What to buy? Advice?

[Rooster77]

Currently a 97 F150 XLT, 4.6L V8 owner, but have been looking very seriously at explorers. In particular, have been looking at some 2000-2001 Ford Explorer Limited's.

My wife and I do not tow anything and do a lot of highway driving. Any advice? Things to look for? Which engine is better 4.0L V6 or the 5.0L V8.

I hate to say that the other SUV we are cosidering is a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Any experience with those?

Let me know what you think.

 

[F14CRAZY]

From what I've heard, The 5.0 gets a lot more power but about the same mileage as the 4.0, but the biggest part is about the transmissions; the 5.0s are great but the 4.0 trannies suck.

 

[Sonny]

If you go with the Explorer get the 5.0 you will not regret it. Mine is real nice to drive on the hiway. I get about 18-19 mpg all the time. The X has more interior room than the jeep and after market parts are everywhere.

Plus, you will have access to this web site. There are a great bunch of people here that can help you with any questions or problems you may have. Good luck on your search. Sonny

 

[dewgod]

If you are going to stay mostly on the pavement then a newer Explorer is good. Definately get the 5.0 just because the trannies behind the 4.0 are horrible. If you want to build one for serious offroad go with a first generation Explorer. I know they are getting old but good ones are still out there. The are much easier to work on and parts are cheaper. I agree with the comment about the Explorer having more room. I have a 92 X and my buddy has a 2000 Cherokee. I have more room than he does and the newer X's have more room than I do.

 

[boaterboy204]

definately the 5.0....thats what i have and i love it, hasnt let me down yet.

 

[Hokie]

I have been fortunate enough to have driven all 3 motors offered in the Explorers..

Dad's '97 XLT had the 4.0L OHV (160 HP) and it wasn't near enough power for him and the mileage showed it

Dad's '99 XLT had the 5.0 and that truck ran good, pulled good, and got better mileage than the 4.0 in normal driving.

(He now has a '98 5.0 Mounty)

My '99 Sport has the SOHC which is good for the lighterweight, but if I had a 4 door, I would want the V8.

Since you will be doing mostly highway driving, get the Explorer. They are smoother, quieter, more reliable (Jeep Grand Cherokees have notoriously weak transmissions and bad electrical gremlins), and can haul more.

Dad always test drove every mid sized SUV on the market when getting a new one, and has always come back to the Explorers.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Originally posted by Rooster77
I have been looking at some 2000-2001 Ford Explorer Limited's.

How about an '02? The extra $4k-$5k for a newer model might be all worth it. Either way, you gotta get the V-8. Just read about all the problems everyone is having with the 4.0 V-6 Tranny. Although, I'm not one of those people because I take care of my truck the right way.... j/k





:knock on wood: