naiku
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 15, 2014
- Messages
- 166
- Reaction score
- 4
- City, State
- Virginia
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2008 Ford Explorer Ltd V8
Hello,
My wife and I are interested in picking up a 4th gen Explorer and while we were initially looking more at the V6, from reading a bunch it sounds like the V8 may be the better option due to increased power, similar MPG etc.
But, there are ten V6 models for every V8 model in the area. We had found a 2008 V6 to go and look at, but reading all the issues with timing chains and potential transmission problems on the V6 have me rethinking things. Is the V6 really as prone to timing chain/transmission problems as it appears? I can likely work on the timing chain problem myself (with family help), but the transmission is likely out of my league.
Ultimately I think we would be happy with the V6, but if it really is that much worse than the V8 then I will hold out for the right V8 to come along.
Overall how are the Explorers for reliability and ease of use to DIY on? We have a 2000 F150 with the V8 that is pretty straight forward to work on, and at 235,000 miles has been overall very reliable (the biggest issue was that the transmission finally gave up earlier this year and had to be replaced). I am hoping for a similar kind of experience with an Explorer, we are hoping to pick up a 2008 or 2009, and plan to keep it for several years.
Thanks.
My wife and I are interested in picking up a 4th gen Explorer and while we were initially looking more at the V6, from reading a bunch it sounds like the V8 may be the better option due to increased power, similar MPG etc.
But, there are ten V6 models for every V8 model in the area. We had found a 2008 V6 to go and look at, but reading all the issues with timing chains and potential transmission problems on the V6 have me rethinking things. Is the V6 really as prone to timing chain/transmission problems as it appears? I can likely work on the timing chain problem myself (with family help), but the transmission is likely out of my league.
Ultimately I think we would be happy with the V6, but if it really is that much worse than the V8 then I will hold out for the right V8 to come along.
Overall how are the Explorers for reliability and ease of use to DIY on? We have a 2000 F150 with the V8 that is pretty straight forward to work on, and at 235,000 miles has been overall very reliable (the biggest issue was that the transmission finally gave up earlier this year and had to be replaced). I am hoping for a similar kind of experience with an Explorer, we are hoping to pick up a 2008 or 2009, and plan to keep it for several years.
Thanks.