Should I Get a 4th Gen?

[jbwilson3791]

I've had a 3rd generation explorer for the last 5 years. For the most part i have really enjoyed it, however my transmission took a dump at 67,000 miles and I get the feeling moving forward it's going to be one problem after another. I just wanted to ask what the general opinion was of 4th generation explorers was? Are there any epidemics similar to the 3rd generation cracked tailgates and bad trannys? Without knowing much it seems like they have less issues, but that could also be because there was less sold. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks as always.

 

[seth21]

I have an 08 and love it. About to hit 100k with stock tranny and it's overall a nice vehicle. I have had to change the radiator and thermostat housing but both of those jobs were easy. I've read that people don't like the 3rd row power seats or power running boards because they are expensive to fix.

If I totaled it tomorrow, I'd probably replace it with an 2010. Not a fan of the latest model.

 

[jbwilson3791]

I have an 08 and love it. About to hit 100k with stock tranny and it's overall a nice vehicle. I have had to change the radiator and thermostat housing but both of those jobs were easy. I've read that people don't like the 3rd row power seats or power running boards because they are expensive to fix.

If I totaled it tomorrow, I'd probably replace it with an 2010. Not a fan of the latest model.

Great info. Thank you. Sounds like minor issues compared to what I'm used to.

 

[MotorCityFats13]

mainly just transmissions "all 5r55 variants" and some engines.... find a v8 and that trans goes away

 

[jbwilson3791]

mainly just transmissions "all 5r55 variants" and some engines.... find a v8 and that trans goes away

That's the plan! For some reason when I bought the last one the flex fuel option intrigued me but that was a waste. Thank you

 

[dantheman68]

I've been enjoying my 07 4.6 LTD since October. I bought mine while looking at a 2009 Envoy Denali (junk).

The strange things I've seen is that with the V8, the trans can get a bit goofy when slowing down/at stops (I think its a known quirk and not actually a problem) it sort of lurches, or feels like you got bumped from behind. Also... my manifold started leaking over the winter (more of a Ford V8 problem than explorer specific)

 

[Explorer_PL]

The tranny is goofy but not a big deal. Mine has been doing it for the past 10 years and 227 k miles, and it' still fine. The manifolds were fixed at around 150 k miles, just could not take the ticking anymore. 2 days of wrenching and drilling, what a pain......

 

[ronwc]

I've owned a 1994, 2000, 2004 and now a 2008. All of these I bought very reasonable used with about 90k miles on them when about 4 years old. All had the 6 cylinder engines and were the XLT so had most options. Never had any major problems with any of them, but never beat on them either, sometimes hauled 18' boats.

The 2000 was exceptional going 180k miles without any real repairs, sold it to a guy and he still drives it at 230k. I liked the 2004, but the rear end whine at certain speeds always bothered me. Sold that one to my kid a few years ago, he loves it, and I got the 2008.

The 2008 is like driving a Cadillac, very quiet and smooth. Although it is now up to about 150k miles, was fleet maintained by original owner, an insurance company, and still looks and drives like new. The only work I have done on it was a $250 alternator. Gas mileage not the best at 14 average, but I can live with it. I'm really not to sure about the new Explorers, so don't know where I'll go from here, but plan on keeping the 08 going for a few more years - so far, so good.

 

[Machine090767]

I love my 2007 XLT 4.0. Like posted above, "It is like driving a Cadillac"
I highly recommend the Gen 4 Explorer.

 

[thebrakeman]

If you need more than 5000 lbs max towing, then a 2009 or 2010 V8 with HD towing package is a great choice.
If you don't need that much towing, find a 3-4 year old V6 crossover that you like, and enjoy better gas mileage and more modern features.

 

[Tech By Trade]

the 4.0l SOHC 6 is garbage. If you can find a V8 that has had regular oil changes they are alright. As noted before, the IRS kills your towing capacity but leaves a cloud like ride.

 

[thebrakeman]

Nothing wrong with IRS for towing. 4th gen gets up to 7400 lbs. I tow 5200 lbs at about 750 lbs TW with a proper WDH.
Expedition is IRS, and gets 9000 lbs tow rating.