Thinking of buying-advice needed

[bubbanezz]

Hi there. I'm a newbie thinking of buying an Explorer. I hope I'm posting this in the right area.
I don't have a lot of cash so, I'm looking at buying a higher mileage vehicle. I'm just wanting to know (from the Explorer experts) if I'd be crazy purchasing a 1997 Explorer with 262,000 kms on it? (that's 162,000 miles) The body and interior are in great shape. Haven't taken it for a test drive yet. Anything I should watch out for?

I appreciate all the answers/opinions.

nezz

 

[MrQ]

Be careful with what engine you get. The SOHC is known for destroying chain tensioners around 100k. Also, make sure that transmission shifts good. IIRC its the 5r55e. If its a 5.0 or 4.0 OHV then you should be ok. My '94 had 154k when I bought it and it still has the original 4.0 OHV in it.

2nd gen owners can give you a better heads up. This is just what I have noticed about those Explorers on this forum.

 

[shadowless127]

Both 6 cylinder engines for 97 and newer use the questionable 5r55e transmission. Just make sure the transmission shifts smooth, especially shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear.

The SOHC engines, as Mr. Q said, are known for having timing chain issues (due to poorly designed guides) around 100K. The OHV engine is a pretty tough powerplant.

The 5.0L v8 is a beast of an engine. Just make sure there is no slippage in overdrive, and that there are no signs of blown headgaskets.

On to other issues to look for; blend door actuator not working, cd changer not reading CD's, and multifunction switch malfunctioning.

I'm on my second 2nd gen ex/mounty and I love them. I bought my 98 mountaineer V8 with 150K miles on the clock, and sold it with 166K. I just picked up a 97 Mountaineer V8 with 180K on the clock. I wouldn't hesitate buying an explorer with that mileage.

 

[bubbanezz]

Thanks for the replies so far!! Great advice.

 

[Khaelbee]

there are so many people on this site that have run for more than 300,000 miles in theirs and they are still running strong. i always joke that my odometer is going to run out of space before my explorer dies.

 

[EricM9104]

Hi there. I'm a newbie thinking of buying an Explorer. I hope I'm posting this in the right area.
I don't have a lot of cash so, I'm looking at buying a higher mileage vehicle. I'm just wanting to know (from the Explorer experts) if I'd be crazy purchasing a 1997 Explorer with 262,000 kms on it? (that's 162,000 miles) The body and interior are in great shape. Haven't taken it for a test drive yet. Anything I should watch out for?

I appreciate all the answers/opinions.

nezz

Go for it.
Watch for transmission slippage, if it has the SOHC engine, check with the owner to see if the death rattle has been adressed.
I bought my 95 with 4.0 OHV engine and A4LD transmission with 222k miles. Runs awesome, has the lag from park to drive in the trans but after reading that's normal I guess...

 

[McSlug]

As far as the 4.0l SOHC engine go's. Unless you are a do it yourself kind of guy it is expensive to fix and I cannot recommend them.
You mention your odometer reads in klm's what country are you living in?
In Australia (where I live) the prices for parts and labor are in the extreme.
Most of the people here love their explorers but most of them have spent many hours on repairs.
You will get a lot of car for your money. They are very comfortable, powerful, have lots of extras,good looks, and heaps of room inside.
Myself and the wife love our 4.0l SOHC '98 explorer and we will keep it till it dies. We did get a huge reduction on the listed price due to haggling and the seller knowing how much repairs where going to cost them and he just wanted out of the vehicle. The guy showed us his original purchase documents and he lost out big time.
You don't want to be this guy.
If you are a do it yourselfer then go for it. You will have a great car for a great price.

 

[ash98fordexp]

my e has the 4.0 sohc with 191xxx o nit i havent seen where the timing been messed with but it doesnt make any noise either.. maybe i got one of the luckier one..lol but the tranny does shift hard at times and sometime it feels like it slips.. just my 2 cents

 

[bubbanezz]

The '97 sold. I'm now looking at a 1998 Eddie Bauer with 190,000km on it (I'm in Canada)
They want $2900 for it and it apparently needs only a right side emergency brake to pass the safety. (going to try and talk down) I haven't seen it yet and am in the process of getting a time to go see it/test drive.

Comments/advice?