Replacing the old Ford Explorer

[gregens]

I'm thinking strongly about replacing my 2002 SUV. I've had nothing but repairs since I bought it used back in 2004 and I'm sure that will get even more expensive in the future. I do like the power, V-8, and the 4 wheel drive. I had a front wheel drive van before that and almost got stuck at a couple of landings. I need something to pull my 17' Alumacraft with 70 hp motor. I'm guessing that I have about 2,000 lbs to pull with gas, gear, etc. (does 2,000 sound about right?) I would like to buy something 2-5 years old. I'm pretty sure that I would like to stay with an SUV rather than a pick-up, because I want to have a comfortable back seat for passengers. I would also like to find something with 4 wheel drive. Any suggestions?

[eyehunter78]

The newer 4 door truck have a nice back seat and drive/ride just as good as a SUV. I would look at the Silverado or Tahoe/Yukon but I'm a GM man Ford also makes something close to these options also.LOL

[S.D. Ice Angular]

I will also be replacing my 96 Explorer soon, I am leaning towards a Tahoe or Suburban though. I hardley ever have more than one passanger. I don't like the fact that you cannot fold down the rear seats like the Explorer though.

[delcecchi]

I'm thinking strongly about replacing my 2002 SUV. I've had nothing but repairs since I bought it used back in 2004 and I'm sure that will get even more expensive in the future. I do like the power, V-8, and the 4 wheel drive. I had a front wheel drive van before that and almost got stuck at a couple of landings. I need something to pull my 17' Alumacraft with 70 hp motor. I'm guessing that I have about 2,000 lbs to pull with gas, gear, etc. (does 2,000 sound about right?) I would like to buy something 2-5 years old. I'm pretty sure that I would like to stay with an SUV rather than a pick-up, because I want to have a comfortable back seat for passengers. I would also like to find something with 4 wheel drive. Any suggestions?

Last time this came up I suggested an AWD Sienna minivan, but the guy didn't think it was macho enough.

[Macgyver55]

I don't like the fact that you cannot fold down the rear seats like the Explorer though.

You can..... unless they changed something recently, or you mean that they fold differently than an Explorer.

[zamboni]

My 97 Explorer has been the most trouble free vehicle I have ever had. Its at 180K+ and once it goes it will be replaced with another one.

[Macgyver55]

Do your homework when you shop! 2002 through 2006 have a higher incidence of transmission problems.

I have a friend with an 05 that provides me with a good part time income.

The newer ones with independent rear axle are a different animal than the older ones.

[fishing tech]

The ones with independant rear suspenion have rear wheel bearing issues that could become spendy. Other then that they are pretty reliable.

[Scott K]

The ones with independant rear suspenion have rear wheel bearing issues that could become spendy. Other then that they are pretty reliable.

I agree. As for the tranny problems, other then solenoid packs, I dont think there was many other problems with them.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The ones with independant rear suspenion have rear wheel bearing issues that could become spendy. Other then that they are pretty reliable.

All four bearings are just as common.

I had one with the rears so loose you couldn't drive it (the customer requested we did not). We got those replaced and the fronts where howling up a storm.

The other thing I see a lot on the newer ones is the rear coils like to break. Occasionally the rear outer tie rodes will be worn out alone with lower ball joints starting to get sloppy at the 50k mark.

[SkunkedAgain]

Last time this came up I suggested an AWD Sienna minivan, but the guy didn't think it was macho enough.

I think that was me delcecchi. It's my wife that doesn't think minivans are macho enough. I questioned the ability of the Sienna to tow a modern Navigator with 4-stroke motor. You're getting close to the tow capacity of the minivan, which even with tow package, doesn't come with a tranny cooler or upgraded suspension. I think you'd be hurting that rig more than doing yourself a service, but it all also depends on how far you tow. 5 miles to the lake and you're probably right. 500 miles round trip like me and you're using the wrong vehicle.

As for SD Angular - look at a Ford Ranger with a 4.0L v6 if you rarely take more than one passenger. It might fit your needs perfectly.

[delcecchi]

Yeah there are valid reasons for being concerned about towing with such a vehicle, although my buddy has the 2wd version and tows his trailer loaded with stuff from rochester to vermilion several times a year without problems. Minnesota is pretty flat after all.

If the trailer is approaching the limit of the vehicle,3500 lb, it needs brakes as well.

After seeing the guy with kentucky plates towing a boat that looked like about a 19 foot tyee up us53 with a camry, maybe there is some margin there.

I am thinking about one of those siennas when my explorer dies, but I don't tow my rig very far.