What's the best year?

[cj69]

Got a little 93 civic as my first car. looking to sell that piece of poop and getting an explorer.

what are the best years to get and years to stay away from. not willing to buy new. no later than early 2000s.

looking for a 4x4 to jack up a bit and add some bigger tires. no serious off roading....for now at least. :

 

[97EDB]

thats a good one! i have loved everyone of mine and thats been 2 94s a 2001 and now a 97...drive one see if ya like it

 

[celly]

I'm partial to any 99-01 4 door with 5.0 V8. Only available in AWD or 2WD. Rock solid drivetrain.

 

[spacecadebt]

what celly said

 

[LONO100]

2003 sport trac! cant go wrong.

 

[techieman33]

I'm partial to any 99-01 4 door with 5.0 V8. Only available in AWD or 2WD. Rock solid drivetrain.

x a million the awd will be fine offroad for a while unless you get really serious about it, and if you do you can always swap in a 4406 transfer case for true 4x4.

 

[markfothebeast]

I'd say keep the Civic. But for Explorers, I'm a repo man and tend to get to drive them all. The ones I see with the most miles that are still on the road are the ones with the OHV 4.0L V6 and the 5-speed transmission. I've had to tow a lot of 4.6L Explorers, sadly. Next up would be the 5.0 Explorer. They have lots of potential in the power department. They also have the aluminum GT40 heads also used on the Mustang Cobra and lots of bolt-ons available.

 

[cj69]

There are some 95-99s on craigslist that are like 2800 or so. From the picture they look in pretty good condition and so they say in the description, but I can't always go by that.

My main concern is electrical ,motor, tranny wise. I wouldn't want to buy the car and it be perfect and the next day someone happens, like the civic -_-

 

[cj69]

I'd say keep the Civic. But for Explorers, I'm a repo man and tend to get to drive them all. The ones I see with the most miles that are still on the road are the ones with the OHV 4.0L V6 and the 5-speed transmission. I've had to tow a lot of 4.6L Explorers, sadly. Next up would be the 5.0 Explorer. They have lots of potential in the power department. They also have the aluminum GT40 heads also used on the Mustang Cobra and lots of bolt-ons available.

I'd be happy to keep my civic.....if you provide the money to buy an explorer x] I'm not that rich I'd have to sell and buy ASAP because of school.

 

[markfothebeast]

Explorers are fun little trucks. But if you're a student I'd have to agree to keep the Civic. The fuel economy, reliability etc.

 

[cj69]

well im planning on selling the civic soon and currently looking for a little suv . it is far too small for me. used to driving my parents 03 expedition. i need a bit more power and size lol.

 

[Glen4X4]

Look into 96+ with either the 4.0 OHV or the 5.0 V8 both get around the same fuel mileage but of course the V8 will have more power.

 

[cj69]

http://www.anythingonwheels.com/2000-Ford-Explorer-XLS-Fort-LauderdaleFl/vd/7447442

i came across a dealer selling this 2000 explorer for incredibly cheap. $1975. not sure why. havent contacted them.

EDIT
it's the cheapest car listed on their website.
would it even be worth contacting them for such a low price? seems sketchy.

 

[markfothebeast]

It doesn't mention whether the vehicle runs or drives.

Look into 96+ with either the 4.0 OHV or the 5.0 V8 both get around the same fuel mileage but of course the V8 will have more power.

After I did all my engine work and tune-up I've been getting 28MPG on the highway. I couldn't believe it so I checked several times. Once I hit town I'm getting about 18MPG though. And 96+ is the SOHC engine.

 

[cj69]

28? Even 18 is pretty surprising. Wow. What did you do to it?

 

[1Aauto]

welcome to the site

 

[Glen4X4]

It doesn't mention whether the vehicle runs or drives.




After I did all my engine work and tune-up I've been getting 28MPG on the highway. I couldn't believe it so I checked several times. Once I hit town I'm getting about 18MPG though. And 96+ is the SOHC engine.

Do some research before giving incorrect information. OHV was available up until 01 and the SOHC was optional 97+ XLT, Standard in EB/LTD's but EB, LTD and XLT also optional to have the V8 also XLS came standard with 4.0 OHV until 01. I've been around these long enough to know And yeah that kinda mileage is a little unbelievable.

 

[markfothebeast]

Glad they made the OHV a little longer. Saw the SOHC in late 90s thinkin they stopped making the ohv.

 

[markfothebeast]

Still getting 28MPG. On HWY. Checked again today. Took me 1.2 gallons to drive about 35 miles to work.

 

[markfothebeast]

Maybe its that Ford 2-stroke engine mixing with the oil! muahaha. But really, I call em' 2 strokes.