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how long will an explorer last!


jharber15
07-21-2003, 08:00 PM
i'm about to buy a 1998 ford explorer sport w/75k miles. It's been taken care of, but how many miles can I put on this thing before it's going to need massive help. Thanks for the help guys!

wegallag
08-03-2003, 07:41 AM
My 92 XL 2WD has 167k. Since I bought it three years ago with 121k, I have replaced the exhaust, which needs it again, replaced the front suspension bushings, replaced the starter (wouldnt diisengage), replaced the 1-2 synchro (manual tranny, driver error), reseated the left rear lift bracket, replaced main universal on driveshaft (even put about 800 miles on it bad, didnt mess anything else up), and had it tuned. My interior door handles keep breaking, but my handles are rubber mounted to plastic brackets screwed into the plastic door wall, which is a poor OEM design. The main compressor bearing has been going for a while, but the AC still blows strong and cold. Needs a new clutch and shocks, especially rears. Engine pulls strong, although it knocks and pings on certain brands of gas. Amazingly, I have not had to replace the OEM speakers mated to my Sony 35Wx4.

I can get 23+ mpg hiway if I try, but its usually around 21 interstate. City mpg is low because I am an acceleration nut, but can be as high as 18-19. Ive never babied this thing, and I put over 20k on it this year.

I am thinking its got at least another 20-30k in it before I need to consider a rebuild, if I dont blow it. Stock tach shows 5k as redline; I have hit 5500 a few times. I think you would have transmission trouble before engine trouble if you have an automatic.

Overall its been really dependable for me. I consider the things that have failed to be petty things that are subject to age anyway.

TorinoGT69
08-03-2003, 10:55 AM
Usually they last to around 130-160 if well taken care of. There are exceptions but usually mid hundreds is about all you get without major problems.

wegallag
08-03-2003, 01:30 PM
I also change my oil and filter around 3k miles or before. After draining the oil I chase the dirty oil with a quart, drain that, then add the new oil.

techman2000
11-22-2003, 01:11 PM
I just bought my work unit. It a 93 XLT with 478K KM in it. Other than routine maintenance, the vehicle has never given us a problem. The heater core/radiator have been replaced in the last year or so. It has the original 4.0 and tranny. It burns no oil and drives like new.

It was stored inside a heated shop 99% of the time.

It was maintained properly though. I have seen them with 100K on 'em that are total junk. Buyer beware.

Edited to add:

The '95 that was bought to replace the '93 is a POS. It has only 141K KM on it. Since it was purchased it has had a new RAD, heater core, RT hub mech, cat converter and transmission. It also refuses to start at anything below about -10c unless you plug it in.

FORD1
12-08-2003, 05:35 PM
Just Sold My Explorer A Couple Of Years Ago With 140,000 Miles, Saw Owner Last Week And Said She Still Runs Perfect

Mendari
12-08-2003, 09:18 PM
My 1997 Explorer has 99,720 miles without any problems. I will be getting the master cylinder replaced this week; better safe than sorry. I change the oil frequently, 3k miles. And I get the automatic transmission fluid changed every 18 months. People forget to get the tranny fluid changed and instead of $150 every couple of years it turns into a $2,000 problem.

Craigvalk
12-13-2003, 09:39 PM
I have a 94 XLT with 155K Miles on it now. It's been utterly dependable.
Items repaired:
AC compressor (under warranty when new)
Exhaust ( once, at 30K miles)
Hubs for 4WD at 140K miles ( expensive)
A couple of MAP sensors, about 100 bucks each time
The battery lasted until last month, I couldn't believe it! Almost 10 years.
I had a couple of paint chips that started to rust and spread, spent the money to nip that in the bud. The truck has no rust and I live in New England with tons of road salt all winter.

Maintenance:
Change oil every 3K and haven't let it slide
Service the tranny every 50K miles.
Usual brakes and tuneup maintenance
Wash the thing and make sure to wash the undercarriage at least once a month.

What a truck, I have no complaints. It's never let me down.

nitenrustinarmor
07-19-2004, 01:40 AM
1994 Explorer XLT 124,000 + I love the truck my father bought new in 94 and gave it to me in 2002 when we got a yukon also have had numerous transmission rebuilds and replaced 5 to be total and the 5th is slipping on ocassion just put new heater core and a/c unit in blows ice cold go through brakes every 6-7 months I drive it kind of hard in NYC so its gets abused every 3k oil gets changed once a year i do the tranny fluid looking to see if i can find a diffrent tranny to put in the truck but to keep my 4x4 which I replaced the hubs on 2 months ago went with warn manual locking hubs which work great have sony x-plod cd player @ 50x4 and pioneer 4 way 6x8's in the door 240w a piece looking to put amps maybe a sub

anyway anyone know of any diffrent trannys that will fit reguardless of cost? or of any kits to improve greatly upon the existing transmission?

any help is much appreciated thanks.

bmckay
07-22-2004, 02:00 PM
If you blow it up on the second day - around two days!

My 92 explorer has around 170,000 miles and the motor is still very strong. The trans and interior bells -n- whistles are another story. If your willing to put a few bucks into it each month and an overhaul of the trans every 120,000 miles or so it will last indefinately. As long as you keep the oil changed, do a tune up every 30,000 miles or so and replace sensors that go bad a 4.0 motor will last a very long time!

D66t
08-30-2004, 09:26 PM
Our 94 explorer has 165k miles on it, nothing major to the vehicle. Just routine maintenance of oil and other lubes, brakes, belts, etc. One time had to rebuild the steering box. We have had four explorers, a 92, 94, and two 97's. One 97 was wrecked, second was sold so we could start a new house! Someone at work bought it over four years ago from us and she still loves the vehicle.

RX-1
09-05-2004, 09:41 AM
I have a 1997 Explorer with a 5.0 and i have 176,000 on mine and its still runs good.

g.simonson
11-20-2004, 01:05 PM
My '95 Explorer XLT, 4.0/automatic had 215K miles on it when I finally parted with it last month. The transmission was rebuilt at 140K by a jerkwad trans shop, they butchered that job and it was never right after. The engine was flawless at 215K, never had to do a thing to it but change oil and filter REGULARLY. When I say regularly, I change it every 3K and run synthetic blend oil. Oil changes are cheap insurance.

My company runs these trucks as fleet vehicles, used hard and driven to very high mileage, and they have had the best reliability of anything they've used in this fleet. I can't speak for the '02s and newer, I just bought an '02 and I have a feeling it is not going to be as good a truck as the '95 was. Probably shoulda put another trans in the '95 and kept on truckin'.

explorerfriendly
11-21-2004, 09:10 PM
I hope my explorer will last in to at least 200K ive got a 95 xl v6 och paired with a manual with 146K and am wondering if it would be a good idea to get a basic repaint job on it b/c the hood is turning white, and the rest of it is scratched up pretty bad probly from a bad paint job when we got it made. and i want to buy the 16" explorer wheels off ebay and some other accesories. i also want to put in a nice stereo and basic sub. Do u think i should go with a k&N air intake?

Should i do all this or would do u think it wouldnt be worth it? my dad has kept up with it regurally and changed oil every 3k.? thanks for your help!!!

thegolfstud
11-30-2004, 08:41 PM
ive got a 97 eddie with 220000 but i think the trany is finailly going bye bye.

mike5.0
12-01-2004, 05:15 PM
got a 97 with 170,000 miles and still running strong. love it would recommend it to anyone.

explorerlimited94
12-01-2004, 06:55 PM
I replaced my '91 XLT that had electrical fire at 185K.(I really miss that car had everything plus 5 speed)with a '94 Limited I bought in August '03 with 88K. Now has 142K (WHEW!) It has been the best used car I've had in a long time. Only repairs were the 4WD system went out in Feb '04 and cost me $1500 for complete rebuild (from hubs to new dash switch and everything in between) That's it no other problems. Everything else just regular maintenance every 3000 miles. Runs like a champ. Climbs great too. If taken care of my mechanic says 200K-250K not a problem. We'll see. Main thing is keep on top of regular services.

mfayant
12-08-2004, 12:49 AM
would you believe that my parents explorer got almost got 400,000 kilometers (250thou) before I took it over and then it went to crap. Of course those miles where a lot of highway traveling.

m f

chasfish
01-06-2005, 01:13 PM
My 1997 Explorer has 99,720 miles without any problems. I will be getting the master cylinder replaced this week; better safe than sorry. I change the oil frequently, 3k miles. And I get the automatic transmission fluid changed every 18 months. People forget to get the tranny fluid changed and instead of $150 every couple of years it turns into a $2,000 problem.

FYI -- I have 96 Exp. 135000+. Have had tranny flushed every 21000.

Wondering about your experience with tranny flushes. APparently good. I've had two trannies fail in 21 months (88 Buick Century 167000 miles and 93 Buick Century `113000 miles) either before it got out of car bay or two days later after flush. I seriously think the flushes somehow caused the problems in these cars. First car couldn't get out of Park; second car all gears slip for a few minutes before engaging.

Your thoughts....................chuck

micheleemiller
01-06-2005, 01:28 PM
I bought my 1992 three years ago with 189,000 and now it has 219,000.The only work Ive ha done is brakes, new starter and a new battery (last night). I do however go through tranny fluid like its going out of style. Thats why I came to the forum. I love mine.

DJ21
04-06-2005, 08:41 AM
I've got a 93 with over 200,000 on it and it runs ok.

TheGooch
04-08-2005, 06:18 PM
My Explorer is a 96 that I've run pretty hard (have to travel quite extensively for work) and is about the turn the 200K curve.

I've had to do quite a few minor repairs within the last 50K or so miles (fuel pump, fixing a "check engine" light issue") and one major (head gaskets), but overall, considering the amount of mileage on there I can't complain.

sickrick111
04-09-2005, 05:34 PM
I have a 97 xlt explorer, 197000 on her got it 6 months ago, best taken care of explorer ever, exept for a couple little things like, balljoints and battery

chalkman
07-04-2005, 08:03 PM
I have a 2001 with 51K, not one major issue. I have probably just jinxed myself, but other than driver's seat element going out, I'm very happy. Options? You name it, it's on it! :naughty:

Gus615
07-09-2005, 03:34 PM
I currently have a 98 SOHC V6 XLT with 198K miles on it. It runs great and I try very hard to keep the oil changed. It was a FORD Fleet vehicle and I got it with 162K on the meter. I bought it for work and I give it a good workout regularly. I'll let you know how far it goes.

WillalwaysownaFord
07-12-2005, 11:50 PM
it all depends how you maintain it do oil change every 3000 miles and fix it when it needs it and your bound to get 300,000 miles out of it.

Catboy
07-19-2005, 10:02 PM
I just bought a Mazda Navajo (for those who don't know, an Explorer in Mazda clothing) with 235k (miles) on it. It runs great, doesn't smoke, and had an e-bay manual tranny installed in it 20k ago. The 4WD is screw, the rockers are rusty, and the tires are getting short on tread, and the headlight switch is a bit touchy, but it runs nice. Six Ben Franklins closed the deal. I will keep you posted.

explorerguy30
07-20-2005, 03:57 PM
I also have a 1998 Ford Explorer sport that I treat pretty rough with no problems. It has about 118,000 miles and I have had no major problems other than routine maintenance. The Factory in-dash cd player just went out and has some minor electrical glitches but other than that it has been a great vehicle.

ned032002
10-16-2005, 04:08 PM
I know that this is an old thread but how is everybody's Explorers doing since this thread. It would be cool if the people who posted in this thread to begin with also posted back in it. Thanks just considering a 98 Ford Explorer 4.0 Automatic with 165k miles that has been taken care of very well. Thanks again maybe I'll be in this area of AF if I get some good advice.

Craigvalk
10-16-2005, 06:10 PM
I know that this is an old thread but how is everybody's Explorers doing since this thread. It would be cool if the people who posted in this thread to begin with also posted back in it. Thanks just considering a 98 Ford Explorer 4.0 Automatic with 165k miles that has been taken care of very well. Thanks again maybe I'll be in this area of AF if I get some good advice.

Mine still is great. 170k, 1994, and not a thing wrong with it. Just passed state inspection and emissions no problem. Just changed out the front shocks, probably due for a brake job before the snow flies.

jharber15
10-18-2005, 03:07 PM
First of all, I must say that I'm amazed that this post has lasted this long! I am the original poster!! Originally, I didn't get much feedback, and now I see that this post is still going strong.

Well, first off, let me tell you that I did not buy the explorer with 75k on it. Instead, I found a 98 sport with 44k on it for 7200 (over 2 years ago). I have no had many problem at all with this. i now have just pushed it over 70k (i haven't been driving much in the past year).

I have not had any major problems. The only thing that I must say is that i'm getting a bit of a rocking motion on the steering wheel now. I think it's about time to take it into the shop.

pokerman11
10-20-2005, 12:00 PM
I have a 93 Limited Edition 4x4- one of those "Cranbury color" that looks a lot like just purple.

I got 170K on it with no major problems. Brake pads now and then, and took to replacing my own ball joints. I have had to put in 3 sets (one set about every 50K). Last two times I use parts and tools from Autozone - they give free replacements for the parts and loan you the special press tool.

I figure if you own an older Explorer you need to know how to change ball joints. It's not that hard and once you do it the 2nd time is easy.

ned032002
10-21-2005, 08:45 PM
How is everybody elses driving?

I just got a 98 Ford Explorer 4x4 and it has quite some miles on her but I thought I'd give her a chance. I traded my 92 Talon Non-Turbo 2.0 Manual tranny so I can have something safer for the 4 month old I have and my wife that would feel safer in something that has 4 Wheel drive now that we have a child. Plus it's quite the hastle to put a child seat in the back seat of those cars, if any of you have done it then you would know what I mean. Thanks for the posts and lets keep em coming. Thanks again

DobeMax587
10-26-2005, 03:16 PM
Hi
I just bought a 99 Explorer Sport that had 112,000 miles on it just over a month ago and it has never had any major problems since or before I bought it. Just the usual wear. A friend of mine had a 95 four door XLT that had over 247,000 miles on it when he sold it and never replaced anything major. You just never know when something is going to break and how it has been treated by the previous owner. I know a person who has had problems with a brand new vehicle (not even a Ford) since he bought it and the warranty won't cover problems until the parts break all the way. So, good luck and happy Exploring!

martinfan6
10-28-2005, 09:25 PM
Hello, my 92 explorer xlt has 187,500 mile on it. Runs good but needs some repairs, for look at its age!

DJ Dale
10-30-2005, 09:14 AM
My 1997 Limited 5.0 has 153,000.

Bought new....never had a problem.

Looks & runs like brand new!

I never would've believed it possible....

lee308
11-06-2005, 07:07 AM
My brother has two, a 95 and 97, both are around 250k miles. Both original engine/tranny. Several minor things, nothing major.

mustanggt89
01-07-2006, 12:31 AM
98 blue xlt bought new and today have 239,000 trouble free miles mostly highway but miles are miles. change oil every 3k and minor things done like just replaced battery. orig. sohc v6 and tranny. had 93, 96 and now 98. would buy another one in a heartbeat.

krayziazndragon
01-10-2006, 09:11 PM
i own a 1997 explorer 4.0 SOHC.. despite the many bad stories ive heard about explorers and reliability issues, ive had no problems.. yeah i have 3 newer cars to choose from and i must admit it probably wont last any longer than some of the japanese rivals i own, but i choose to drive this car on a daily basis (despite rising gas prices) because it's just so satisfying to own, not much else comes to mind.. sure the other cars look nicer, they're newer, quieter, faster, more gas efficient.. but i choose to drive this car for a reason.. no problems so far (except for the large after-market sliding sun roof, but that company went out of business... self explanitory?? yess), i just hope i dont run into any soon..

pokerman11
01-11-2006, 08:12 AM
Mine is a 1993 Limited with 160K. But those 160K are LOCAL, and off road miles.

Whenever somthing goes bad, I go to Autozone and get my part. They give free replacements (without paperwork) it that part ever goes bad. This is good for us explorer people because parts like ball joints need to be changed on a regular basis.

In the future I figure that most all the truck will be autozone parts, and I'll never have to put any more money into it to drive forever.

Oh ya - never buy the OEM fog light replacments. They wanted over $100 each for them. I got a PAIR f(just matched the size) for under $15 at wal-mart and they look better and are brighter then the OEM. I mention this as I bust my fog lights a lot.

Catboy
02-02-2006, 06:26 PM
I have a 1993 Mazda Navajo 5-speed with 247k. I had to do some bodywork where the salt got behind the ground effects, but I beat it through the woods last fall and had a great time. The springs are tired, and the 4WD switch sticks if you don't use it for a while, but you just beat the solenoid with a hammer and it wakes right up again.

truckdude239
02-02-2006, 08:53 PM
umm my 2004 is a pos got 15 k miles on it at 9000 miles the transmission and rearend was rebuilt has the option that accs stay on till you up the driver door opens that messed up new computer the rigth back tail light is full of water and the rear windshield washers don't work so idk i slowy getting ford to fix everything

justinplatt
11-08-2006, 05:48 PM
I have a 91 stick shift with 257,000 mi and becuase of the good luck its been paid off for 8 years, but i've been told the automatic models have weak trans for towing. And i also replaced rusted out lower rockers 3 years ago.
Best truck I have ever owned.

l-man
11-10-2006, 10:55 AM
I have a 01 XLS that is about to turn 104k and really haven't had a major problem yet,(knock on wood) I did have to have the IAC motor replaced but that wasn't to bad I think I paid 200 or so.

PhilzCamp
11-20-2006, 08:14 PM
I have a 1996 4.0L V6, bought new, now has 279,500 on it. Tranny is going, can only drive it now with the O/D Off light on, Overdrive is out. Original engine, surprisingly does not use oil. I have a new BMW motorcycle that uses oil ! I just put $1,000 worth of tires, alignment and shocks on it, I think the 5th or 6th set of tires, I forget. When I went to my garage to get the oil changed today, I told them I would be disappointed if it did not go to the 400,000 mile mark. Most of the miles were highway miles.

The only major components replaced have been the transfer case and a left front wheel bearing. Replaced a fuel pump. Also replaced the upper ball joints. Other parts have been just the wear items. I got the leather interior, the back seats look new, as does the passenger front. My seat, weell, its worn but.. Also the door lock actuator and the door handle on the drivers side is broken and has been for a while.

I have performed the oil changes flawlessly since I have owned it, thats what I attribute to the long life. I will probably put a rebuilt transmission in it next spring.

adnasium
11-08-2007, 08:46 PM
I had an explorer that lasted over 145K miles. I took great care of it, but in the end everything started to fall apart.

Once the trans starting going out, I was over it!

YellowFly
11-09-2007, 01:23 PM
My '94 will be hitting 369,000 on may way home from work tonight. I bought it used in 2000 with 57,000 miles on it.

Apart from normal maintenance such as regular tune-ups, fluid changes, brakes, bushings, etc., I haven't put much else into it. I did replace the automatic hubs with manual lock-outs, replaced the radiator once, the alternator once, and replaced some A/C hoses. It uses less than a quart of oil every 3,500 miles. I drive it about 100 miles a day to work and back and about 250 miles on the weekends. I've always been very easy on it.

The driver's seat is practically worn out, the ignition switch is sloppy, and the exterior (passenger rocker panel) is starting to show some rust but for a Michigan vehicle, it still looks good.

I realize this is may be exceptional case, but it also underscores the importance of regular maintenance.

azchef
09-28-2011, 07:28 AM
think i have topped you all.....384K on my 94

YellowFly
10-04-2011, 10:26 AM
Sorry to burst your bubble AZ. I still have my Explorer and it now has 493,041 on the clock. It now looks like hell, but it still runs great.

liquidflesh
11-22-2011, 11:35 AM
Sorry to burst your bubble AZ. I still have my Explorer and it now has 493,041 on the clock. It now looks like hell, but it still runs great.

Id like to see a picture of that odometer

tinkering
06-29-2014, 06:13 PM
Sorry to burst your bubble AZ. I still have my Explorer and it now has 493,041 on the clock. It now looks like hell, but it still runs great.

Miles?!! What year, model, etc? What is the repair record engine/tranny etc?:runaround:

DrRadar
06-29-2014, 10:36 PM
Retracted...just noticed this is an ancient thread.

tinkering
06-29-2014, 11:20 PM
Retracted...just noticed this is an ancient thread.

This is a timeless helpful thread; it doesn't matter that years are lapsing; it is all about time and performance. I am going to add my post if I buy this 98 Explorer I am looking at buying, with 155k miles (250k kms) on the 4L. The original poster wanted to keep it going so people could check in as the Explorers age. Sounds good to me. Thanks for your post. Being handed down to 4 family members, and then buying another one after that is yet another good testimony to the quality of these Explorers; you should put your post back up :) Anyway thanks.

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