<DIV class=container-forummessage>Im very familiar with explorers, had a 1994 sport, which was great, had a 96 E.B. v6, trans sensor went bad around 65k, and then a 98 E.B. v8, trans went around 65k, traded it in. Now im looking to get a 2003 Mountaineer Premier, used, 78k, fully loaded. Car fax looks good; truck looks great. I read the reviews for the 2002 which is a lot of trans problems, but for 2003 there are alot of great reviews for everything... I test drove it and it drove great. I have the maintenance records which shows consistent oil changes, new brakes/rotors at 49k, new serpentine belt, replaced front stabilizer bar and bushings, replaced belt tensionser at 66k, and new transfer case at 65k. Any opinions on this??? Thanks in advance. </DIV>

 

The Mountaineer's are very reliable. I think it would be a great selection. Personally, I would probably look for a vehicle with lower miles. You could spend more on a newer Mountaineer now, and get more use out of it. It seems you trade everytime you have a problem with the vehicle...which, there is nothing wrong with that. Spending more on a newer vehicle could save you in the long run.