Soon to be 03+ explorer owner

[redemn93]

hey all. newby here. my name is jason and i live in jupiter, fl. about 15 minutes north of west palm beach. nice forum here. lots of great info

so as soon as my camaro sells i will be looking for a 2003+ explorer. i used to have 2000 ranger 4.0 but it was the ohv motor. after doing some research on this site i decided a 2002 explorer has more issues that i would want. what i need is something reliable, and comfy and able to do run of the mill home depot runs since i am buying my first house. i am selling my beloved camaro for this reason. so if it needs to go, something good better be replacing it. i like the explorer idea so far. i love the looks. unfortunately havent been able to drive one or even ride in one yet to see if i like it. the ones i am seeing in my price range have around 80k miles. plenty around with 125-140k miles which is nice to see so far. i would love an 06 but its just too much money right now.

anyway, i was hoping someone could clear a few things up for me.

timing chains - common problem i see? something i should consider replacing right away? is there a perticular kit you recommend with guides, tensioners, etc? something aftermarket that is stronger and will last? should i just find a 4.6 explorer and call it a day? from what i am reading they make a rattling noise when they start to go bad? forgive me if this is dumb cause i would look at me cross-eyed aswell, but someone a long time ago mentioned that these motors have 2 chains? one front, one rear? how the hell does that work if so?

transmission problems at all? will change fluid and filter right away when i buy it.

ive read the rears have problems? do they require an additive like GM rears do? i will pull the cover and change the fluid right away when i buy it.

wheel bearing issues? is it the classic humming noise they make when they are going bad?

what are other problems i should watch for?

i really dont plan on doing anything performance wise to it (ya right, once a drag racer always a drag racer. lets see how long stock lasts). but i will be doing some nice cosmetic things. maybe a grill, HIDs, nice tastefull wheels like an 18-20" truck wheel.

thanks for all your help guys. i hope to bring some good info to the board myself in the future.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[alexk]

Not that I know anything about your questions, but I wouldnt assume that just because its an 03+ your safe. I would go for something cheaper and just buy a warranty on top of it to be covered and will equal out. For example Ive seen a couple of 02's with the V6 go for around $4500 around me. All with about 100K miles give or take a few thousand. Adding a warranty from Ford shouldnt be more than $2K for a really good one. I just looked them up today and they are having a promotion through Aug. 11 where you get an extra $185 off. So I would think you are better off spending $6500 for something with a warranty with a low deductable ( I mean like $50-$200) than buy something that is $6500 with no warranty, and to be honest will still be questionable.

 

[mainsource]

My new owner experience FWIW

Welcome aboard Jason. Since you're considering a used Explorer, you will definitely find this site to be useful. I think the more experienced and mechanically inclined members will be able to answer your questions.
However, I just purchased my first Explorer 2 months ago and I'll share my new owner experiences with you FWIW.

In June 2009 I bought an 03 Explorer XLT V8 AWD (not 4x4, this is true all wheel drive). It had 106k miles on it and I paid $5900 for it from an independent dealer in San Diego. I live in Orange County, CA. Mine has the third row seat, so with 2 kids and another on the way, it was perfect timing that I found it. I'm the third owner BTW. The second owner maintained all of the service schedules and kept the invoices in the glove compartment.
I also paid the dealer an extra $175 for a limited 3 month/3k mile power-train warranty from a 3rd party warranter (sp?).

Shortly after purchasing it, I noticed the rear whine issue so common on these forums. The Ford dealer said the rear diff needed to be replaced for $1800. The warranty company sent their inspector who said I had to replace the rear left bearing first, before they would cover the rear diff replacement. I had both rear bearings replaced for $400 and the rear whine has gone completely away. No need to touch the differential for now.

Next, the vehicle started jerking and shuttering between 45-65mph and CEL came on. It felt reluctant to accelerate past 65mph. Mechanic identified P030 code of engine misfire due to bad ignition coil. Replaced ignition coil and spark plugs (just to be safe) for $500 (this included the mechanic's $95 diagnostic charge). I also had the transmission flushed and refilled at AAMCO for about $114.

At this point I decided to bite the bullet and purchased the 2year/24k mile base care (engine, trans, suspension, AC, electrical) extended service plan from Ford for about $1400. That way, I won't have to deal with 3rd parties anymore and I have relative peace of mind for the next 2 years. I got a promotion rate of $190 off the regular ESP cost with the $200 deductible.

The shuttering/jerking has returned and the CEL light came on again. Took it to Ford and the dealer did not find any codes, but suspects another cylinder misfire. I spent $95 for the disgnostic and no fix. The problem occurs intermittently.

I'm going back to the dealer soon to get it fixed. Looking at the forums, its either I need a PCM update, a new solenoid pack, tire circumference checked (tires are all new) or the tranny is altogether about to go out.

The truck is 6 years old with almost 110k miles on it, so I'm not too upset with the bearing and ignition coil replacements. There's no telling how the first owner treated the truck. Once the jerking issue is fixed, I'll be a happy camper - I mean that literally cause I want to rent a camper and take my family up to the red wood forest. But not until I know the transmission is solid.

Hopefully my experience will serve as a point of reference for you. My 2 cents to you would be to have the vehicle THOROUGHLY inspected before you buy and most definitely purchase the ESP from Ford ASAP. It can pay for itself in one or two repairs. Keep us up to date on your Explorer shopping!

 

[redemn93]

Not that I know anything about your questions, but I wouldnt assume that just because its an 03+ your safe. I would go for something cheaper and just buy a warranty on top of it to be covered and will equal out. For example Ive seen a couple of 02's with the V6 go for around $4500 around me. All with about 100K miles give or take a few thousand. Adding a warranty from Ford shouldnt be more than $2K for a really good one. I just looked them up today and they are having a promotion through Aug. 11 where you get an extra $185 off. So I would think you are better off spending $6500 for something with a warranty with a low deductable ( I mean like $50-$200) than buy something that is $6500 with no warranty, and to be honest will still be questionable.

well, i am very mechanically inclined and honestly rather do the work myself. as far as thinking that an 03+ would keep me safe, i never said that. i have just read here the the 02 had more frequent issues and more susceptible to those. any first year run is that way. the warranty is something i could consider but rather have something i dont have to mess with/drop off.

after reading more last night i wonder if the 4.6 would be better for reliability. i am not looking for something i have to constantly work on. i really like the looks of these trucks and everyone says they ride great and tow great. i hope i dont get pushed away. i would love someone knowledgable about the motor to chime in and shed some light on why the timing chain issue happens and what the good parts are for it. thats really my biggest worry. i can handle ignition and such.

 

[Joe Dirt]

If it was me (it will be one day, when Snowball is retired to spare truck duty...) I'd go, and will go- for the V8. They're pretty plentiful, the gas mileage is virtually the same, and you have a bit more pop. Plus, your resale will be a little better if you need to do something with it. Here, the pricing is virtually the same as well- why not go for it... Just my .02

The 2003 vs. 2002 decision is a good one, for the simple fact that the 2002 model year was the very first year of the new Gen III, and Ford was working out kinks that year. The 2003 seems to be a more reliable ride overall, at least in what I've read, and experience with people I've known around here.

 

[redemn93]

i completely agree Mr. Dirt. my OHV was a great motor. under powered imo but great. i beat that thing into the ground for 130K (had 155k when i sold it) and never had an issue. i miss that ranger sometimes. i dont miss the 16mpg on the highway though once i lifted it and got 31s on it.

 

[imc]

Hello
I just got an 03 Sport with 4.0 and 100K on the odo.
I hope it will go trouble free for a couple years.

I've only own Toy,Lex, and Nis before. Hope to learn alot about Ford Explorer repair/maintenance issues here

 

[jrford]

hey, good luck with your search. my parents many, many years ago had a condo in tequesta when i was a kid that was cool area.

But you more a less nailed it on the head, wheel bearings, transmissions, diff's.
Wheel bearings you can listen for, easy fix.
Transmisisons read on the common failures, good news a rebuild does wonders.
diff's keep an eye out for leaks and noises, with the Class II hitch you get open diff's which seem less problematic and get a little better mpg being 3.55's, then the Class III which comes with a LSD (clutch plates) and 3.73's, might make a 1mpg difference.

I have a V8, they seem to be a good reliable motor for the most part, been around for a while. That V6 been around a long time too, i bet you'll find more info in the 2nd gens forum. .
If you like the Mounty's style those are the same trucks and they seem to come more with the v8's and AWD's, if your interested in those two options, might be more to pick from.

 

[EasyRhino]

Pretty much agree with all above.

Add to it that you should be able to get a VERY good price on one - used Ex's are not big sellers, so drive a hard bargain or drive away.

I would get one that has all service records and has not been towed with (helps the trannies last longer).

 

[redemn93]

good point about the mountys jrford. ya i have been finding great deals on them. if i do get one it will be a v8 for sure though. i just dont feel like tearing down the front end of a 70k mile motor anytime soon. any v6 i get will be ready for the timing chain to be done so that i dont ruin the motor when it does go. so v8 it is. plus it will be nice have the extra power if i decide to get a boat later. for now i will only be towing my ski.

 

[redemn93]

jrford, as far as tequesta. things have changed alot in the past 12 years that i have been here. you probably wouldnt recognize anything but the light house now. we have a contract on a house in stuart. hopefully we close by nov 30th to get that first time home buyers tax return.

 

[jakedrew]

i have a 04 xlt. I like the v8.

good luck