Ford Explorer: Thinking of buying a used '97 Explorer - Opinions (pro and con) Welcomed!!!

I would recommend a V8 Explorer

On Sat, 8 Nov 2003 18:22:50 -0500, "Scruitol" <com>
wrote:
 

I ordered my 4 dr, 4WD '97 XLT OHV 4.0 liter with manual trans before
they hit the lots in the summer of 1996. Now with over 150K miles, it
remains the most reliable vehicle I have owned in over 35 years
experience with cars from all major makers, US, Japanese, or German.
This was the 3rd year of this version of the Explorer, and it tends to
confirm my suspicion that this is when the bugs found the first year
models, which are reported during the 2nd year of production, actually
get fixed! The differences from prior models (95 and 96) included an
improved Control Trac system that allows locking the transfer case in
high range and a relocated air intake to avoid ingesting water to the
engine when going through deep puddles. This was the last year where
some little things like door lights, under hood lights, and an XLT with
manual trans were offered. There were some mechanical issues with the
SOHC 4.0 liter engines this year, but the old push rod 4 is quite
rugged. I could certainly recommend this model.

=Vic=
Bear Gap, PA

Scruitol wrote:

"Scruitol" <com> wrote in message news:<com>...


The SOHC V-6's have too many cam chain problems to suit me. I'll go
for the old pushrod engine, I think '97 was the last year for them.