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Uk student is thinking of taking the plunge!

B

block

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September 26, 2010
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Bristol
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dont own one yet
Hi Guys!

Im a student, an old one at 26, and I have wanted a 4x4 since I was 10, and I really like the explorer!

I have a few questions before I buy one and I would like your guys help!

Are they realiable? I have a pretty good job for a student but I dont want to be carless and forking out for repairs all the time! Also are parts expensive?

I know about insurance and fuel costs and I am willing to take that on the chin!

Cheers guys

Chris
 



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Hello mate, welcome to the forum, The Explorer is a very fine motor- with all the comforts and tricks you could hope for- you need to be aware of one thing- the timing chain guides, wear and will need replacing-if they have not been done,(be sure you have proof of that if buying from a stanger. Its better to buy from members here as a few buy and sell, repair the chains and have sold some after that- many of us have been around these for years and can help you with advice.

Please search for "timing chains", in this forum and see that it is a common issue, and deadly if not addressed in terms of cost!
Good luck if you decide to buy one and if I /we can help any more- please ask mate!
 






Hi Block,

We punted for an Explorer other than the 2nd choice... A Range Rover! The explorer is far more reliable than the above, as Big says - Timing Chains are a must. The other benefit is that it's more of a head turner, their are not that many around. I see that you're in Bristol so you're pretty close to Justin at Explorer Parts UK who is in Newport - he only deals in Explorers and is one of several experts who you will see mentioned frequently around here (Search on Google) He may be able to do you a good deal on a freshly timing chained Explorer? Good Luck!

Ben.
 






Hey block and welcome.
I think the boys above have basically said it.
The other problem is the tranny but that is pot luck to a degree but check the fluid is not burnt before you buy. As said above justin may be able to do you a good price on your very own ex.
As for parts they are no more expensive than any other car really, especially if you don't mind online from US for smaller parts and 2nd hand from justin or chrisquelch (member on here based near portsmouth).
The crux is they are 10 years old as a minimum and therefore some parts are going to be near the end of their life like bushes, wheel hubs or the odd switch, relay or the like. However most things are fairly easy to fix if you have some basic mech skills and a few tools, and there are plenty of how to's on the site and plenty of guys that have been there done that to give you pointers.
Lets face it you could fork out a couple of grand for a vectra and have that eat away at your wallet, at least the ex will give you more fun.
regards
Jan
 






Hi Chris. I took the plunge earlier in the year and, as yet have not regretted it (that's done it!). I had been looking for a newer Range Rover V8 than the one which had dissolved last year but started looking at the alternatives of whicht he Ex was one. Much cheaper and in much better nick generally. However, they are not perfect and reading the postings in this forum can sometimes be a bit overwhelming but I'm thoroughly enjoying owning one and, as issues are raised here, I tend to check mine just in case. As Jan says, they are starting to get old but, so long as you bear that in mind you shouldn't be disappointed. GRoB.
 






As you're in Bristol, you're not far from Newport. Justin, the guy we all trust to repairs ours when they go wrong may have one or 2 for sale that will give you a long time of trouble free motoring.

Give him a call and see what he says, You can't go wrong with an Explorer though, great vehicles, capable on and off road, comfy and roomy with plenty of toys!


Si
 






Thank you very much guys! I really apreicate the warm welcome and advice! You have made the move from car to 4x4 seem less daunting! I will get in touch with this justin in the next few weeks, I wanna save abit more cash and sell my current car!

Is there ever any explorer meets?
 






Hey guys..just out of curiosity. In the UK what is the cost of a new explorer v. the cost of a brand new range rover?
 


















Top of the range North Face would have set you back £27.5k in 2001, whereas the cheapest RR County (4.0 V8 auto) was £40k. Mind you, if you had cash to burn there was always the special ed Linley, a mere £100k :)
 






Interesting. I'd drive a 2001 Explorer North Face over a RR any day. I'm not biased either..I just don't see the justification in price. Did they have the V8 AWD in the UK?
 






Nope, only the V6 SOHC 4x4.... with Air Ride, Sun Roof, Elec Front Seats, Fender Flares, Remote Locks, 16" wheels,


Si
 






"The other problem is the tranny but that is pot luck to a degree"!
Yes- that happend to me once in Sri Lanka, without lubrication! Lol!!
 






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