2000 Ford Explorer Sport from North America - Comments

In April of this year I purchased the 2000 Explorer Sport with 86,800 miles from a used dealer who promised it had not been in an accident. We knew the bumper cover needed to be replaced (appeared to have been broken loose on one side by snow) and got the price down to $4000. We checked it over, all clean fluids, appeared to have been well taken care of, only a few minor items broke (side mirror switch, door reflector).

We took the truck to Ford for the bumper and to have them realign the rear wiper and were informed the frame was bent and the wiper motor had to be replaced. $2500 later back on the road.

Less than 600 miles later the transmission went, another $2300.

Now at 87,450 miles it turns over, but won't start in cold weather. Took back to Ford for another repair on the wiper (this one free) and full tune up. $700 later it appears to start (hasn't been as cold again yet), but rear wiper still doesn't work.

Back again today and they are tearing apart the hatch to identify the reason for no power (it worked before they replaced the motor, just wouldn't align to the window).

Rear-Wiper did not align with window when purchased

Transmission went less than 600 miles after purchase

Would not start in cold weather

Rear-Wiper - new motor has never worked consistently.

We thought it would be a good second car. But after $9,000 and less than 700 miles I do not have a dependable automobile and gas mileage isn't anywhere near that of the Tahoe. Was hoping it would burn up before they fixed the recalled cruise control. I know this model replaced the Bronco II (one of which we had for 13 years without major incident), but I think this is my last Ford.

It really makes no sense to blame the manufacturer for the faults of your vehicle when it most likely was the previous owners neglect. Next time run a carfax report on your vehicle before buying it. In my state if your vehicle was in an accident and it has a bent frame and it was not reported to you as the purchaser, the dealer would be fined a serious amount of money.

I have a 2002 Explorer Sport with over 100,000 miles that has never had a single problem of any kind, let alone any of those you mention. I always say the key is maintenance. If you buy a rebuilt wreck, you don't know what you're getting, and you should expect some trouble.

I also have a 2000 Explorer Scout with over 100k miles and the only thing that ever went wrong with it is the rear tailgate lock froze and broke when I tried to open the tailgate.

I change the oil and filter every 3k miles and perform all recommended services on the car per the Ford service book.

Treat this car well and it will treat you well... and next time, use CARFAX!!

Jayb1943.