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1998 Ford Explorer
Invoice: $18,119 - $30,299
Miles Per Gallon
City: 15 MPG - 17 MPG
Highway: 19 MPG - 21 MPG
Body Style: N/A
Engines: 4.0L V-6 160 HP, 4.0L V-6 205 HP
There seems to be an unending stream of sportutilities hitting showrooms. But none have come close to the popularity of Ford's Explorer. It has been so successful that there has been little inducement to change it. However, there are some improvements for 1998. A programming change in the fourwheeldrive system sends more power to the front wheels under hard acceleration to lessen the likelihood of the rear wheels slipping. The standard ABS has been massaged to improve control on slippery surfaces, with reduced noise and vibration when activated. The rackandpinion steering system has been refined for better oncenter feel and quicker response. All models now have Ford's SecuriLock security system, which the company claims is virtually impossible to defeat. A simple threeposition dial on the instrument panel controls the fourwheeldrive system. The normal mode is Auto. This mode continually monitors and adjusts power to the front wheels to minimize slip. The 4x4 High mode electronically locks the transfer case in high gear, providing a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels; this mode is primarily for driving off road or in extreme winter conditions. The 4x4 Low mode switches the transfer case to the lower gear ranges for serious offroading. The Explorer offers an engine for everyone. Choices start with a 4.0liter overheadvalve V6 rated at 160 horsepower. Next up is a 4.0liter single overheadcam V6 with 205 hp. And finally, the big 5.0liter V8 makes 215 hp. Explorer permutations are numerable. They start with a basic twodoor, twowheeldrive XL at $20,405 (including destination), and stop with the fourdoor, 4WD Limited at more than $35,000. Our tester, a fourdoor XLT 4x4, equipped the way many are sold, sits in between the extremes at $29,585. That includes the 4.0liter sohc V6, our recommendation, for $540. The V8, with a trailertowing package and fourspeed automatic, tacks on another $1600. All told, in ascending order of trim and price, there is Explorer XL, Sport, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. Deciding to buy an Explorer is not too difficult. Deciding which Explorer with which engine and which transmission could take an afternoon of brochure browsing.
Purchasing an older vehicle, such as the 1998 Ford Explorer, makes good financial sense. You're able to avoid the steep depreciation rates that occur with brand new vehicles. This essentially gives you the advantage of getting a 1998 Ford Explorer for less money than when it was new. If the 1998 Ford Explorer was properly maintained, you also have a good chance of steering clear of problems that would have developed when the car was new.
The amount you pay for an older car depends on various factors. One important element is where you buy the vehicle. You're likely to get a better deal if you buy it from a private party, as opposed to a dealer. On the other hand, a reputable dealer will normally have some kind of limited warranty, so you can drive away knowing that if the car breaks down right away, you'll be covered. Another factor that may affect price on a 1998 Ford Explorer is whether it's "certified" by the manufacturer. A certified vehicle will cost more because warranty service is provided that normally doesn't come with a used car.
Another dynamic that will play into the purchase price is the resale value. A used vehicle with a high resale value will obviously cost you more. It is expected that the 1998 Ford Explorer will have a good resale value. This assumes that the 1998 Ford Explorer is in good condition and has a reasonable number of miles.
Find a used 1998 Ford Explorer for sale at CarsDirect.
