Just chiming in here: I have an 2006 V8 with selectable 4WD. Transmission is good, but 1st gear is dog. The thing really wants to live in 4th and almost temps you to open up too much. Only saying that because I do a lot of city driving and at a light, always annoyed with "launch". Once I hit about 40, my OCD takes it up to 60 whenever possible.
Saying that, I think I had every issue you could have from a 1st year model. Just did the front bearings. Lots of swearing to get them out. Of my 8 spark plugs, 6 broke (even with the Lisle tool). Radiators, known to be really bad on the early two years of this generation, cried like it was watching the end of Titanic. And adding to what
wildbill said, something in the heating system would sometimes cause the truck to sound like UPS truck or something. It consistently happened after full operating temperature and then sitting at a light for a few minutes. If I restarted the truck at the next light, the jet fighter sound would go away by the time I hit 2nd. Never knew if it was the clutch, but swapped the clutch, hoses, and thermostat when doing the radiator and it cured it. The work wasn't a big deal since I was already there, but the clutch may or may not have been waisted money.
I'm a nobody. And I did things on cars, but that you're talking spark plugs, filters, maybe brakes. This Explorer has given me a lot of opportunity to learn more. In my book, not a bad thing. But please believe me when I say if I can do this stuff, you can do it too if that's really the generation/setup you want. Even with a stuffed engine bay, it's an easy car to work on. And mine is a limited. Besides backup cameras, blindspot sensors, and a smart head unit - all stuff you can add - the options on this thing are still up to par with your new cars. I'm at the point now where I need to make a decision on replacing the entire suspension and tires or moving to another vehicle. I'm leaning towards the former. I really do love this truck and while it might be a financial risk, (like if it's totaled, insurance won't care about all the work I'd be doing), I can't justify a new purchase. The real pain - financially and otherwise - is going to be the rear bearings. They're pressed so the easier option is to just buy an all-in-one knuckle. There again, more money.
Point is, if you like this generation and have both some time and money, you'll reap the benefits. If you hate getting your hands dirty or have only like $500-$800 to put into this truck, you really have to look for an 08-10. And even then, you're looking at a lot of the same issues.
And random notes:
- Earlier models have different interior door handles. They lift up, (like a go-wing car door). Always fun watching a new passenger try to get out the first time. Also always a pain holding your door if you're opening on a hill in a parking lot.
- The V6 doesn't use coil-on-plugs. The V8 does. The 8th coil likes to go bad on some if water gets in from the hood cowl, (just open after a rainstorm and it'll tell you if that is happening).
- YouTube is full of amazing how-to's. The fact it was a popular truck helps with part options and know-how.
- Looking any age or condition, you'll likely need to replace the hood struts and rear door struts. Just ask me what happens when you let those go...
- Just assume half your strut bar endlinks are on the highway somewhere and replace them. Like $10-$15 apiece and 20 minutes of work.
- Checking the transmission is stupid. I wound up buying "welder's gloves" when pull the dipstick from under the car. You know, the one right by the exhaust. That WILL break on you.
One final-final note, (my god I had a lot of coffee this morning!): If you're able to test drive and take it to a good shop, have them hook it up to a scanner, (you can also do this yourself with a decent Bluetooth OBD2 and app like Torque Pro). There are a lot gray codes stemming from the rear on tons of models. Most are related to the ABS/Traction control system. The three things that go are sensors, ($30, 10 minutes), the Tone Rings, ($10 and whole day and special tool), or bearing, (depends on the choice you go with). And all of what I'm saying in this last part also applies to the 02-05 generation too. They had a good bit of similarities.
EDIT: OMG i just realized this was from LAST February! lol