1997 Ford Explorer SportTrac from North America - Comments

Transfer case motor went out (no 4-wheel drive) @ 131,000 miles ($300)

Transfer case motor needed further adjustments (wouldn't engage in 4-wheel drive) @ 131,500 miles ($100)

Tranny servicing (making clunking sound from reverse to drive) @ 133,000 miles ($100)

Spark plug wires went bad (car shuddering) @ 134,000 miles ($30)

Front brakes wore down @ 135,000 miles ($50)

Intermediate planetary gears shot (tranny making whistling sound) @ 137,000 miles (estimated cost to fix: $1200-1800)

I have never had so many problems with a car in my life. This was my first Ford vehicle I have ever purchased, and my first mid-sized SUV. I have only had the car for 4 months and put 6,000 miles on it and am up to my ears in debt over it. After paying the shop for my tranny to be fixed and having them add it on to my loan since I don't have $2000 to fix it, I will be about $5000 upside down in this ridiculous piece of machinery. Everything cosmetically has aged nicely, the paint looks good, the interior is exceptional--the seats are very comfortable. I don't know if this is the norm, but this vehicle can barely get me down the road. I'm the 3rd owner apparently. The only sweet release would be for me to be its last - kill the car!!

Hi it's me, the death cab is back in the shop. I will however say that the tranny is still going, yay!

I just replaced all the tires and the shocks earlier this week @ 145K - about $500 (that's discounted parts by the way)

I did figure out that my wheels are from the earlier model ('92-95 I think) I'm not sure why though.

My inner tie rod ends are getting replaced today and the water pump took a dump 2 days ago (still at 145K) which will be another $300 all together and that's discounted parts too (through my significant other that works at a shop). So altogether I've spent another $800+ this week on the car!

After all this, I'd say maybe a basic tune up and another tranny flush will be needed later on this year. Since the tranny isn't in the best shape the tranny fluid gets dirty faster. It seems to be shifting fine though.

Hopefully one more year of paying on her and I can trade her in for a Honda :)

Sometimes when the engine is still cool and the car hasn't been running long, and I come to a stop the RPM's go way down to about 300-500 and the car seems like it's going to die. It never does though and after a few seconds it goes back up to about 800 RPM's which is normal idle for her. Anyone know what this could be? No engine lights come on or anything and the MPG and fuel economy has never been any different than the day I got her 1 year ago. Thanks!

These problems of yours are all basic maintainance on a truck at 130k+. The fact that the transfer case needed so much work means that it was either not used enough (therefore the parts stiffen, fluid gets old, and parts don't get lubricated) or you overused the transfer case in situations where it was not needed therefore wearing out the parts and possibly if you go over 45 mph in 4wd high, it does bad things to the gears.

The tranny I suspect has not had regular fluid changes allowing those little metal particles that get pulled out with fluid changes to build up and hurt the insides of the tranny or block the filters.

Shocks and struts are no surprise on a big 4x4 vehicle at 130k. Same with brakes on a big vehicle, since they don't last forever.

Tie rods, water pump, and spark plug wires are all expected to wear out sometime and again it shouldn't be a surprise that you have to replace at such high mileage.

Next time I advise you to:

1.) don't buy a car with so many miles

2.) don't expect said car to have no problems with it

3.) buy something you can afford and not have to get a loan because when you get "surprised" as you were with basic maintainance then you won't have any money.

I hear you. It is such a bummer to buy a good reliable 8 year old car, with 130,000 miles on it, and then actually have some problems! Boy, it is hard to believe this has happened to you!

I have a ford explorer that I purchased used and it hasn't been a pleasant experience. First I had to replace the motor with only 125k miles on it. Second the engine idles too low as though it will cut off, I think someone else wrote about that problem. Now the tranny is slipping, I have bought used cars before, but never with the problems I have experience with this one. never again will I buy an American vehicle.

I rarely keep a vehicle 100,000 miles and if they reach that mileage I either sell or it becomes my second vehicle. I love reading that maintenance was required at 130,000 miles etc. Even if you need a motor or trans...100,000 miles is plenty of driving in my opinion... especially 4 wheel drive.