Selecting an Explorer

[sean99]

Try searching on craigslist.org for a private owner Explorer. They will be usually be cheaper than a dealer and you might find an original owner vehicle with receipts for all work done. http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1859846458.html

 

[NHarris]

-Out of the ones listed I'd say the first one. It looks good (from the picure). AWD usually has worse fuel economy so if you could get a 4wd one it'd be a lot better, but AWD and 4WD are about the same besides AWD doesn't have a 4wd low setting.
-As for how much will a dealership drop, it all depends on what dealership and how much they are willing to. My 05 they were willing to lower the price quite a bit. But other dealerships wouldn't lower their price more than $200.
-The 05, has way too many miles for that year, and that differential would turn me off there. Obviously the person knew there was something wrong with that X.
-My 05 its rear diff is silent. That 05 just seems like there is a lot of problems, and it wouldn't be worth gambling on it.
-My 98 has been a great car. Has 170K miles, and runs strong. I have had the front suspension basically rebuilt...and a new head gasket put on it. But other than thats those second generations (95-01) are great. Mine is the 4.0L V6, but I've heard good about the 5.0L.
-And do search for a private owned explorer like said by sean99 they are usually cheaper. If you can try to find a one or two owner explorer.
Ask for a carfax on all the dealer cars you look at.
Those carfaxs can uncover problems that you wouldn't otherwise know about, and it will say how many people have owned the car.
Good luck with purchasing your vehicle.

....http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/1859846458.html

Thats a good looking mountaineer. And at a good price.

 

[safn1949]

Mileage wise my 5.0 AWD gets 14 around town and 17 hwy but I don't baby it and I haven't got around to doing a tuneup yet.That 17 is at 70 mph with the A/C on and the cruise on.

 

[Rudy602]

Apparantly some AWD's have a 4WD low range because my 97 AWD has the same three position switch on the dash that my '95 4WD has but has AWD/4HI/4LO instead of 2WD/4HI/4LO.

 

[NHarris]

Apparantly some AWD's have a 4WD low range because my 97 AWD has the same three position switch on the dash that my '95 4WD has but has AWD/4HI/4LO instead of 2WD/4HI/4LO.

True...forgot about that.

 

[IZwack]

That is just a rebelling thing - the AUTO mode pretty much behaves like an AWD in all 2nd gens. However, a true AWD transfer case is mechanically different than a selectable transfer case (4wd, HI range, LO range).

 

[kizzie]

I have had a look at craigslist and found a few other vehicles which is really bad as it makes it harder to decide. There seems to be some too good to be true sales so I have limited myself to 96 -01 gen 2 explorers. Overall they have varied from 2K to 3.5K so the first choice above is another 1K on top of the private sales, but it also has the lowest kilometers that I have found. I think I prefer a 5L V8, sunroof, cd, cruise control and I like the special trimmings. I have also seen alot of the v6s...Are they as bad as it appears, should I consider the v6? So many cars, confusion, decisions. The first choice is still hanging around in my preferences, so it is holding its own so far. Have I just talked myself into a circle (mileage, dealer, private, price, v8, v6, price, dealer...) I am confused..I have nearly had enough.

I am now relying on everyone's support here on the forum to get me through

 

[NHarris]

I think I prefer a 5L V8, sunroof, cd, cruise control and I like the special trimmings. I have also seen alot of the v6s...Are they as bad as it appears, should I consider the v6?

I am now relying on everyone's support here on the forum to get me through

--I have a 1998 4.0L Pushrod (OHV) V6. The 2nd gen SOHCs Stay away from. Those earliest SOHCs are notorious for problems. Get a OHV v6 and they are good engines. My 98 X's engine, the OHV V6, has been problem free...except the new head gasket, years ago...
--I love my 4.0L OHV explorer. Its fuel efficient, and it has excellent low-end torque. I wouldn't suggest the 4.0L OHV if you want a powerful X.
--How to tell the difference...here's a picture of the 4.0 OHV engine. I couldn't find a 4.0 SOHC picture, but if the 4.0 V6 engine does not look anything like the picture below, then its an SOHC.

4.0L V6 OHV

 

[celly]

Apparantly some AWD's have a 4WD low range because my 97 AWD has the same three position switch on the dash that my '95 4WD has but has AWD/4HI/4LO instead of 2WD/4HI/4LO.

The ones equipped with V6s do anyhow. Never heard of a V8 2nd gen with 4WD, from the factory.

Does yours have a V8?

Not doubting you. Just curious.

 

[kizzie]

Here is the video of the 1996 model that I like...

it has interior shots etc... it really is immaculate interior.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

also the KELLEY BLUE BOOK® SUGGESTED RETAIL REPORT
Engine: V8, 5.0 Liter Trans: Automatic Drive: AWD Mileage: 121,127
Standard Equipment

* Air Conditioning
* Power Steering
* AM/FM Stereo
* Dual Air Bags
* ABS (4-Wheel)
* Steel Wheels

Optional Equipment

* Limited
* Power Windows
* Power Door Locks
* Tilt Wheel
* Cruise Control
* Cassette
* CD (Multi Disc)
* Leather
* Dual Power Seats
* Sun Roof (Sliding)
* Roof Rack
* Privacy Glass
* Running Boards
* Grille Guard
* Towing Pkg
* Premium Wheels

Retail Value $5,665

 

[NHarris]

Watched the video and I have to say, its a nice looking explorer.
I'd say go for it, if you've driven it, and checked it out.
Try to get that list price out the door, on any car you offer on, if they don't go for that then just go with the list price, or go a bit higher on the Out the Door price.
Remember taxes and dealership fees are added to that price once the car is bought.

 

[kizzie]

Thanks Ice, when I drove it it felt reliable quiet, started great, sounded smooth, no funny business.

The total he told us would be $5125 all registered on the road and all taxes paid etc.

He said its 6% taxes and then $50 Title Fee so im not sure what other fees were added into it?

Does that sound about right??

 

[NHarris]

So I checked the numbers.
-List price:
$4500
-Taxes:
$270
-Title fee:
$50 (looked that up, correct price)
-Emissions and safety:
$180.00 (looked that up from maryland dmv)
-Dealership Fees (if my math is correct):
$125

So here's how it adds up:
List price:
4500
+270 Taxes
4770
+ 50 Title Fee
4820
+180 Inspection (emmisions and safety)
5000
+125 Dealership Fees
Total: $5125

In my opinion thats a good price for a 96 Explorer with 121K. $125 dealership fee is cheap. When I was looking at an 05 sport trac, the dealership fee was $230

 

[kizzie]

Thats fantastic and REALLY helpful, I cant thank you enough that is alot of effort for someone you dont know! Thanks heaps buddy!!! I cant wait to bring my new toy home and start personalizing her : )

I will be at the dealership when it opens first thing tomorrow morning : )

 

[NHarris]

I took a guess on a baltimore area zip-code and, wow did you find a good explorer (out of all the ones listed)!
A one owner, that is definately a top-car to get. Its most-likely been well-maintained, and the dealer did do some work on it when they got it in.

I assume you've looked at a carfax report?
If not I can give you a link to the carfax report.

 

[kizzie]

hehe nice so you found it???

I'm glad you like it, it definately makes me feel alot comfortable with my chouice although I was always 90% set on this one.. Thankgod! The age etc made me a bit worried and also being able to sell it again after 18months when I move back to Australia.

The dealer who put some work into it also changed the transaxle on it aswell although that doesnt show up on the carfax report so im not entirely sure what the transaxle is... is it transmission and differential?

Also the only other concern I have is the tire tread as previously said before I think the front wheels have been changed but not the same time as the rear wheels so therefore the tread is different. Now... question.. do you think I should get the dealer to replace with a new set of tires?? or keep them the way they are and just replace them myself??

Thanks again to you ice and to all others for the input it has certainly made my choice a little more easier!!

Kizzie


PS LAST BUT NOT LEAST

The car was originally off white in color, will it now be difficult in registration if its now a maroon??? Like will this be troublesome anywhere for us??

 

[NHarris]

Transaxle:
Yes, the transaxle usually refers to the transmission, and differential.
Tires:
Get the tires yourself. Then you know you have good tires on the car.
I had a dealer put a new spare tire on my 05 explorer, and they put the cheapest tire they could find on there. It ended up being a used tire.
Resale:
Make sure when you go to sell your car that you have a carfax in hand (if privately sold). That will help to speed up a sale. Then people can see the history of the car. Being that it will have had two owners total when you sell it, it should help sell the car.
You should choose to privately sell your car, as you will get more money. But, if you're in a hurry to sell it, sell it to a dealership.

Good luck on purchasing the car.

The black fading on the back door...
My 05 X had the same problem on the black pieces. I found some of this stuff. It does magic on those black pieces. For example my mirrors were faded, used this stuff, and it looks like new.

You could always take your explorer back to australia

 

[kizzie]

ok so other Auto questions?

What are your auto shops like in Australia we have places like http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/

Do you have a place here to buy all that stuff like the back to black.. and thanks for that I was just going to paint it up hahaha....

 

[NHarris]

Well to start.
There's the famous US chain Walmart.
I buy my auto cleaners, and stuff at Autozone, thats where I bought the back to black.
There is CarQuest auto parts, advanced auto parts. And many local shops.
I think advanced auto parts, is one of the best auto parts retailers. I don't have one locally, but whenever I'm nearby one, I usually stop there.
Also You can get cheap tools at Harbor Freight.
Auto Zone website
www.autozone.com
Advance auto parts
http://www.advanceautoparts.com
Carquest Auto
http://www.carquest.com
Harbor Freight Tools
http://www.harborfreight.com
Walmart
http://www.walmart.com

Hopefully this helps
Any more questions feel free to ask.

If the back to black doesn't work, then just paint it.

 

[rhauf]

I'd go with the '96, hands down.
it will use slightly more fuel since it's a less efficient v8, but it will save you money in the long term because it has the most reliable parts. (or should i say the fewest unreliable parts?)

AWD or 4wd would both do well in snow. i'd prefer 4wd as it can be switched on and off, and it's not a big deal if one tire has slightly more wear than the others (saves you money on tires in the long run) also 4wd is less problematic than awd.

a transaxle is a transmission which is built into an axle. this is something which is found in front wheel drive cars. explorers have transmissions. the seller probably meant to say it had a new transmission.