|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 52
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 52
|
1998 Explorer
My previous Vehicle was a 98 Explorer Sport 4x4. Nice enough vehicle but full of problems. I bought it in 2000 with 22K on it. I sold it with 60K this October. Here are things that went wrong:
-Paint on hood cracked.
-Paint on roof peeled
-Factory nerf bars rusted.
-Replaced rear end.
-Replaced instrument cluster.
-Replaced thermostat.
-Replaced door latch.
-Replaced timing chain tensioner.
-Replaced tires (recall).
-Replaced front rotors.
-Replaced front suspension upper control arms.
-Replaced Catalytic Converter.
-4x4 went out 3 times, all three times computer glitch that cleared with system reset (finally figured out disconnecting battery does same thing as $70 dealer visit).
-Blower motor was going out.
-Ventilation dripped water on passenger side at times.
-Rear window seal not secure (by design)
-Rear wiper didn't like cold weather.
-Wiper intermittent settings had mind of their own.
This was a well-maintained and cared for vehicle. I take pride in keeping my vehicles in good shape.
Things I liked:
-Good space for size, almost as much as my 4-door Runner.
-Great power, 205 HP and 5-Speed automatic made for some fun.
-Real factory towing package with upgraded springs, shocks, transmission cooler, and different gearing. My 4Runner has none of that and doesn't tow as well, although it is still adequate. Explorer didn't come with reciever though, while 4Runner did. Interesting.
-Good ergonomics, including excellent seats. Or comfortable, I should say, since the seats didn't have any head restraints excellent is not proper.
-Tons of headroom.
-Seemed pretty solid, few squeaks or rattles.
Things I didn't like:
-Squirrely handling.
-Suspension not very capable on-road or off.
-Reliability (obviously).
-Resale
-Auto 4x4 too slow to react and too many potential problems.
-Poor gas milage and small gas tank.
On Edmunds.com I found the 98 Explorer has 323 service bulletins (known problems) and 9 recalls. In comparison, a 98 4Runner has 16 service bulletins and 1 recall.
I am happy so far with my 4Runner. I passed up newer and nicer domestics for the same price. It handles and rides better, has more front legroom, and gets better gas milage. I won't be going back to Ford anytime soon. I estimate the repairs cost close to $5000. Luckily most was covered, but it's still no excuse.
I still think it was a nice truck though and would still be happily driving it if not for all the problems. I have pictures of my 4Runner also but havn't gotten around to getting them off the camera yet. When I do I'll post them.
Edit: I should mention as well that I have driven 4-door Explorers as well, so my dislikes are not due entirely to the shorter wheelbase of the 2-door and the towing package.
__________________
2000 SR5 4x4
Last edited by prlundberg; 12-22-2003 at 03:46 PM.
|