Should I Buy This 2003 Explorer?

I’m looking at a 2003 Ford Explorer. The interior is pristine, and I need something reliable to last me through college. It has 135,000 miles.

When I asked about maintenance, the seller said the timing chains had been serviced. Obviously, they could be lying, but if I test drive it, are there any specific noises or signs I should look for to confirm whether the timing chains were actually done? I know the 4.0 V6 is notorious for timing chain issues.

Check the CARFAX. It’s worth it.

4.0 V6? Hard pass. Look for the 4.6 V8 instead—it’s much more reliable.

Keaton said:
4.0 V6? Hard pass. Look for the 4.6 V8 instead—it’s much more reliable.

Everyone I know says the opposite. :thinking:

Blaze said:

Keaton said:
4.0 V6? Hard pass. Look for the 4.6 V8 instead—it’s much more reliable.

Everyone I know says the opposite. :thinking:

They’re wrong. The 4.0 has major timing chain issues, and the transmission is made of glass.

@Keaton
Can confirm the transmission part.

Sage said:
@Keaton
Can confirm the transmission part.

I can’t believe someone below said the 5R55 transmission is ‘okay’!

My 2004 XLT was a LEMON because of that transmission. It needed an overhaul at just over 60k miles. The transmission shop told me they see tons of these fail early. Some people even tried to start a class-action lawsuit, but it didn’t gain traction.

Also had constant brake issues, and I finally got rid of it at 75k when the rear differential started acting up.

@Keaton
My dad’s 4.0 lasted over 200k miles with no issues, but yeah, the transmission part is spot on. Mine is losing reverse and leaking from the input shaft seal.

That said, the 4.0 itself is tough. It takes a lot of abuse before it dies. It’s just the timing chains and rear main seal that suck.

I just got rid of my ‘04 Eddie Bauer 4.0 V6. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Corroded fuses: Mine would randomly shut off when using cruise control under 40 mph.
  • Transmission issues: Needed a new one at 170k. No issues after that.
  • Plastic trim issues: Cracks all over, especially the rear hatch panel (common on all Explorers & Navigators).
  • Rear main seal leaks: Almost all ‘04s have this issue eventually.
  • Timing chain failure: Typically happens around 175-200k miles.

That said, the car was a beast in snow and water. I did oil changes every 10k miles with high-quality oil and had no engine issues. But if you can, go for the V8 instead.

@Mal
10k miles between oil changes? My dad would kill me. :joy:

Nico said:
@Mal
10k miles between oil changes? My dad would kill me. :joy:

I kept it clean and used premium oil. I’d do it every 6k if I could. :joy:

Mal said:

Nico said:
@Mal
10k miles between oil changes? My dad would kill me. :joy:

I kept it clean and used premium oil. I’d do it every 6k if I could. :joy:

A lot of people still swear by the 3k-mile rule, but oil quality has improved a lot since then. 5-7k is more reasonable these days.

V8? Yes.
V6? No.

Miles? Oh, I see… Yup, definitely get it.

Probably worth it. Just listen for timing chain rattle.

There’s always some ‘normal’ engine noise, but the bad rattle sounds like a loose chain dragging against metal. Hard to describe, but you’ll know it when you hear it.

I had an ‘02 V6 that rattled from 130k to 175k but still ran reliably every day. Paid $3,500 for it pre-COVID.

Bought an ‘07 V6 for $5k, and it overheated within a month and needed a new engine. So it’s always a gamble.

My father-in-law is a Ford master tech, and he says the 4.0 isn’t even close to the worst engines he sees. When mine overheated, he was genuinely surprised. I had a slight coolant leak and a rough idle—turned out to be a head gasket.

@Ridley
Yeah, timing chains and rear main seals are the most common repairs on this gen.

I have a 2005 black Eddie Bauer Explorer for sale if you’re interested.

Charlie said:
I have a 2005 black Eddie Bauer Explorer for sale if you’re interested.

V8? Price? Mileage?

Keaton said:

Charlie said:
I have a 2005 black Eddie Bauer Explorer for sale if you’re interested.

V8? Price? Mileage?

V6. $4,500. It has 257,000 miles, but I’ve kept it in pristine condition. Nothing wrong with it whatsoever.

@Charlie
She sounds like a peach. I’m looking to upgrade my backup vehicle, though. Currently have a 2000 Mountaineer with 225k on the clock.