<https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/best-2006-2010-explorer-configuration-to-buy-for-long-term-use.477173/>
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"so, I have owned my 2000 EB 4.0 SOHC now for 11 years... it’s be great and have dealt with the t-stat issue often and more than I have liked to have. And really that’s been the worst and only pita issue. But really this suv has been great to have and really it was a great value in terms of total cost of ownership for 100k of own own use...\n\nNow I need to move on as it’s just that time to get something newer, and worth maintaining myself and spending the investment to maintain it for say 8-10 years. Want to stay with an explorer but as I have always stayed away from the 2002-2005 simply because of the transmission issues of the servo bores wearing out I hear a few things about the 2006-2010 to be cautious about. \n\nSo I come to the forum experts for advice and opinions regarding the 2006-2010 generation to hear and understand what’s better and what’s had issues. I am limited in what I can maintain at home, I.e. I won’t be swapping an engine out or transmission my self in my lifetime, lol. I am looking for this range just as I like the rear wheel drive or and or 4wd aspects on a frame.\n\nSo I ask if you can give some great examples of which years, trims, and engine/trans/axels are the better in quality, reliability, and durability.  I am ok with either the v6 4.0 sohc or v8 4.6 Triton as if I tow its usually just 2000 pounds but having the 4.6 for up to 5000 pounds would be nice to have in the back pocket. I am fortunate to live in the SOuthwest and cars here while in SoCal usually are less prone to issues and rust of course. \n\nMy thoughts over issues that I know of:\n*The 2006 4.6 engine has spark plug concerns of breaking off... I am under the impression this was more corrected in 2007.\n*not sure if the transmission issues were use for concern in the 2006+ models\n*if the 4.0 sohc still had major concerns on the cam tensioner cassettes\n*i am highly concerned about cars produced during the recession of late 2008 on... many parts suppliers had issues besides major changes at ford hence I fear a dip in the quality of builds pasted mid 2008 thru 2010.\n\nThanks in advance for any of your thoughts and advice to help me decide which configuration I may decide to concentrate on during my search."
<https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/best-2006-2010-explorer-configuration-to-buy-for-long-term-use.477173/>