want to get one for the wife?

[kanarmAN]

what is the life span of drivetrain for the 2002-2005 explorers.
This will be daily driver that will see 100 miles a day with the son in it so any info on what to be aware of I want a 8cyl but would take a 6cyl.

thanks Don

 

[sport97]

Avoid the 2002 year as there were transmission issues. Other than that both motors and transmissions from 03+ are solid. Just check the usual things when buying a car.

 

[kanarmAN]

ok thats cool no 2002

all the explorers in my price range have 71 thousand miles or so and that is on the low side I belive the 100 thousand mile and its junk is a myth but its still hard to make a purchase 0f 10 grand or more when I dont know who beat it?

 

[sport97]

i agree. Just keep a look out on craigslist, something will come along.

 

[shadowless127]

My boss' wife is driving around a 2004 Eddie Bauer V8 w/ 170K miles on it and loves it. I had 85K on my 2003 4.6L and loved it (and miss it very much).

 

[Joe Dirt]

They're not spent at 100k... But, I don't think we honestly know- few Ex's from 2003+ (excluding the '02's) have the years and miles racked (250k+ that the Gen II's have) simply becasue they're not old enough yet. I think they're a comfy fit to 200k before they would need major work, but like you said, it's always a crap shoot. If it's a well maintained 70k truck, and you keep maintaining it, I wouldn't expect less than 150k easy- with minimal work and money into it.

 

[coroguide]

Bought '03 4x4 V-8 XLT with 16K on it last year. Have 20K now. Had one issue so far. The clutch pack in the rear LS differential had to be replaced. Think this was due to the incorrect lube from the factory. According to the Ford service bulletin, lube needs to be 140wt with friction modifier. $900 later, back on the road again. This winter's snow has not stopped the Xploder yet. Love the ride and use it on all road trips in spite of the poor mpg. Would do it all over again.

 

[not8taxi]

every year has its good cars and bad cars...

 

[sportrac03]

I have an 05 4.6L 4x4 and it has 71,000 miles and it rides likes brand new. Love this truck.

 

[Limited02]

Sounds like you need a Fusion Hybrid. Driving these things a 100 miles a day will eat your wallet alive! Do you need an SUV or 4wd?