jcirico
07-22-2007, 08:43 PM
I'm looking for some input on a potential near future vehicle purchase. Here's what I'm looking to buy:
2002 Ford Explorer Sport - V6 4.0L
Auto 4x4
40,000 Miles (61,000Km, Canadian here)
Power everything
Moonroof
A/C
6 Disc CD Changer
New brakes
It appears to be in excellent physical condition, with only a few minor paint scratches. I took it for a thorough 2 hour test drive and couldn't find much of anything displeasing. I noticed it wasn't exactly a smooth ride though, which I suppose is typical of a vehicle built on a truck frame though.
I'm quite interested in it. I've heard many mixed opinions about the Explorers though, thus I'm a bit hesitant. Some say it's only the older ones (transmission problems) while some say 2002 and newer have fixed a lot of issues. On the other hand, this one, a Sport edition is a fair bit different than the normal explorer anyways. Some just say stay away from Ford altogether without backing that opinion without any real experiences. Some even say Ford is going bankrupt and to avoid them like the plague???
And then some tell me there's so many problems with Explorers, because they're such a common vehicle, and obviously you'll hear more about complaints than compliments; which is understandable. And then there's the roll over thing, but then that was apparently just because of bad tires and publicity. What's your opinion? I'm looking for as much reliable input on Ford Explorers varying between regular, sports models and different years. I am seriously considering this vehicle. I just feel conflicted after hearing so many bad stories, and yet I see so many Explorers on the road. Sport Vs Regular Explorer, whats your opinion on that too? Are the Sports less problematic than the regular Explorers?
What sort of common mechanical issues should I be aware of?
Anything else I should be considering in this class and price range? How about Ford Escapes?
Thanks in advance for all input.
2002 Ford Explorer Sport - V6 4.0L
Auto 4x4
40,000 Miles (61,000Km, Canadian here)
Power everything
Moonroof
A/C
6 Disc CD Changer
New brakes
It appears to be in excellent physical condition, with only a few minor paint scratches. I took it for a thorough 2 hour test drive and couldn't find much of anything displeasing. I noticed it wasn't exactly a smooth ride though, which I suppose is typical of a vehicle built on a truck frame though.
I'm quite interested in it. I've heard many mixed opinions about the Explorers though, thus I'm a bit hesitant. Some say it's only the older ones (transmission problems) while some say 2002 and newer have fixed a lot of issues. On the other hand, this one, a Sport edition is a fair bit different than the normal explorer anyways. Some just say stay away from Ford altogether without backing that opinion without any real experiences. Some even say Ford is going bankrupt and to avoid them like the plague???
And then some tell me there's so many problems with Explorers, because they're such a common vehicle, and obviously you'll hear more about complaints than compliments; which is understandable. And then there's the roll over thing, but then that was apparently just because of bad tires and publicity. What's your opinion? I'm looking for as much reliable input on Ford Explorers varying between regular, sports models and different years. I am seriously considering this vehicle. I just feel conflicted after hearing so many bad stories, and yet I see so many Explorers on the road. Sport Vs Regular Explorer, whats your opinion on that too? Are the Sports less problematic than the regular Explorers?
What sort of common mechanical issues should I be aware of?
Anything else I should be considering in this class and price range? How about Ford Escapes?
Thanks in advance for all input.