What to look for while purchasing a explorer

[JonathonH]

Okay I posted in the 02-05 forum about purchasing a explorer but now it sounds like the 06 would be a better vehicle. I let my wife drive a 07, big mistake because now she thinks she likes it better than the older ones. I only say big mistake because of the price difference. So I guess I have to start looking for a 2006 explorer. I want the v-8 and she wants the eddie bauer. Is the 2006 a better vehicle than the 02-05? I read edmunds and it seems there is a lot of problems with the 2006. Is there many common problems? What should I look for when trying to purchase one. Is there any difference between the 2006 and 2007? Thanks in advance for any info

 

[vipersinu2]

some people post that there were some problems with the early 2006 models, because it was the first year with that body style,

most of problem I see in this forum are Radiator leaks, electric motors on third row seating, tan interior; the sunvisors have plastic lid covering the mirror falls off,

v8 models ******** if your buying the truck used have the dealer change spark plugs just the plugs 120 bucks for 8 plugs. as the factory spark plugs are know to snap off in heads of engine. even though I changed mine with out problems. also have the tranny fluid changed because there is no dip stick. dealer wanted something like 400 bucks

v8 has passenger side warping issuse's with the exhaust manifold, but after 30 seconds the exhaust tick goes away.

pro's are
the v8 for this body style is 292 hp 3v engine that more hp than the 02-05.
awsome 6 speed tranny really quick off the line, about a second slower than the mustang gt. the 02-05 has a crappy 5 speed trannny.

the rear's are updated so no more hummmmm's (still wheel bearing issuses though)

the interior is way nicer than the 02-05

oh ya on the 06-10 body style ford change the rear tail gate. no more stupid plastic panels to crack, can you tell I really don't like my 03!!!

other wise I bought my 2007 v8 with 94,000 and not worried at all this truck is solid.

And do not buy the 4.0 sohc v6 it is junk. they have timing chain issue's and the motor has to be pulled out to fix. I have done it twice.

I have a 1997,2003,2007. I also do all my own work. I have been over every inch of the vehicle's

I really do like the 95-01 truck as a whole better than the 02-05.
but the 07 is very nice also.

 

[rusty813]

i say go for a 09-10 and get it with sync and navigation you will regret it if you just jump right ahead buy the 2006 i love sync

 

[JonathonH]

I cant afford the 09-10 and I do not need sync. I am trying to find a 2006 but I dont want to buy it and have a lot of problems. I have always liked and had Fords but I am having second thoughts about the explorer.

 

[EX-SV]

06 seems to be better because it is significantly (better V8/tranny, suspension tuning, shifter, interior, brakes, nav). The power and fuel economy of V8/6 speed is also much better.

My 07 has music input jack on console, so I use a bluetooth device for hands free talking on phone, only cost $89.

 

[vipersinu2]

if you are buying a explorer second hand chances are that all the bugs will be worked out. for about 15,000 you can get a loaded 2008 mercury mountaineer awd v8 with navigation.

 

[edwx]

I like my early '06 V-6, which was made in late '05. Not many problems. It's definitely better than the Gen. III's. Many improvments. I actually still have my original radiator. The V-8's are also highly recommended.

 

[granadojl]

With all of the issues I've had with my '06...

-Ignition Coils constantly going out
-Radiator crapping out
-Crap location for interior door handle
-Driver Side Engine Mount busting
-Transmission busting... ($2,600 rebuild)
-Throttle Position Sensor Crapping out
-Coolant bypass hose clamps not working leaking coolant

Oh yeah, did I mention Ignition Coils constantly crapping out?

Now the Pros...
-I love the V8 HP/TQ
-Independent Front/Rear Suspension
-18inch wheels
-Eddie Bauer trim
-Tow rating (towed '67 Mustang from Yuma, AZ to Phx, AZ)
-Gas Mileage is decent compared to my '90 Lincoln Mark VII
-Seats 7 people

All in all, I am just about done paying off my '06 Explorer, and I want to buy an '07-'09 Explorer Limited Black with stock 20 inch wheels.

Good luck on your quest for the '06. I say go with the '07-'10

 

[granadojl]

Oh, I forgot to mention the Shifter needed to be replaced, and Driver Seat lumbar busted too. I'm sure getting T-Boned didn't help either

 

[vipersinu2]

granadojl

the explorer still sounds much better than a chevy s-10 blazer. LOL

 

[granadojl]

I hear that... I don't own a '57 F100, '58 F100,'90 Mark VII, and an '06 Explorer for no reason. What can I say.. Ford is my passion.

 

[willied]

You shouldn't have many problems if you go with the V8. The only problem I've had with my '06 so far is the A/C actuator was clicking (though still worked fine) and so I replaced it myself and it was only $50. I got the plugs changed without incident. And I do have a slight jerk in my transmission going from 1st to 2nd gear, but it hasn't gotten any worse since I bought it. But this shouldn't be a problem as you can check it before you buy the car. I didn't even test drive mine before I got it (stupid of me, I know, but I did get it inspected and somehow they didn't catch that) and I didn't know to look for that problem, either. I got it at ~62,300 miles and now have over 90,000 miles on it.

 

[JonathonH]

Thanks for all the help! I finally found the right one for my wife. (I hope). We bought a 2006 explorer eddie bauer with the V-8. It is the black cherry color. Thanks again for everyones input and suggestions

 

[resq302]

Ok, we just got rid of my wifes 05 Explorer Limited V-8 that had 117,000 miles for an 08 Eddie Bauer V-6 explorer with 15,000 miles Certified Pre Owned. What is the big issue with the V-6? I drove it and it seems to have about as much power as our V-8 did. Is there an issue with the 5 speed trans? Is that the same trans as what was in our V-8 2005 Explorer?

 

[willied]

Thanks for all the help! I finally found the right one for my wife. (I hope). We bought a 2006 explorer eddie bauer with the V-8. It is the black cherry color. Thanks again for everyones input and suggestions

Awesome! Any pictures?

Ok, we just got rid of my wifes 05 Explorer Limited V-8 that had 117,000 miles for an 08 Eddie Bauer V-6 explorer with 15,000 miles Certified Pre Owned. What is the big issue with the V-6? I drove it and it seems to have about as much power as our V-8 did. Is there an issue with the 5 speed trans? Is that the same trans as what was in our V-8 2005 Explorer?

Did you test drive a 4th gen V8? There's nothing wrong with the V6, but if you can get more power with the same or possibly even better fuel economy then it's not a hard choice to make, if you can find one...

 

[resq302]

I did. But the problem was is trying to find one in an explorer. Most of the ones around here are the V-6 in the limited and eddie bauer edition. Did they fix the timing chain issue with the V-6?