Used 1997 Ford Explorer for sale near Birmingham, AL

I've owned this car for a bout a year now. This has been the best starter car for me. I have the V6 version so towing isn't all there but I could still tow. Pros- drives like a truck, ride height is amazing, very easy shifting no problems, shifter is a little hard getting used to, amazing stereo, great 4x4 feel with that control trac 4WD, Leather seats on driver and passenger, AC controls in the middle, great trunk size. Cons- sometimes can't see that well because the windows are big, rear view mirror a little bit small, little slow.

The tranny is a Mazda. You can sleep across the back seat or put the back seats down and there's enough room for 2 to sleep. I've towed a Taurus and a TJ Wrangler with this. I've moved large, heavy dressers, refrigerators and stoves with this. It is my second car and the gas mileage isn't great but it is a tank. One thing they are prone to rolling over so spacing your tires out wider is a good idea. Some people cannibalize the axles and put them on TJ Wranglers. The gears are perfect and the axles will handle the larger tires. This is called the poor man's swap.

Colin at Dan Cummins worked with me to get a good deal on the truck I wanted. They had the best selection in central Kentucky.

Bought my 1997 Ford Explorer XLT Control Track 4x4 for only $1,000 with 126,000 miles to add to my collection. Was is perfect condition! This vehicle is downright amazing for it’s age! Pros: Leather seats, Driver and passenger powered seats, excellent second row room, great sound system, no blind spots whatsoever due to massive windows, enough power to tow 6000 pounds (V6 tows around 3,500), great off-road handling, no rattling, plenty of features for the day, cruise control, massive cargo storage with rear seats folded, solid suspension, easy steering, great turn radius, split tail gate, keyless entry, door code for entry without key, six CD changer, roof rack, and reliability! Cons: Not sporty, isn’t fast, plain looking, interior could be better designed, column shifter gets misaligned, and roof rack only holds 100 pounds. I honestly love this car! It’s very reliable and does everything I ask of it. After 134k miles he’s still running strong! Bone dry, not a single leak anywhere! Handles great off roading and tows my mini camper no problem. Gas mileage isn’t bad at all as I’m returning 16 city and 21 highway with the V8 engine set up. Hauls people very well and rear seat passengers also get lush cushy seats! Front seats are just amazing! Easy to drive! Handles like a dream once aligned. Suspension is a little rough at times, but what do you expect from leaf springs, torsion bars, and shocks? (Built on a truck frame). Sits high up, so don’t go swinging these Explorers around corners sharply. Would totally recommend this car to someone! BUT do not get a used one of these if it’s beat up. Beat up, it’ll rob you financially, taken care of, it’ll treat you well! PS. Is a simple car by modern standards, so it’s easy to DIY at home for repairs! I’m a mechanic, but any average person could do it! Just remember those bolt torques and thread locker! Bought in 2018 with 126k miles, now has 134k. Needed maintenance and upkeep costs (For my Explorer once purchased): Brake pads and rotors (front and back) = $320 Front wheel bearings = $200 Upper and Lower ball joints (always replace after 100k miles on these Explorers) = $100 (Parts only! Labor is free if you DIY) < obviously :p Suggested Upkeep: Tires every 50k miles, oil changes every 3k miles, coolant every 3 years, power steering every 3 years, brake fluid every 4 years, transfer case oil every 2 years, transmission oil check every 10k miles, differential oil (front and rear) every 2 years, U joints every 100k miles, shocks every 120k miles.