Wanting to buy explorer questions

[JonathonH]

My wife is wanting a explorer and I have a few questions and I thought what better place to find answers than here. I think I want the V-8 is this a better engine than the V-6? How can I find out if the explorer is equipped with the Tow Package? What is the tow rating for the V-8 and the tow package? My wife likes the limited or Eddie Bauer editions. Is ther one package that is better than the other? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[vipersinu2]

stay away from a 2002 thru 2005 ford changed body style there are many problems. buy a 2006 thru 2010 very good ford worked out the bugs. definitely get the v8 the v6 is a headache with many timing chain problems.

 

[JonathonH]

Thanks for the info. Are the 2002-2005 that bad? What kind of problems? We actually like interior better on the 02-05.

 

[43]

Personally i prefer the 02-05's more then the later models. But, in the 02-03 models there are supposedly engine problems that are common, but i've had bolth a 02 and an 03 and they never had any major problems, besides the themostat getting stuck in my 03 and busting open - spilling coolant everywhere.
On the Eddie Bauer vs Limited question, these two models are nearly the same, it was just that the Eddie Bauer was supposed to have more of an offread feel, so it got an Arizona beige trim color, while the limited got trim painted the same color as the rest of the body.
Towing - With a tow pkg v8 explorer, your good to tow up to 7700 or 7800 lbs (cant remember which), a v6 tow pkg is 5200 for 4wd, 5800 2wd. v6&v8 w/o tow packages aren't rated for more then 2800 due to a lower gearing and a smaller hitch.
The reliability of v6 vs. the v8 is pretty much the same, the 02-03 v6's were know to have timing chain issues though i think.
Just a couple notes.
SOHC v6 4.0 liter - 210 hp 250 tq
DOHC v8 4.6 liter - 239 hp 260(?) tq
4x4 Auto - Detects slippage and enables 4x4 until vehicle is stable again.
4x4 High - Engages 4x4 while staying in the normal gearing of the vehicle.
4x4 Low - Engages 4x4 and drops into a low gear ratio of aprox. 2:1, reduces speed, adds torque.

If anyone finds any errors please say what the correct info is.

 

[NHarris]

Thanks for the info. Are the 2002-2005 that bad? What kind of problems? We actually like interior better on the 02-05.

In my opinion the 2002-2005's are the biggest pieces of crap Ford made. 2006+ I've heard are fairly good trucks.

If you get a V8, you will run the risk of replacing the motor as they get spun rod bearings easy after 140k miles.
The transmissions just suck. They go out anywhere from 80k up. My transmission has 87k miles and has a faulty solenoid already. My 2nd gen explorer had no transmission issues at all.
Just from my personal experience and seeing a lot of other people's troubles stay away from this generation and get a 2006-2010 V8.

 

[vipersinu2]

I have both body styles. you will be sorry if you purchase a 2002 -2005 explorer. look ten posting down from this posting; they talk about this body style problems.

"Just bought an 02', What to look for? What to check?"

also in 02-05 forum, the begining of this form there is like 20 help how to fix. in the 06-10 there is like 3 postings.

 

[Hbrichman]

I have a 2003 4.6L and and Ive never had any major engine or transmission problems, but that's just from my personal experience. Hearing about the 02-05's defects though, I sometimes worry about what could be around the corner for my Explorer sitting at 110,000 miles.. There may be defects to the 02-05's but it is still a very nice and reliable truck.. Ide say If you enjoy the style of the older models interior and exterior, just be aware of the risks down the road before you purchase one, and, if it's a risk your willing to take. Whichever way you go I prefer the 4.6L, the fuel economy isn't a big difference from the 4.0. Good luck!

 

[Swamp Fox]

I have gotten good service out of my '04 XLT 4wd. I have the V6 and it serves me well. Mileage over 100K and no transmission problems. All in all one of the best vehicles I've had. I do my own service when possible. Plan on keeping it for a while.