Posted: 6/11/2004 1:06:49 PM EDT
Looking into a 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD for the wife. How are the V6's in these trucks? I wanted the V8, but got to thinking, my wife will drive it 95% of the time, no 4 wheelin, towing, etc.. But, I don't know how these V6's are, the salesman said Ford sells mostly V6. BTW, he quoted me, $34,900, this is after a $3000.00 rebate and with zero finance on a "red carpet option" for 36 months, with a balloon payment of $18,200.00. Two days later he calls me and says Ford added another $1000.00 rebate, which is probably BS, probably withheld that info. from the start and now he is bringing it up so he does not lose a sale. This brings the truck to $33,900, of coarse I'll get it lower though .Whats your opinion, we'd like to know  ?
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I have a 2000 XLS with over 83k on the clock. Just this week I got around to having the original factory shocks replaced, new tires after 65k on Pirelli Scorpions, and (having never properly checked) I had to replace the original brakes on the rear (also new rotors, but that was my bad). Long story short, I beat the thing to hell, load it like a pickup full of camping/shooting/construction crap (have even removed the rear seat.) And it starts every time and gets me comfortably where I'm going on a 4.0 liter V6.....never felt the need fdor an 8. Get your best price and I expect you'll be very happy with it, but as stated, if you buy a 1 or 2 year old demo or off-lease with a factory warranty you could save a bundle. |
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I don't know. My boss has one and comes to me bitching about it every time I see him in the hall. Don't know what year it is, but I am guessing it is about a 1998 or os. About 85k on the clock. Says ford has nickel and dimed him on it since it went out of warranty. He also just had to have the tranny replaced. don't know anything else about them except I won't own a ford after the rear axle problems I saw back in the early 90's. Two vans in one week blew out the rear axle while I was behind them. Managed to dodge the wheel as it bounced over my car the second time it happend. First time I was far enough back I didn't have to. |
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If you are a large sized man I HIGHLY suggest the Expidetion. Big V8 and lots of room. Trust me, wife will come to LOVE the power and love the fact that Honda ricers can bounce of the sides and her darling children will still be safe. BIG IS BEAUTIFUL....AND AMERICAN! |
Agreed. I paid $19k for my Expidition with 40k miles. Check out Carmax. Sgtar15 |
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You can't beat that 4.0 V6. We had a 1999 XLS, but after a year she wanted something smaller. But we never had a problem with ours. BTW, that 4.0 is essentially the same block dating back to the early 70's 2.8 V6, to be later used in the '77 thru '79 Pintos. Ford later updated the block, heads, and the rest of the engine to be used in the Ranger and Bronco II. Just a little history... |
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I have owned a 1996 Explorer with the 4.0 L V6. I thought it was OK until I bought a 97 Expedition with the 5.4 L V8. The Expedition is a better SUV in just about every way compared to the Explorer. It has a better ride, much better load carrying, better crash protection, you name it. This is my wife's regular vehicle and I would not put her and my kids in harms way in anything else. Oh, and do not let the fuel economy issue scare you. My 4x4 auto V6 Explorer got 18 miles on the interstate. My supposedly gas guzzling Expedition gives an honest 17 mpg, even with the big V8 engine. The one mpg difference is way more than made up by the better capabilities of the Expedition. Do not let the size difference intimidate you either. The ride is so much better, you will very quickly forget it is bigger than the Explorer. Do not take this as an anti Explorer post, I never had any problems with mine, it is just the Expedition is that much better. |
Thats exactly what I intend to do and I'll have fun doing it, I love to negotiate  .
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Actually buy me one of those  ! Maybe that was a misprint on your part.
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Thanks for the input. But, I suppose every car maker has problems with there cars/trucks to some degree. I know people who swear against Dodge and some against Chevy, GMC, Ford. From researching, I see people are more happy, then unhappy with the Explorer. |
I do believe the Toyota's are more reliable, will last longer, etc.. I have a '90 Toy. P/U with 130000, still running great, although rusting to hell. The Explorer, though, had more interior space and the wife thinks the Explorer looks a little better, which I agree.
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| My sister is on her second or is it her third Explorer.?? This one she has now she just purchased new a month or two ago (2004 model year). She says she really likes this new one for the power. She says the 4 liter V6 in this years model compared to the one she just traded, also with the 4 liter engine, is much more responsive. Her husband seems to agree, and he just purchased a new 2004 F150 crew cab. |