What new (used) Explorer is best for me?

[julia]

HI ~ I've owned my '93 XL manual since 1996 at 69K, and it now has 199K on it! Nothing major wrong with it ... (I did have tranny rebuilt last year ....) but it's getting "up there" and I'm thinking seriously about buying a newer one. But I want to avoid getting a bad year model design, and would love input on what to look for.

What's important to me? I'm not a "four wheeler", but I live in mountains on dirt roads, and need my X to get me through deep snow in winter, and occasional tows of utility trailer for ranch chores, as well as long road trips. I would like another stick shift, with manual hubs. (and cruise control would be great!) I like the rear seat folding fully flat (as in the '93). I don't care much about "bells and whistles", prefer simplicity - -less to break down! Does such an entity exist in a newer X ? I read stuff about a bigger engine being better, because it has a more reliable tranny? (does it get worse mpg?) Can't fathom the idea of repairing these AT's every 70K! Would really appreciate your advice! What years and models are the best? ~~ Thanks !!

 

[section525]

Sounds like you need a V8!

95+ no longer have locking hubs. So that rules out manuals. The V8's come in AWD or 2WD.. so it sounds like you'll need an AWD. They get decent gas mileage. People are getting anywhere from 15-19 probably. The trannies are 100% indestructable. So chances are you wouldn't have to replace that again. The motors are just as reliable. They're great for towing and great for rough weather driving.

Good luck!

 

[SiLenZe]

She wants stick shift, I recomend a 2000-2001 with the 4.0 SOHC

 

[jimbo74]

i would say hte awd with the v8 would be better....

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

A second generation with a V-8 in it and only if you find the one that is the "right" color. I love my Explorer, but the 2 things that I wished are that 1) it was a V8 and 2) it was a white or pearl white color with tan interior instead of the toredor red with tan. Red is pretty, especially when it is waxed up for game, but I always like white the best.

This is just my opinion,

 

[julia]

Hey, thanks all! A few questions in response to your posts:


After 1995 there are no more stick shifts? Is having manual hubs dependent on having a stick shift? Can one just change out hubs from auto to manual? Or perhaps with the type of driving I do, auto locking hubs are "more OK?"

Is a 4.0 SOHC a stick shift? Is it V6 or V8? Would I encounter the tranny issues with this one? I think I read that the manual transmission didn't have the problems that the AT did, which is one reason I wanted the stick.

What years are second generation? (Is there a third??)

I've been trying to read up in this site and learn, but it can get a little overwhelming at time!

Thanks.

 

[julia]

P.S. The reason I had to rebuild the tranny on my '93 stick at 185K ... is that the dealership had serviced it with gear oil instead of ATF !

 

[SiLenZe]

From what you said you want control over your 4x4 hubs. An AWD truck would not do this for you. They do make stick shifts for the V6 engines. a late model SOHC engine would be a good upgrade from your OHV.

 

[snocross1985]

Originally posted by julia
Hey, thanks all! A few questions in response to your posts:


After 1995 there are no more stick shifts? Is having manual hubs dependent on having a stick shift? Can one just change out hubs from auto to manual? Or perhaps with the type of driving I do, auto locking hubs are "more OK?"

Is a 4.0 SOHC a stick shift? Is it V6 or V8? Would I encounter the tranny issues with this one? I think I read that the manual transmission didn't have the problems that the AT did, which is one reason I wanted the stick.

What years are second generation? (Is there a third??)

To answer your questions:
You can get a stick shift after 1995, not sure on the last year they were available. Manual hubs can be had on an automatic or manual transmission, however, it is not possible to have manual hubs on an explorer that is not a 1991-1994. The 4.0 SOHC is a V6 that puts out I think 210 HP. I think, but am not positive, that you can get a 4.0 SOHC with a stick shift. You are correct about what you heard about the auto trannies. The auto trannies behind the V6's are more prone to problems. The auto tranny behind the V8 is much more stronger and rarely has problems, but you cannot get a V8 Explorer with a manual tranny. First generation is from 1991-1994, second generation is 1995-2002 (pretty sure its 2002) and there is a third generation which is 2003-present. Hope I helped you out a bit!

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

2nd Gen is 1995-2001. 2002 was the first year of the IFS/IRS 3rd gen Ex.

 

[TBeck2000]

Model year 2002 was the last year that the 5 speed manual transmission was an option. It is mated to the newer 4.0 SOHC engine making 210hp and something like 250 ft-lb of torque. Not too many bells and whistles (like sunroof, 3rd row seating, leather, etc), but it is fairly well appointed. Here's mine that I picked up last summer:
http://brokengnome.com/explorer

I bought it from a man whose wife had knee surgery and could no longer push in the clutch. I was able to get it for about $10k off sticker with 4400 miles on it. Maybe you could find a similar deal.

I'm not sure how much abuse the IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) can take, but it sounds like it might get a bit of a workout with driving in the mtns and doing chores. My X is used solely on the pavement and it does this job very well.

-Tim

 

[julia]

Thanks so much, guys! This really helps.

I want to post a helpful e-mail reply SiLenZe made to me, for whoever else might benefit as well:

From SiLenZe:

I would get the newest model year explorer you can
afford. They improved the transmission year after
year. You will not have any problems with the
transmission as long as you change the fluid at the
recommended intervals in the user manual, even if you
get an automatic. A manual transmission does not heat
up like an automatic and lasts a lot longer, you will
have no trouble.
Go to a local dealer and have them show you one of
each model and pick the one you like best. Be sure
you take your time and dont let the salesperson rush
you.

 

[Hoffer]

I just traded in my 2000 Explorer with the V6 for a 2004 with the V8.

The difference is night and day. The IRS and the V8 make for A LOT better ride. I gave my dad a ride in my new Explorer and he made the comment on how much better the thing drove. Plus, the V8 is a lot quieter than the V6.

So, if I had to choose between a 2nd and 3rd gen Explorer, I'd go 3rd in a second. Consumer Reports now recommends the Explorer because they say its reliability has improved. I think CR only recommends 2 or 3 Fords.

 

[CodePoet]

I think a 2nd gen would probably be best. I agree that the v8 would be better since the tranny's are good. I wouldn't go with a brand new one. As far an engines go if you want a v6...PERSONALLY I would go with the OHV simply because it's quite a bullet proof engine...and remember HP is for braggin, Torque is what gets you down the road . I think your going to want the more capable 2nd gen suspension in the deep deep snow...but I come from a offroading background so i'm a huge opponent of irs. Anyway that's my opinion...feel free to disagree I don't care

Later
CP

Just alittle fyi on the engines.
v6 OHV
160 HP
220 ft/lbs torque

v6 SOHC
205 HP
250 ft/lbs (97)
240 ft/lbs (96)

v8
210 HP
280 ft/lbs

NOTE: the way it was explained to me is that Torque is the power the engine produces, HP is how quickly it can produce it.

 

[Majisto]

First Gen. - 1991-1994. Coil Springs, Radius Arm/Leaf suspension (Front/Rear). Only engine option is the 4.0 OHV. 2-wheel ABS (RABS as it is called) until 1993. Also, in '93, the OHV recieved a few power upgrades. 4-speed auto (A4LD) or 5-speed manual available. Push-Button 4WD available.

Second Gen - 1995-2001 Torsion Bar, Control Arm/Leaf suspension. 5.0 V-8 introcuded in 1996 on 4-door only, and AWD comes as an option only for the V-8. SOHC debuts in 1997. Choice of 4-speed auto or 5-speed auto after 1997 with SOHC (OHV retained a 4-speed auto I believe until 1999?), and a 5-speed manual with the OHV. SOHC had a 5-speed manual in a 2001. In 1998 the rear tailgate was freshened up a bit. 4WD (Note this is NOT all-wheel drive. There is no center differential) was offered on V-6s with a turn-dial. It comes with Auto 4X4/4 High/4 Low. Note: After 2001, the OHV is completely gone. The SOHC is the new base engine.

Third Gen - 2002-Present I don't know much about the Third Gens. I believe they use the same front suspension, but the rear is an independent type. Note that the Sport (2-door Explorer) and Sport Trac (Extended Cab Ranger) have the solid axle and leafs still out back. These are probably too expensive anyway, so don't worry about getting one. Second Gen is the best value IMO.

Now...Let's dismiss any mis-conceptions people have of the 4.0 SOHC motor.

First of all, I have 125K miles on my truck (2000 XLT) and am still running on a fully stock drivetrain. After the chain tensioners on the SOHC are fixed it's a great motor (Note: This recall only applies to model year 97-2000 Explorers).

I have no difficulty with the chains, and I love having the extra horsepower for the better "oomph" on the highway. I'd like to see an OHV run an 8 second 0-60 while maintaining 19/25 MPG. I know I'm going to piss off all the OHV guys, but it really is true. The 4.0 SOHC IS the same engine under-neath as the OHV, and you can't go wrong with the solid Cologne series of motors (2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 4.0). The SOHC is at the top of the chain (Pardon the pun). And judging by the numerous high-mileage OHVs on here, I'd say the Colognes are rock solid.

As for the transmission...well, yes, the V-6 tranny has been to known to fail, but it's not as weak as people talk about. It seems like the 5-speed 5R holds up much better than the old 4-speed auto. Keeping the transmission cool with an in-expensive transmission cooler will help you a lot. The V-8's 4R70W automatic is tough as nails. That's why people recommend the 8-Cylinder because the 302/4R70W has worked in the Mustang so well in the past.

I do wish sometimes I had bought an 8; mostly for the sound, but you can't go wrong with a 6-banger. The SOHC doesn't have a lot of problems towing, and if your old OHV 5-speed had no problems towing, the SOHC will be just dandy. I'd look for a 2nd Gen (Preferably after 1998 since I don't like the old tailgate look on the 2nd Gen) with the SOHC or V-8. Remember, the V-8 has AWD, but no low-range. For you though, that doesn't sound like a big deal (It isn't for me either).

If you truly need a stick shift, you're stuck with the OHV for the most part (Finding an SOHC with a manual is next to impossible, especally in a 4-door). Either way, get a 2nd Gen. The torsion bars are very under-rated, and the better braking system is also good to have. If you have any other questions, just ask. Be sure to show us the Explorers you are looking at so you don't get suckered into a bad deal.

 

[Electrohacker]

I got a '96 5.0 awd this past summer and Igo to college in houghton, MI (Snow cpaitol of the united states, or at least michigan)

i love it, very tough, very dependable so far, can drive it sideways in the snow and bearly rolls (body roll)

I drive 70-80 round cars goin 40 in heavy snow storms cause they can't get a fration of my traction!

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd never tow with a v6 Explorer again, unless it was the manual. If you tow anything far/heavy, I'd opt for the V8. The AWD works very well in the snow, and ice, and is always ready to go.

 

[njmaxxin]

there is a 2nd generation 4 door stick shift around the corner from me for sale. if your interested. email me at Headake86@aol.com. i dunno about mileage, engine, etc, but i know its stick shift. its also green.

 

[LMedina]

Aloha~

Of course I'm biased - check out the 2000 Explorer XLT, V6 (this is what I drive). I know you're looking for AWD, but the 4WD option on the 2000 Explorer gives you better versatility, with a Low Gear setting if you decide to do some serious mountain-hopping or hauling uphill. The 4WD system has 3 settings you set with a dial - one of them is "Auto," which normally sends power to the rear wheels, BUT will send power to the front wheels when the system detects the need for it. I'm just guessing that this system might even be better on the gas mileage over AWD, which is sending power to all 4 wheels all the time, whether you need it or not.

I have driven the 3rd generation Explorers -wow, much better ride and comfort. I'm gonna be a pessimist, here, though, saying that they're only a few years into the 3rd generation and prolly still working any bugs and kinks out (aka defects). By the time the 2000 model rolled out, most 2nd gen kinks had been corrected.

I like my Explorer - sunroof, bad ass stereo, leather, fender flares - I will prolly never have the chance to cut thru snowdrifts, but hey, why not do it in style?

 

[Bill Kemp]

The way gas prices are I would get a SOHC that you can run in 2wd untill you need 4whl.
I've got the 5.0L and cant get any better than 18mpg. and thats downhill.