My '02 Explorer blew its tranny over the weekend. This vehicle has 141,000 miles on it. I'm looking for advice whether to junk it and buy another car or put the $1900-2400 into it? It's only worth ~$4000. Suggestions please?

 

I have an '04 and replaced the tranny at 85K miles for $3K. Have 110K miles now and everything else I maintain myself. If your 02 is well maintained except for the tranny, it might be worth it to spend the money. If it has other issues, probably not a good idea...

 

I know a friend that has a 95 that has well over 225,000 miles and still runs good. And my brother has a 02 that he takes on long trips all the time that has over 200,000 miles on it. Like the other response, if it was well maintained and the motor and all are sound, and you trust that motor. I would say go ahead with the trans. But shop around, and go to a good shop. If you try to take to many short cuts you may end up paying more!

 

One other thing you might want to know about these SUVs, is some have a clutch plate issue in the rear end, that causes the rear to shudder or skip, mainly around turns. About a $700.00 job, or about a $200.00 job if you can pull the diff yourself, and remember to soak the plates in trans fluid & modifier fluid over night!!!, and fill using new spec fluid & modifier oil from dealer!!!!! a must!!!. My 95 had this issue couldn't pull myself. My bro's 02 he was able, and did himself. Just another thing to consider.