User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 12-22-2003, 03:23 PM #1
prlundberg's Avatar
prlundberg prlundberg is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 52
prlundberg is an unknown quantity at this point
prlundberg prlundberg is offline
Member
prlundberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 52
prlundberg is an unknown quantity at this point
Unhappy 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.
Attached Images
1998 Explorer-explorer-small-jpg 
__________________
2000 SR5 4x4


Last edited by prlundberg; 12-22-2003 at 03:46 PM.
prlundberg is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1998 4Runner for sale. Very nice 12k. kaiser Classifieds - buy & sell (no commercial ads please) 4 03-24-2010 05:30 PM
FS: 1998 4Runner Limited 4x4 AnsonWilson Classifieds - buy & sell (no commercial ads please) 0 03-19-2010 12:38 AM
1998 and 1999 Swap Out mustangaustin34 3rd gen T4Rs 5 05-22-2009 01:55 AM
1998 4runner clock? Bergy1 3rd gen T4Rs 2 03-16-2008 04:00 PM
help my ford explorer uzibear Maintenance/Detailing 5 07-14-2006 12:28 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:27 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Copyright © 2020