Thinking of keeping my Explorer, what do you guys think?

[otto6099]

Hey! I have a 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition. The car has 212K miles and the transmission is shot, this isn't a big deal. I bought it at an auction and got a great deal on it.

The car has everything. There isn't an option in the handbook that I could find that this truck doesn't have, except for the radio which was replaced with a touch screen Sat-Nav radio/DVD player by the previous owner. Third row leather seats, etc.

So heres the deal: I'm selling a separate car that I have, a 2004 Chrysler Sebring LX with 121K miles, but an R-title. The reason I'm loathe to give it up is that it sips gas. I get between 23-28 MPG with no trouble. Its also got a very nice shade of Maroon that people seem to like.

I'm going to trade the Sebring to have a certified mechanic put a new transmission in.
So here are my questions:

Is this worth it?

But I can't find out what edition this truck is: Its the Eddie Bauer, but it has the 4.6l V8, not the 4.0L V8 that it should have according to google. Its definitely an Eddie Bauer because it has all the markings, but it seems to favor the "NBX" in everything else. Anyone know why?

What kind of Gas mileage do you get? Edmunds users says 20-23, google says 14-18, etc.

Thanks for any help!

 

[drdoom]

My fuel mileage is in line with your Google results, slightly better after loading a custom tune. FYI the Eddie Bauer came with either the V8 or V6.

 

[drdoom]

I don't know the value of your Chrysler but transmission jobs can easily run $4,000 USD. Your truck with a new transmission still won't have much resale value. But if you really like it that is what matters.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

chrysler sebrings are ticking time bombs (just like the 4.0) because the way the water pump is designed inside the engine and I don't think there's much value in it too (not enough for the transmission) IMO just keep it, you never know how the explorer runs when it has the transmission, it might need a new differential or some other stuff you weren't able check out. you at least have a spare vehicle when one is acting up.

 

[LaneSplitter]

I have an '03 XLT 4X4 with the 4.6 V8 and about the same mileage as yours. I've had no trouble with the engine, transmission or differentials.
I get 17 mpg.
I've been very happy with my explorer, despite some annoying issues that have come up with age: 1) power window on the front passenger side stopped working. 2) Outside air / inside circulation mechanism broke. 3) The part that changes the heater from cold to hot is clicking. 4) CD changer broke. 5) Small oil leak from somewhere around the oil filter.
It'll probably cost me about the same amount of money to repair these details as your transmission, but I know that everything else works in my truck. I'm keeping it.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

1) power window on the front passenger side stopped working. 2) Outside air / inside circulation mechanism broke. 3) The part that changes the heater from cold to hot is clicking. 4) CD changer broke. 5) Small oil leak from somewhere around the oil filter.
It'll probably cost me about the same amount of money to repair these details as your transmission, but I know that everything else works in my truck. I'm keeping it.

if you do the above DIY, it will cost only around $200-$300 depending on where you source the parts (which is nowhere the cost of transmission). nobody uses CD anymore mine has been broke for more than 10+ years and me and my wife didn't bother until we replaced it with a nav unit recently.

 

[LaneSplitter]

if you do the above DIY, it will cost only around $200-$300 depending on where you source the parts (which is nowhere the cost of transmission). nobody uses CD anymore mine has been broke for more than 10+ years and me and my wife didn't bother until we replaced it with a nav unit recently.

Yes, I haven't used the CD in almost a decade, but it makes a funny noise sometimes that reminds me it's broken.
And yes, I could also DIY a transmission for a few hundred bucks if all it needs is bands and clutches, but I'd have to devote a month worth of weekends to do it, just like pulling the dash and door panels. I know I won't do it because I've been thinking about doing it for over a year already. So it would cost ME about as much as a transmission.
The point is that I'm keeping the truck anyway.