick) so you would just want to get the tranny completely serviced....new fluid and filter kit. While you're at it, have all fluids flushed and replaced (coolant, engine oil, tranny fluid, differential fluid, transfer case).

If nothing else, pull a CARFAX on the truck, and have it inspected by a neutral party mechanic. Drive it...see if there's any whine in the rear end on acceleration, any grinding or roaring while turning, any jerking in the shifting or while putting it in drive or park, test the 4x4 off the road (if equipped), if it's a 4x4 start a turn on dry pavement and then ease forward....see if there's any "chatter" in the front where the wheels are trying to grab but isn't a smooth transition.

There are plenty of other things that pop up on these that isn't a regular occurrence. On my 2003 4x4, I had the entire cooling system fail and fuel pump fail, as well as every single other thing I listed above....all before 100k miles.

Best of luck

 

[SAABturbo]

Same transmission is used between the V6 and the V8. Common issues with the 3rd Gen's (2002-2005) pretty much across the board, are wheel bearing failure before 100k miles, whiny rear differential, and a jerky transmission when putting it in drive (or while shifting). These are sealed transmissions (o dipstick) so you would just want to get the tranny completely serviced....new fluid and filter kit. While you're at it, have all fluids flushed and replaced (coolant, engine oil, tranny fluid, differential fluid, transfer case).

If nothing else, pull a CARFAX on the truck, and have it inspected by a neutral party mechanic. Drive it...see if there's any whine in the rear end on acceleration, any grinding or roaring while turning, any jerking in the shifting or while putting it in drive or park, test the 4x4 off the road (if equipped), if it's a 4x4 start a turn on dry pavement and then ease forward....see if there's any "chatter" in the front where the wheels are trying to grab but isn't a smooth transition.

There are plenty of other things that pop up on these that isn't a regular occurrence. On my 2003 4x4, I had the entire cooling system fail and fuel pump fail, as well as every single other thing I listed above....all before 100k miles.

Best of luck

Thanks for all the advice!

Are the transmission issues widespread enough to avoid this model altogether compared to other similar year mid sized SUVs? I know all cars have their issues and quirks, I'm used to that w. SAABs, but the SAABs never really had major powertrain weaknesses.

 

[swetrid]

Frontend parts, wheel bearings, rear diff whine, fuel pump, trans problems on pretty much everyone at some point.

 

[eeprete]

What everyone else said.

I too have a fuel pump that needs replacing now. It seems to be the priming stage when turning it in the key on position. My quick fix for the time being is turning it to the on then off position two or three times and then starting.

I also just did a head rebuild job at 69K due to a mysterious loss of coolant. Others too have had this same mysterious loss as well, some winding up with total engine failure.

 

[CALDWELL]

Key thing is to make sure the vehicle had good preventative maintainence...