What to look for when buying 1995-2001 explorer

[KBoomBoxx]

I am a board member who currently owns a 1994 explorer... I am considering purchasing a newer explorer... can you advise me on some of the potential problems from the 1995 onward explorers to look for, besides the obvious?

I am mostly talking about specific problems for this model... I know to check for obvious things like cracked head, bad head gasket, oil in the antifreeze, antifreeze in the oil, transmission problems, etc etc etc... I value your opinions more than the actual owner or sales person that I may end up dealing with

 

[jeff96]

firestone tires...j/k

 

[ma96782]

You, might like reading this:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165989

Aloha, Mark

 

[celly]

Get a V8

 

[serial]

Check for rust on the under-side, condition of the shocks, breaks, if not AWD, check on how it shifts into and out of 4wd, if it makes any strange noises. I had a broken leaf spring and oil line. If theres lots of rust, make sure the break bleeders on hte calipars can be opened without sheering htem, toherwise that could be a problem, as repalcing break pads would mean repalcing calipars.

v8 all the way, i love my v8 awd, and even got to use it this past weekend. towing a 1500lb trailer feels no different than without it too.

 

[Turdle]

Get a V8

I second this

 

[vervepipes]

There is a rubber bump stop on the lower rear doors that can chafe the paint and lead to your rocker panels rusting and rotting out. If the paint is worn down to primer or bare metal re-paint the area. If it is undammaged cover it with some 3M clear film to protect it

 

[timleedude]

Check for Rust on the roof rack areas. Mines has rust on the areas where the roof rack and roof metal contacts.. Especially where water can get trapped.

-Tim

 

[Millertime1987]

I also say get a V8. My mom has the V6 and it runs great but really what guy wants to get a V6 when you can get the V8. Plus it sounds really great at 75 mph on the highway.

 

[TheVarmit]

I have a 1996 and a 2001...both 2 wheel drive. When your first inside door handle breaks, buy 2...or 3. Also, when any bulb blows, get 2 or 4 or 6 of them, you'll need them. Oh yes, read all you can about replacing the outside door handles and any componants, you'll be an expert on this procedure before you know it!! My 2001 has a V8, wouldn't trade it for all the V6s in the world....same gas mileage and lots more power. And another thing, as your Explorer gets a number of miles on it, expect the friggin rear suspension to drive you nuts with all the squeaking!!

 

[JWood]

Just a couple points -

Shoot for an Eddie Bauer version of what ever year you can afford - I think the seats are noticabley more comfortable. If you get the EB, the woofer with the premium sound system are weak, expect to have a problem there. Also, see the sticky thread about dealing with the dsiplay on the radio on these gen 2s Exes.

Oh, and get a V8, I wish I had! If you do get a 6 make sure it's the SOHC, rather than the OHV.

One last thing - take your time if you are not in a bind to make a purchase. One consistent thing about looking at Explorers are that Ford has made a jillion of them. There are plenty to choose from.

 

[ma96782]

Check your price........ON LINE CAR VALUES:

http://www.nadaguides.com/home.aspx?l=1&w=28&p=0&f=5000

http://www.edmunds.com/

http://www.kbb.com/

for local car sales......you could also check the car magazines at the local grocrey stores......around here, a new (free) magazine comes out every week.


Aloha, Mark