advice on purchasing a 2000 Ford Explorer XLT

My advice would be not to. Do a search on this site, they are not called exploders for nothing. I know they are cheap 2nd hand, but their are much more reliable and capable 4wds. v6 Jackaroos are not a lot dearer are are much more reliable. The only good point about explorers is they make good towing rigs till they start giving trouble.
Good luck Pete

The Explorer engine has a definate fault with the timing chain tensioner and guides. The guides break off and falls into the sump which allows the timing chain to jump teeth. The tensioner also falls into the sump which then drops the engine oil pressure to zero. The standard cost I have seen for this repair can range up to 3 grand. I have heard that there is an aftermarket timing chain and guide kit available which does not use plastic chain guides seems to fix the problem. Hope this helps.

Worm

Simplest thing is to go and price a new exhaust system for one. Then decide if you can afford to own one as all parts are on a par price wise.

Hi,
i don't think that the above comments are quite current anymore. One of my friends has a 2001 XLT and i found it is actually a lot better than some people make it out to be. Driving it I found it roomy, comfortable, nimble and quite economical for a car of this size and weight. I personally wouldn't consider one though because the wheel travel is very limited and so is the clearance. A combination which really limits the cars off road ability. If you are looking for a strong and comfortable tow vehicle with only moderate off road use then you really should consider one. Just be aware whilst it might be a lot of car for your money for a 2000 model you will have to consider that it might be a bugger to sell later on.
Cheers, Udo

They don't call them "exploders" for nothing. Do a Google search or search the archives here.

I'll join the chorus - DON'T.

Did you know the engine has to be removed to replace the timing chain? It's at least a 17 hour labour cost. I'll bet the one you are looking at needs this job doing very soon.

I've had a 2000 XLT since new with no problems. Apparently the timing chain problems were with the earlier models. I've taken mine round the block a couple of times, towing a Jayco Dove camper. It's done the Gibb River Rd., Kalumburu Rd.,andSteep Point to name a few trips. I know they cop a lot of flak, but I'm happy. We'll just see what the future brings. Check out this site. They're all Explorer enthusiasts. Cheers.
Roger B.

http://www.aussiexplorers.com/?gclid=CJf44fShuYgCFShtTAoddEsc2w

Dont you just love it when you take the time to reply, and not one person even gets a thank you.
Pete

Yep, great, thanks for that Pete!

Unfortunately with running a large business and raising a 4 year old, I just don't have the luxury of being able to sit on a computer and reply to threads regularly. For me, it sometimes takes a day or two before I can spare time to do that. No need to be rude - I do appreciate people responding to my thread, I just can't respond every day!

Son in Law had a low Km Explorer and had trouble with the Transmission Cooler that goes thru the Radiator. A Tube inside the Radiator fractured and he had an Oil/Water mix in Transmission and Radiator.

If buying an Explorer I would use a separate Transmission Cooler and bypass the standard radiator unit.

Its not only the expense of fixing the vehicle up its the uncertainty of when the vehicle will fail, that's why he is thinking of selling his Explorer.

Peter

Yeah had one of them on the farm....just going down the driveway something else would fall off.
My experience, total waste

Cheers.............BIGDOG