Hive advice - which Explorer?

So, I've been looking at getting a 2nd gen Explorer as the new dd/ go anywhere reliably machine. Been looking for something with lower miles (ideally around/under 100k) that looks pretty clean and needs no real work to be drivable. I've been looking exclusively at V8s as they seem to have fewer trans problems than the V6s. I've found 2 semi-locally that really seem to fit. Both have had recent basic maintenance/tune-up.

One is up in Charlotte (Explorer #1): 2001 Eddie Bauer edition, Fully optioned, 100k even, AWD (not 4WD given the recent thread), asking $4200. Looks clean except ugly wheels and aftermarket taillights and weird stenciling (tape?). The catch: Came from Michigan. I was supposed to go see it Wednesday but the seller realized the title was still in Michigan (wtf). Now I should be seeing it Sunday, weather permitting. Carfax relays 5 owners (current owner didn't know that), the first of which was a corporate fleet.

"This is the cleanest low mileage Explorer you will find. Was originally my uncles truck and has been babied since day one. The truck has every option available for the year; power locks, Windows, sunroof, All wheel drive, Heated leather seats, and plenty of power/towing with a V8 (302), just cracked 100,000 miles and purrs like a kitten. Recent tune up, oil change, new plugs and wires, exhaust manifolds, and a fuel pump."

Enter the more local (Explorer #2). 1998 Limited Edition (top of the line). 115k, AWD, bottom dollar $4000. Clean all the way around. Also already has a tow hitch. Carfax relays 2 owners, bought in Georgia originally and current sellers bought it in 2001. Known no rust. Weather permitting I'll be going to see it Saturday. Only issue he reports is that the radio doesn't always light up to show the station, which I don't really care about (can you say tape player aux cord??)

"We are lowering the price of our 1998 Ford Explorer V8 Limited AWD to $4500.00. This car was almost new when we bought it and has just under 115,000 actual miles. It has the 5.0 engine, a sun roof, and leather interior. It is extra clean and would make someone a good vehicle."

While I think one sounds better on paper, my gut is telling me its the other one that's probably the better option. I'm curious to hear what you guys think, and which would seem a better option to you. Not in an immediate hurry and passing both of these up is absolutely possible. I'm also not deadset on an Explorer, but they seem to have a great size/reliability (with the V8)/comfort/price combination and can still be found with decent ish mileage.

I'd buy the one with the V8, of I had to choose between the two you presented. Otherwise, I'd buy the nicest 98-up 4Runner I could find for $4000. It's possible; I drive my ruat-free, 190k-mile 99 4runnner daily and my only complaint is that, on a really long trip (300+ miles at a time), the seats suck.

Why even bother with #1? Tons of owners, possible title issue, comes from a rust state, questionable mods.

Number 2 is the one to get. Better trim level, all stock, has a hitch, 2 owners and local.

I'd agree on number 2. My only question is this: you mention the hitch as being a big plus. What are you planning on towing with it? The Explorer isn't exactly a beefy tow rig.

Javelin wrote: Why even bother with #1? Tons of owners, possible title issue, comes from a rust state, questionable mods. Number 2 is the one to get. Better trim level, all stock, has a hitch, 2 owners and local.

I guess I've spent too much time thinking about it. Thanks for simplifying.

In reply to rslifkin:

Maybe an occasional Tow dolly or small utility trailer. I don't have any trailers or anywhere to put a trailer if I had one! The V8 is rated for a hair over 6000lbs though.

classicJackets wrote: Maybe an occasional Tow dolly or small utility trailer. I don't have any trailers or anywhere to put a trailer if I had one! The V8 is rated for a hair over 6000lbs though.

That sounds reasonable to me. Personally, I'd avoid the car dolly though, as braking will be a serious problem. A lightweight car trailer would be better. I'd probably want to stick to a similar policy that I do with my Jeep for what it can safely tow. Unless it's very, very light (like 1000 lbs or less), I won't hook it up unless it's got 2 axles and brakes (the extra braking power and extra stability matters more with the smaller, lighter tow vehicle, so I'd tend to prioritize this over minimizing actual weight).

Just due to the lack of potential rust.. I would go with number two. Combine that with a lack of mods (grill and taillights) number of previous owners, and a title issue.. it is hands down Number 2

Is this a sobriety checkpoint or something?

aftermarket tail lights

rust belt

5 owners

No title

Does it come with a poop sandwich in the glove box?

TL;dr I vote for the 2nd one

I have had tones of these at many different option levels. I prefer the xlt option package to the limited or the EB. With the squishy suspension in the upper optioned versions they suck to drive. The xlt has a firmer ride that I prefered.

Go v8. It I not that the trans on the v6 is bad or week. They are killed due to a coolant leak problem with the intake manifold. This lowers the coolant level so that the trans cooler in the rad is not in coolant and this cookes the trans in short order. The v6 will run fine with the manifold leak. No temp warning lights no heat issues. It is a known issue with the v6. Other than this they are great little trucks. Easy to work on cheap parts and fun to drive. Up here in the rust belt they are getting rare. I would rock one if I could find one.

BTW those prices seem to be a tad on the high side. I think you are paying the winter 4wd tax. If you can wait until late spring the prices should come down.

M wife dd'ed a 98 with a 4.0 v6 and it was a berkeleying tank with no maintenance. It rattled liked a coffee can full of marbles on start up but got you where you needed to go. I did the plugs and intake manifold gasket and it passed emissions like a champ. I would imagine the v8 would be more useful and not much worse on fuel but don't be scared of the v6 ones either.

theres an awd 5.0 with a new trans, new rockers, new tires and a fresh tune up sitting in my work parking lot for 3500. ohio is one hell of a drive though!

Hold out for a V8 manual, then once it rust out or gets balled up, you'll have a donor for a miata swap

V8 all the way.

I had a sohc V6/5R55E combo and the timing chains are known to be a problem and the transmissions are known to develop a shifting issue on the 2-3 upshift. Mine was okay on both counts, but the V8 and the different transmission (don't know the code!) are regarded as being bullet-proof.

Most reliable vehicle I ever owned. I owned it for over 10 years and only but $4000 of work into the front end (replacement spindles for failed ABS sensors and control arms).

I know I am not in the US but man those prices are absolute crackpipe compared to here. I sold mine 5 years ago for $1300.

What I'm hearing is car #2 looks good, but not for the price?

I'll probably hold out. Only downside is my current dd has no heat (defrost too) or wipers, to name the worst of it, so I'll be excited to get something new. Just texted a guy in Atlanta on a Limited with lower miles and a smaller price tag. We'll see.

Not sure what year, but at some point in the late 90s early 2000s they went from a solid 8.8 rear to an independent rear. Those solid 8.8s with limited slip are coveted by everybody looking for a beefy 31 spline 8.8. Jeep guys use them as is, and hot rodeos shorten one side and stuff them under all kinds of cars. I have one in my TR8.

captdownshift wrote: Hold out for a V8 manual, then once it rust out or gets balled up, you'll have a donor for a miata swap

He'd be holding out an awfully long time for an Exploder with a V8 and a manual.

In reply to Tom_Spangler:

They made 5.0 manual explorers, they aren't common, but they aren't unicorns either.

iadr wrote: 4.0OHV is good, 4.0OHC is bad, very bad. According to Wiki 97-2000 were the years the two versions overlapped...and your example of v6 is a 2001! Stay far far away. Can't overstate this enough. :) They are Mazda Cx7-level bad. Early ML Mercedes level bad.

I drove a 4.0 sohc for 10 years and sold it in running condition, in 2010. The guy I sold it to is still driving it.

Having owned one for many years...

You want the V8 no matter what. Stop looking at the V6s. Why? couple reasons - it's the last use of the iron 302, so it was as developed as it got. Smooth, powerful, reliable as stone. The V6s were okay but harsher and MUCH less reliable for the same mileage. Also, as mentioned, the V8s all got the 4R70W trans - one of the best light(er) duty OD transmissions Ford ever made. THey can be killed by heat (like any other) so look for a model with the factory tow pack - it will have an additional trans cooler mounted behind the grill on the passenger side. The 4R70W can develop some shudder on the 2-3 upshift. Unless the OD light on the inside is blinking, it just needs a fluid and filter change. They need Mercon V full Synth to run well. If it has a really hard 1-2 shift then there's likely a broken spring on one of the pistons in the valve body. Easy fix, figure about $100 for parts and fluid. If the OD light IS blinking, it needs a trans.

Those prices don't seem TOO high given the mileage. Around here 200k++ versions in average shape are going for 2500. Those look really nice, especially the second one.

I prefer the XLT models as well. The cloth seats are more comortable to me and hold up better than the leather, but that's mostly personal preference. Be aware with EB and Limited models, many of the dash switches were specific tothe models and may be harder to find if they die. OTOH, most of the special electronics were superfluous and the cruise buttons survive much better than the lower trim versions.

Either vehicle will likely need ball joints around 150k. That required replacement of the entire upper control arms. kind of a PITA, a little more spendy than normal

Check the tires. Don't run anything you even think might blow out. The only tire i'll put on them for comfort, safety, and mpg reasons is the Michelin LTX M/S2

Rear panel windows may leak, tightening the mounting nuts usually fixes the issue but look for mold/wet/rust under the carpet by the rear wheel wells.

I know these things inside and out. holla if you have other questions.

wanna buy a custom roof rack for one?

Check out explorerforum.com for more than you ever wanted to know about them. Parts are cheap and common, and there is much knowledge to be had.

In reply to captdownshift:

no. they didn't. The manual was only offered in the Sport 2dr in that bodystyle, and those only came with V6. It's a pretty common swap, but it wasn't ever factory in those trucks.

Neither of the ones above, nor the new player, are V6. I've avoided those like the plague - while a lot of people seem to have great experiences, there are also a lot more complaints about them than there are for the V8.

Regular maintenance I can handle, even if its a PITA. Great info on the transmission issues UC, thanks!

PS- I actually might be interested in the roof rack, I'll be in touch if one of the 2 I'm currently looking at (Explorer #2 & the wildcard #3) or a future contender pan out.

Explorer #3: 1998 Limited with 108k, AWD, newer radiator, only issue is a freon leak. Selling because there's no longer room in the garage for it. No VIN yet for a carfax report. Asking $3900, looking very appealing.

Looks nice. might need tires. That's some low miles. Has a 2" receiver, which would be aftermarket, but it may mean factory tow pack. I think more of the V8s had the factory tow than didnt, and I think the tow package may have been a part of the trim level for EB and Ltd, but still check.

Freon leak could mean a lot of things. The high and low hoses are made into one unit IIRC, and it's not the cheapest thing to replace but not too bad. Rock Auto is the best on prices, I just did all that on mine in the last couple years.

Only down side to the V8 maintenance is that they are shoehorned in. Not much room to work. Expect scraped knuckles.

Oh, another common failure point. The EGR is on the passenger side of the motor and is connected to the manifold by a metal riser tube. These frequently develop cracks or holes and sound like a cross between a lifter tapping and an exhaust leak. There are two other sensors in the system that go out and are the most common cause of a CEL P403 I think? Tube costs about $90 and isn't too hard to replace. Sensors are about the same for the pair.

Odd squeaky noise near the front of the motor could be tensioner idler pulley bearings or the cam position sensor. If it starts singing it needs replaced soon before it fails and takes out the cam gear. replacement is easy but care is required to get it aligned - like a distributor.

Thanks for the wealth of knowledge!! Very helpful in knowing what to look for.

Explorer #3's Carfax shows 2 accidents (2011 and 2012) and 3 owners total. I'll still plan to check out Explorer #2. As UltraClyde said, you can pick up a high mileage one for cheaper all day long, but it's definitely harder to find the clean lower mile/owner examples and I'm willing to cough up a little more for that assuming that everything else on it reflects cleanliness. I like that Explorer #2 has Michelins on it too, those aren't cheap. Weather isn't looking great for getting up there tomorrow but we'll see.

Out of curiosity, any particular reason for looking just at Explorers and not anything else of similar size / capability / vintage?