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Comments
i have an '02 v8/3.73 rear gear.
can get 18-20 mpg on the highway.
fsv, what kind of tires do you have?
do you check the pressures?
what are your rpm's at 60, 70, 80?
Did you know that air drag is almost 80% greater at 80 mph than it is at 60 mph? That's not to say that aerodynamics is anything to write home about for a boxy vehicle even at 60 mph. You might consider a more leisurely pace and you get to enjoy the scenery a bit more as a bonus! That's just my tuppence! :-)
tidester, host
Yeah, but the boredom-drag is about 100% greater at 60mph than it is at slightly above the legal speed limit on roads I've seen 1000 times, especially in the Arizona desert.
Been there, done that! Tucson to Scottsdale is pretty boring even on the first trip but Tucson to Nogales - zzzzzz!
tidester, host
Note to self: Drop the tech stuff! ;-)
Thanks.
At first the mileage was not that great, hovering at around 15 mpg with mixed city and highway driving during the first 700 miles. Yesterday we drove 140 miles from New Jersey to Baltamore MD (average speed of 65 MPH Highway miles) with 4 adults and one 12 year old and got an average of 19 mpg. On the way back to NJ (we now had 2 adults and one 12 year old) ... I reset the mileage calculator on the dash "upon entering the highway" (instead from the city point of origin) and achieved 22.9 PER GALLON at 65 MPH! Not bad at all! It was actually nice driving the speed limit and enjoying the ride while our son watched DVD's in the back too. My wife commented on the way down and back how nice it drove and comfortable it was and I couldn't argue with that!
Hope this helps!
heather
I'm not finding any pics of the '06 model but you can find current ('05) pics using the drop down menus at top of this page (over on the right) where is says "Go to" (select make and select model).
tidester, host
The '06 Mountaineer does have pics, since it was released in the Chicago auto show.
That's great mileage! Is your truck AWD? Can you break down the deal too, as far as the 11K off sticker goes? I am shopping and would like to see how you did that.
Thanks
Other tidbits...Grey interior hides dirt better. Some with leather interior, you will see cracks on the leather if that's an issue. The Beige upper trim on the doors (soft material) seems to discolor a bit as it ages, turns more caramely from some examples I have seen. But this isn't a serious issue either.
You could try the Explorer forum for problems/solutions, and see what other people's take have been. Of course, ALL you will hear is mostly negative thoughts because thats the purpose of that forum, so don't be disheartened by it.
My Mountaineer is the AWD 5L V-8, with 3.73 limited slip differential. It has all the options, including the moon roof, leather seats, JBL stereo with CD changer, tow package, keyless entry, etc. The interior is gray with the exterior a nice glossy black.
It looks current even when compared with today's vehicles, even though it is now 8 years old. I've received several comments on it!
My research had shown this vehicle year to be reliable. I always look at the history behind the vehicle, how well its been maintained, how it looks under the vehicle and in the engine compartment, and how it drives and behaves.
My driving route has taken me on treacherous mountainous roads, with snow up to 8 inches, icy conditions, with fog and through rain, and snowdrifts. The AWD and the ABS brake system have proven to work exceptionally well, and it took me several weeks to learn what this vehicle will do that other 2 WD and pickups could not under the same weather conditions. It will do more than I expected; but remember, you can't violate or overcome the laws of physics -- its easy to get too confident with this vehicle if you're not careful!
Check the vehicle out, and if it checks out, have fun! Hope this helps some.
Also, to be more on Explorer topic, just the other day I saw an Explorer where the guy had mounted a Class III trailer hitch under his bumper. I guess his vehicle came standard with the built-in Class II. I do not know the brand, but it looks like even if you cannot swap out the old Class II, you can find someone to mount a new Class III the old fashioned way.
The sticker was $38,815, -$4,500 rebate, -$4,816 dealer discount, -$500 Ford Credit, -$500 deducted from a coupon I got at the Mercury desk at the Philadelphia car show this weekend. Saved $10,316 total ... got it for $28,499 + tax, tags & registration.
Hope this helps!
70mph>17-18mpg
i only have a class 2 hitch and i run 44psi in my oem tires...i run Mobil 1 and fuel injector cleaner every other tankful..i don't drive like a granny but not like an idiot either..stock plugs and wires aix air filter...i haven't changed the fuel filter yet but was wondering when i should..when do i change my plugs and wires and should i buy the oem plugs and wires or go aftermarket?...i have 50k on it right now so is it a good time to look at something else?thansk for any help..
The 5.0 L V8 Engine however, is a very reliable, time proven, race proven engine that has been around for a long time. It is the old pushrod design, not quite as powerful as the newer 4.6L OHC V8, but still very reliable and trouble free. The 4R70W 4 speed overdrive transmission behind it is equally as competent, a very reliable, time proven, race proven transmission. GO with the reliable V8 and you get the strong reliable transmission with it.
I just bought a 2000 Ford Explorer with 5.0 V8 and the 4R70W transmission, and it is wonderful!
These vehicles will easily run way past 200,000 miles with good care. Recommend using nothing but Full Synthetic motor oil and Synthetic Oil Filter on the engine, changing Synthetic oil and Synthetic filter every 7,000 to 7,500 miles. Use Full Synthetic Rear axle lube. Use Full Synthetic Chasis Grease. Keep all suspension bushings, door hinges, and window channels lubed with spray lube WD40 and Spray White Grease (very light on the grease around the windows, do not make a mess).
Good Luck
E.D.
That's good mileage. What are the details of your truck (model, engine, 4WD, etc.)?
Thanks
ps..the 1 thing i absolutely love is the fact the 2nd row windows go fully down..not like my safety windows in my Taurus
My question is: is it time for me to change all of the fluids (differentials and transfer cases) and the spark plugs?
I've gotten widely different opinions. The Ford dealer says to do so, and quoted a rather high dollar amount. The Lincoln/Mercury dealer said neither was necessary to do, unless I was having problems or the engine was starting to miss.
What is your advice? The transmission fluids have been recently changed, by the way.
Yesterday, the check engine light came on. It has never done this before.
I noticed that the fuel was almost empty when this happened (check gauge light came on).
I refilled the tank, then manually cleared the trouble light by removing the battery cable from the battery and letting it sit for about 10 minutes. I then reconnected the cable and restarted it, allowing the engine to run for 10 minutes. This manual procedure cleared the trouble light and I've not had it come back on since.
Is it likely the cause was an almost empty gas tank? Or is there another common cause for the vehicle at about 103,000 miles?
Initial problem with mine was hard reverse engagement from a forward gear, for example: a three point turn. Then became slow engagements between 1st to 2nd, then 2nd to 3rd. This past Sunday, while only doing it once, heard a whining noise from the tranny.
From my perspective, a guy who seldom buys new vehicles, and does alot of research before buying a new vehicle, this is absolutely unacceptable.
Good luck to you. Let me know if get resolution.
I have a need to tow about 1500 lbs, will the 160 hp engine be strong enough or should I take the time to find an Explorer equiped with the 205 HP engine? I'm finding many of the 160 HP vehicles that are in my price range and have the options I would like, but only finding a couple with the SOHC engine.
Thanks in advance!
Around 96 I believe, the 4.0L Cologne SOHC V-6 was introduced, giving it 205HP and 225TQ. And that has varied throughout the years from 205-210HP/225-240TQ.
I would opt for the new 4.0L SOHC V6 over the first 4.0L V6 if you can. NOT because it's an unreliable engine, but that engines consumes a bit of oil as it ages. (You can always add if need be). Even better would be if you can opt. for the 5.0L V8 which will give you similar fuel economy over the 4.0L V6, and definately bulletproof.
As for towing, look for one with a higher axle ratio, 3:73 I believe was the highest at that time, maybe 4:10 was introduced around 96-97 if I remember correctly.
ANT - just a clarification on terminology, Higher axle ratios are lower numbers, Lower axle ratios are higher numbers. A 3.08 axle ratio is higher than a 3.73 axle ratio. A 4.10 axle ratio is a very low axle ratio, often used in drag racing.