V8 explorer? A viable daily or do they deserve the exploder tag?

nstg8a · 23-08-2020, 10:45 PM

Basically as the title says... I was looking for a older Terri, but in my price range they tend to be pretty haggard.

I’ve noticed a few explorers on the market.

I know the previous model earns its unreliable tag with the v6 and fragile auto.
Was this model any better?

**Captain Stubing** · 23-08-2020, 10:52 PM

I know one of our members, @Ross1; bought one recently, and has been impressed by it. Bad coverage can be earned by one or two failures out of tens of thousands of units. It's easily amplified by the name similaties... Explorer/Exploder.

But, I bought a Jeep... no regrets yet.

Itsme · 23-08-2020, 11:18 PM

I know a couple people who have the V8 explorer's with autos with no known issues if any they talk highly of them.

jmack · 24-08-2020, 02:01 AM

had mine for about 4 years now 03xltv8 and although i dont drive it everyday when i do its great.at the time was looking at a terry as well but couldnt bring myself to a 6cyl.was a comfy ride till i put the 20s on but i love it, looks like a secret service vehicle black with tinted windows etc.biggest things with them on startup listen for timing chain rattle(broken guides)transmission for smooth changes

**janddbone** · 24-08-2020, 02:27 AM

They are a nice motor, definitely known issues with trans and some engines and related bits. The odd electrical gremlin in the interior as well. They dont rust anywhere as much as a Territory and although the interior is not as plush, it does not fall to bits like a Territory either.

Franco Cozzo · 24-08-2020, 07:46 AM

Can be hard to get replacement parts for locally and avoid the V6 model with its odd timing chain setup.

jmack · 24-08-2020, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Can be hard to get replacement parts for locally and avoid the V6 model with its odd timing chain setup.

Yeah what is it 2 at the front and 1 at the back which is virt a motor out job

**Ross 1** · 24-08-2020, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Stubing

I know one of our members, @Ross1; bought one recently, and has been impressed by it. Bad coverage can be earned by one or two failures out of tens of thousands of units. It's easily amplified by the name similaties... Explorer/Exploder.

But, I bought a Jeep... no regrets yet.

Got one, V8 LTD 04, at the start of the year. It was intended just to be a work hack to throw tools and bags of cement etc in but I drive it every day now. Fuel consumption around town is a bit higher than the Territory I had before it, about 16, but on the highway even with a load of tools in it it is down to around 10L. Really comfy, especially on long trips and the auto 4x4 mode is better than the AWD Territory on gravel roads. Would definitely recommend one over a Territory of the same price. They are popular here in NZ so we don't have any issue getting parts and they are reasonably priced. Resisting the temptation to do mods to the engine and exhaust as it is powerful enough for my needs and it is so quite in stock mode that, compared to the Territory, you can hardly tell it's running. The LTD ones, not sure which others, came with electric everything, seats, aerial, seperate climate control, so make sure you go through every control and make sure everything works as it should. Like the Territory it does like a strong battery and the only time I have had any glitches is when the battery was low. As someone else pointed out they don't rust, been all over mine and can't find any. Try and find one with a service history.

wodahs · 24-08-2020, 01:55 PM

looks simular to my old 02 explorer , got rid of it in an attempt to get a diesel terri
the 02 had an alloy block 4.6ltr modular motor like our 5.4s
never had problems getting parts from the states
and in all the time i had it apart from servicing an tyres i replaced the inlet manifold due to coolant corosian , the coils and a trans valve body

Vesper Martini · 24-08-2020, 01:57 PM

I would say get a V8 one and it will hold its value. that engine sounds great too

though saying that carsales produced 12 results, one V8 with 410,000kms! pretty cheap though.

jstanovic · 24-08-2020, 02:58 PM

Do you need to rely on it everyday? I stick to mainstream cars that are common for my work cars, parts available everywhere and everyone is happy to work on them. If something fails it would generally be sorted the next day. If I had to wait a week to get parts in for my car my clients wouldn’t be very happy!!

I know nothing about the explorer so maybe parts are readily available, but something worth checking first.

If it’s just to get you to work and back then go for it, you can always use Uber while waiting for repairs IF they are needed.

Swordie · 24-08-2020, 10:22 PM

This one is not the Exploder. It was an older generation.

The 4.6 gets a note with the right exhaust. It will have allot in common with the Mustang motor. It could be a cool ride.

My guess is Territory will handle better.

**Ross 1** · 25-08-2020, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swordie

This one is not the Exploder. It was an older generation.

The 4.6 gets a note with the right exhaust. It will have allot in common with the Mustang motor. It could be a cool ride.

My guess is Territory will handle better.

Engine does sound good, which is why I'm tempted to put a decent exhaust on. Yes the Territory handles better on twisting roads but the Explorer makes up for it by riding a lot smoother on highways and flat roads due to the softer suspension.

**Polyal** · 25-08-2020, 03:15 PM

And who buys a Territory because of handling anyway, sure it may be less 4x4 like but surely that isnt the reason for getting one.

If they were sold in higher numbers and support was a bit better it would be a good deal, so if you are handy yourself or of diagnostic tools then why not.

+1 for V8 SUV.

nstg8a · 25-08-2020, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

And who buys a Territory because of handling anyway, sure it may be less 4x4 like but surely that isnt the reason for getting one.

If they were sold in higher numbers and support was a bit better it would be a good deal, so if you are handy yourself or of diagnostic tools then why not.

+1 for V8 SUV.

They do seem to be better put together than an older territory, and they’re not real common either.

The explorer in my op has now sold, but there’s a few others floating round for similar money.

Vesper Martini · 26-08-2020, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

And who buys a Territory because of handling anyway, sure it may be less 4x4 like but surely that isnt the reason for getting one.

If they were sold in higher numbers and support was a bit better it would be a good deal, so if you are handy yourself or of diagnostic tools then why not.

+1 for V8 SUV.

I did. not sure if you've driven one with a comment like that..

**Polyal** · 26-08-2020, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I did. not sure if you've driven one with a comment like that..

hahaha ah mate I driven plenty of them. They handle well for a SUV, depends on what you are buying it for.

Their main purpose it to transport people in comfort, not nail the 'Ring.

Drove a Dodge Durango R/T at the start of the year, just a 5.7, and it was awesome. Coudlnt give two hoots how it handles as I am typically driving with the family, not winning races.

Vesper Martini · 26-08-2020, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

hahaha ah mate I driven plenty of them. They handle well for a SUV, depends on what you are buying it for.

Their main purpose it to transport people in comfort, not nail the 'Ring.

Drove a Dodge Durango R/T at the start of the year, just a 5.7, and it was awesome. Coudlnt give two hoots how it handles as I am typically driving with the family, not winning races.

If you don't give 2 hoots why say:
"who buys a Territory because of handling anyway"

Handling is not about winning races either - driving the family through windy roads for hours and not getting tired comes into it

But FWIW the TTG has the same suspension setup - so