Which explorer should I buy?

[jsauce]

Hey guys I'm in a bit of a bind.
I've been shopping around and looking at some used explorers trying to get back into them. I had a 93 for a long time and it was a great vehicle that nothing ever went wrong with. Then I switched to the jeeps for awhile but I'm trying to get back to something a little bigger. Anyways, I've been looking pretty closely at two at my local dealership. One is a nice clean 2000 with 110000 miles on it for around 5000. The other is a 2005 with 136000 on it asking around 6000. Both have the v6 and I dont really care about cosmetics but am more concerned with the reputation and performace/reliability of these vehicles. I understand the 2002 model had some issues. Did they clean it up by 2005? Any input and suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[Blue91Ex]

personally i would go with the 05. thousand bucks more for 5 years newer, newer styling, similar engines, smoother ride with the rear independant suspension, beefier look (imo) and only 20k miles more (which isnt really all that much tbh)
just what i would do though.

 

[jsauce]

Thanks for the input. Just found a 2004 v6. Really clean with 101000 on it. Really leaning towards this one although I have heard a bunch of horror stories about the transmission and the ball joints etc. Anybody have any experience with this year with any input? Any suggestions and replies would be appreciated. Thanks.