Someone I know is looking at a low mileage one of these. Is this a Ford Explorer? I know nothing about it. Looking for some feedback so I can help this person who is seeking some advice.

Thanks guys.

quote:

Is this a Ford Explorer?

Yes it is. The 4.6 V8 has a good reputation in this platform. Only downside being it's really tight in the engine bay so working on them takes a bit of extra time.

MPG is going to suck too.

Thank you.

We bought a new one in 2004. Actually got it cheaper than an Explorer with the same options.
It was the best vehicle we ever owned. When we traded it in, in September 2013, it had 265,000 miles on the 4.6 engine, and it was just starting to use a quart of oil between 5000 mile oil changes. In the time we had it, we had the AC recharged, ball joints up front, and an alternator and starter replaced. There’s a plastic piece that runs across the rear hatch, right under the rear window, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one that wasn’t cracked, but that’s just an appearance issue.
It was 10 times the vehicle our 2014 Explorer is.

That generation of Explorer/Mountaineer ran from 2002 until 2010 and I would argue that it was certainly the best generation for the platform.
I’d also argue that it was one of Ford’s most reliable vehicles across the board whether they had the V8 or V6.
I had. 2002 Explorer with the V6 that I sold in 2017 because we were having our 3rd kid and I did not have a 3rd row in it. I sold it with 156k miles and outside of standard maintenance the only thing I had to replace was the starter and alternator. Both were inexpensive and EASY to change. I changed the alternator on the side of the interstate.

I highly regret selling it as I should have just kept it for a 2nd kind of beater vehicle. I can pretty much guarantee it still would be running with no issues today.

That 4.6L is a pretty solid motor that was used in a multitude of things.

Muddflap is correct about the tailgate panel cracking mine did that as well.
However they redesigned that in 2006 and was no longer an issue.

Well, this rig turned out to be a real gem as best as we could tell. Rear seats never sat in. Engine compartment was super clean. The undercarriage was super clean, no rust at all. Power everything. Being a 2010 did not seem overly outfitted with complicated technical stuff. Everything worked. Clean as a pin. Took it on a 20 mile test drive. Was a joy to drive and ride. Rather quiet interior. Newer Goodyear tires. Tow package. The rear aftermarket backup camera was the only thing that did not work. 62K original miles. They purchased it at a great price. It was traded in yesterday. They were fielding calls on the whole time we were in the dealership.

Thanks guys, really appreciate the help.

Ford backup cameras all seem to die early and often. The older ones like that are cheap on Amazon. The newer ones, I found it better to trade my last F250 on a new Tundra. The Ford ones were on a recall, but they never did seem to have the parts available.