Thinking of an explorer 4 winter YOUR THOUGHTS

[MNgopher]

The '97 with the 4.0 SOHC has the timing chain issue as well.

As you've found out you can buy an explorer for cheap - just don't expect to make much if anything when you try to sell it so quick. Explorers are a dime a dozen and priced that way. Not that they are bad vehicles - we love our '97, just there are a ton of them out there.

Put it this way - my 24 year old Jeep Cherokee is worth more than my 14 year old Explorer.

 

[k24a4]

Originally Posted By: mopar_monkey
how about a cherokee, the best vehicle i ever owned was a 96 cherokee with a 4.0l, you can get them cheap and they are possibly the most durable rig ever produced.


i agree with this. my girlfriend has owned her '97 5-manual since new. it has 217k on it. she stays on top of the routine maintenance. it runs great.

 

[OVERKILL]

An '01 with the 5.0L V8 is a good choice.

As far as the newer ones go, I COULD be wrong, but if you get one with the 4.6L V8, it SHOULD be backed by the 4R75W, which is a very good transmission (F-150, Crown Vic....etc).

 

[needsducktape]

Ok so here is the update:

The transmission was upgraded by the Ford dealer (same issue as the 02 & 03 ) It must have been an early production 04.

The guy wants 7200. -It is the top V8, 3 row seating, black on tan leather. - mileage is the big turn off at 97,896. -Very close to hitting the mental 100K mark...

I don't think I could possible break even after driving it for the winter-

If the rig was 6500 it would probably be a deal in my mind, where I could drive it till it hits 100/110 and still get 6500 out of it.

 

[01rangerxl]

You're not going to make much of a profit trying to turn an SUV bought in winter after the season is over. That's like trying to sell a mower you bought in the summer for a profit in the winter.

You're either going to need to wait to buy or hold on to the vehicle until next winter (without racking up miles) for this to make you money. I definitely think you should shop older vehicles...prices are more stable and more dependent on actual condition than just year/mileage.

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL


As far as the newer ones go, I COULD be wrong, but if you get one with the 4.6L V8, it SHOULD be backed by the 4R75W, which is a very good transmission (F-150, Crown Vic....etc).
You are wrong. Its the 5R55W.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: dwcopple
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL


As far as the newer ones go, I COULD be wrong, but if you get one with the 4.6L V8, it SHOULD be backed by the 4R75W, which is a very good transmission (F-150, Crown Vic....etc).
You are wrong. Its the 5R55W.


Well there ya go, I DID say I could be wrong

It was used behind the 5.0L in the previous generation, but I couldn't remember if they carried it on or not. It was used in the Expedition, F-150, Vic....etc.

The 5R55E is that evil French transmission from the 1st and 2nd gen Explorers; it didn't have a great reputation in those, so I'm not surprised that its sibling, the 5R55W didn't fair much better.

I AM surprised however that Ford used that transmission behind a V8 in that application; an application where they had previous used the 4R70W series transmission.

 

[needsducktape]

Example:

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2714815112.html

 

[Astro14]

Originally Posted By: gathermewool
So, you're looking for a 4WD vehicle just for the winter? Save some money and buy some snow tires/rims.


+1

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: OilProfessor
The Professor steers clear of FOMOCO products. The Professor recommends a GM product, with good tires.


I`m with the professor on this one. How about a GMC 4x4?

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: needsducktape
Example:

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2714815112.html



Holy [censored], you were not kidding about the prices.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: OilProfessor
The Professor steers clear of FOMOCO products. The Professor recommends a GM product, with good tires.


I think "the professor" should stop referring to himself in the 3rd person, it makes "the professor" sound even loonier than his opinions.

 

[Robenstein]

Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
Originally Posted By: OilProfessor
The Professor steers clear of FOMOCO products. The Professor recommends a GM product, with good tires.


I think "the professor" should stop referring to himself in the 3rd person, it makes "the professor" sound even loonier than his opinions.


More pretentious than loony. Every company makes great cars and lemons. I know after replacing many many many intake and head gaskets on the 3100 and 3400 motors I would prefer a Ford Duratec engine over them anyday. GM quality really sorta tanked for a while there.

 

[FXjohn]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
Originally Posted By: OilProfessor
The Professor steers clear of FOMOCO products. The Professor recommends a GM product, with good tires.


I think "the professor" should stop referring to himself in the 3rd person, it makes "the professor" sound even loonier than his opinions.


More pretentious than loony. Every company makes great cars and lemons. I know after replacing many many many intake and head gaskets on the 3100 and 3400 motors I would prefer a Ford Duratec engine over them anyday. GM quality really sorta tanked for a while there.


you'd be afraid of a car over a simple known fix like an intake manifold gasket? Subaru had the same problem. If it's a good idea regardless, get it and fix it.

 

[needsducktape]

Update:

I sold the '00 Toyota Solara for $5200 (v6 5speed leather blk/blk)

I bought a Maxima -2003 6 speed blk/blk leather for 5375 (After tax) 103K

I went to auction with a friend of mine and we found the Max in good shape (auction cars in the
The car really flew by everyone, we snatched it for 4400, then I gave him $500 on top + tax + reg. = $5375 Not bad.

I am thrilled to have 4 doors again -maybe not 4 wheel drive (Subaru's at auction were going like crazy) but at least I can fit my big dog in back without too much trouble.

Will post pics when I pic her up.

 

[addyguy]

Sounds like a nice car - good job!

 

[01rangerxl]

Sounds like you worked out a great deal. $175 to upgrade to a three year newer car with 2 more doors is pretty good.

The FWD Maxima should do well in snow. My sister lives in VT and previously NH, and she has always had a FWD car. She gets snow tires put on in the winter though which definitely helps.