Looking to buy a used 2002 Ford Explorer and it seems like there are quite a few available in my area (Central California) that are 4x4 instead of 4x2. I really won't be using the 4x4 feature but can get a good deal on one. It looks like it only gets about 1 less mile a gallon compared to a 4x2, so I'm wondering about a couple of things.
Is there any drawbacks to owning a 4x4 when I don't use it?
Anything else I should be aware of when owning a 4x4?
- Thanks
Tire rotation, tire rotation, tire rotation!
I would bet the 4X2 would get better than 1 mpg over the 4X4. I drive a 97 Expedition 4X2 with 4.6 Liter engine and my wife drives 2000 Explorer 4X4 and get about 3-4 more mpg than she does. We have compared in similar driving both in town and highway and the 4X2 beats her everytime even tho I have a larger engine.
D-snip-
Not necessarily. I have a 95 4X2 Rodeo 3.2L V6 that gets about the same gas mileage than my brother-in-law's 95 Rodeo 4X4.. same engine. His 4x4 has free-wheeling hubs, doesn't spin the crankcase; therefore does not increase the drag co-efficient.
As far as 4X4 or 4X2 goes... you may not ever need to use it, but it sure is nice to have when you do. I wish my Rodeo was a 4x4.
If you live in a city, and do not plan on ever going offroad, or driving on muddy dirt roads, or snow, then likely you won't ever need a 4x4. However, you can disconnect the front axles and remove the transfer case, which will basically make it a 4x2, and give you back some MPG.
Chuck
in article snipped-for-privacy@enews1.newsguy.com, Tom C. at snipped-for-privacy@fastnetit.com wrote on 10/28/03 11:49 AM:
In my opinion, when you finally do NEED 4x4, you will really NEED it and wish you had it. I drive an 89 Bronco II and it has saved me several times in severe weather. Plus its fun sometimes if you are inclined to play with the 4x4 a little.
As far as extra maintenance goes...You will have to change the lube in the transfercase periodically, plus you will have front hubs to check on, and a front driveshaft, etc...Just a few more lube points and things that require periodic attention is all. I would say if you are getting a good deal on it, then jump on it even if it is 4x4. If you don't use it often, make sure to at least engage the 4x4 periodically to keep things lubed and spinning like they should.
As far as gas mileage, my 89 Bronco II 4x4 is getting about 20-21 MPG. Not bad for a 14 year old vehicle that weighs about 3900 pounds. I don't know what the ratings are for a '02 Explorer but I bet its not too bad.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.