Help Please I am Buying a used Explorer (1991-1995)!

Um, I would check the mileage and find out if the transmission has been replaced yet. They seem to go out between 150000 and 200000 miles.

I have two of the #@%& things (91 XLT and 92 EB). Between the two of them just about everything but the engine and axles has broken. And the frames are still good. The electric windows and door locks fail, which is annoying. The door handle fell off my 91. The thermostats don't seem to last very long. The radius arm bushings need to be replaced every 100000 miles or so. Little pieces of the things are always falling off. The servo motors for 4WD seem to fail if you don't used them regularly. The autolock front axles failed on my 91 so i'm looking into manual locking hubs. The air conditioners still work except the 92 leaked all the refrigerant and needs to be repaired (new seals). I think the shocks are still original on both but some mechanic told me they need to be replaced, along with the front springs ($900). I change the oil every two years whether it needs it or not and never change the spark plugs cause they could have made it more difficult, but I don't see how.

But I must say though that both engines still run great after 190000 and

As far as mileage goes we get about 15-16 mph with a lot of highway driving.

I miss my old Toyota pickup.

Ulysses had some great pointers, a little tongue-in-cheek maybe...

But seriously, unless you are getting a 'steal' for an older 91-95 explorer, I'd shy away. Especially if you are anticipating this to be a primary driver... By now, most explorers of that vintage are going to be high in mileage and unless extremely well cared for, it will be a 'money-pit' (even if it has been well cared for).

I've had a 91 for 120,000 miles, (75,000 - 195,000). Over the years, I've replaced the engine, starter (3 times), Alternator (twice), brakes (fronts every 12,000 to 15,000 miles) RAB bushings (needs them again). Door handles have broken, center console arm rest broke, numerous gauge display problems (see other post). I've avoided the tranny problems (knock on wood). I've also had problems with the heads and gaskets, intake manifold, replaced the radiator, heater core...

The list goes on....

Rick

Oh yea, I forgot about the intake manifold gasket. The gasket was only about $30 but it took me 3 days to replace it! And the heater cores go out around 150000-200000 miles but are not difficult or expensive to replace unless you buy the parts from Frod. Matter-of-fact the cheap Mexican core was made out of brass and the Ford part was aluminum. The brass one looked like better quality. Between the two I've only had to replace one alternator (recently) and no water pumps or radiators.

The more I think about it the more parts have fallen off.... center console, rear door handle, headlight knob, hood bumpers, air cleaner screws/nuts... I'm finding metal parts on the driveway that I assume came from my wife's '92. Not sure what some of the are even...

Thanks everyone for the information- I think it will be a great help!

one more thing is that the style changed quite a bit in 95. IMO the 95-99? interior is 50 times nicer than the earlier models.