Buying a used Explorer 97-2001

[bharnett]

Hello All,
My 95 Chevy Blazer finally bit the big one and repairs cost way more than it is worth. So i'm looking at getting a higher miliage explorer in the 97-01 model year range. There seems to be some good deals out there for someone who drives less than 5000 miles per year, but I wanted to get the experts' opinions. Is there are particular model year I should watch out for? Are there any problems that were persistent for a particular model year or for the Explorer throughout this production range? Anything about this car would be helpful. Thanks!

[TeamExploder]

Thats cool to see your looking into getting an explorer. If your looking into a 97-01 Explorer then thats cool....one thing the Explorer with a 4.0 SOHC those motors sometimes have issues with timing chain tensioner, but if the person before you had taken it to the Ford dealer when the recall was issued then you shouldn't have those troubles but thats one thing, another is that if your buying one with 4X4 and plan on using it make sure it engages in hi and low gear. Check around the engine for signs of an oil leak, shake all wheels back and forth to see if they have any play for signs of bad wheel bearings, wobble the front and rear driveshaft to make sure the u-joints are good. Another thing, when you put it in 4X4 hi or low turn the vehicle kind of sharp and get on the gas a little and if you hear a crunching then you know front axle u-joints maybe bad. And if it is a 4X4 and you test drive and you pull out fast and you hear a noise from the front end don't be alarmed because 97 and up explorer is equipped with 4X4 auto in the 2wheel drive position so it's more-less a traction control. Make sure there don't seem to be trouble when getting on the brakes because of warped rotors. That's some of the things I'd tell ya to look for. Don't think explorers are bad but when buying a used vehicle you gotta be careful when buying so just some tips. Let us know how ya make out.