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Buyer Guide · Sep 14, 2026

2017 · FordExplorer Limited

Asking price$0
Public guide
Asking$12,799
Mileage128,000 mi
Engine3.5L 6-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic 6-spd
DrivetrainAWD
BodySUV
VIN1FM5K8F80HG••••••

What the data shows

At 128,000 miles, this Explorer is still useful family transportation, but its expensive risks are concentrated in the 3.5L engine, 6-speed transmission, and AWD transfer unit. An internal water-pump leak can put coolant into the oil, while chain or phaser rattle shows up as a brief metallic noise at startup. The Limited trim provides comfortable seating and useful winter traction, but it is not cheap to own once those systems need work.

Budget about $13,900 for near-term risk, mainly for cooling-system or AWD repairs. Start it completely cold and listen for rattle, then scan for transmission and AWD faults. The asking price is at or below market for this mileage.

Red flags

  • Internal Water Pump

    this 3.5L engine places the pump inside the engine and a leak can contaminate the oil

  • PTU Fluid Overheating

    the AWD transfer unit runs hot and neglected fluid leads to bearing and seal damage

  • Transmission Shift Quality

    harsh shifts or torque-converter shudder become more likely at this mileage

  • Timing Chain Noise

    chain or phaser rattle on startup needs to be separated from normal brief startup noise

Green flags

  • Limited Equipment

    heated and ventilated seats, 3rd-row seating, and the Sony audio system add useful factory equipment

  • Cosmetic Damage Disclosed

    the seller identifies the rear bumper dent and scratch instead of presenting it as hidden damage

Out of 100 against a typical car its age. Tap an area for why.

What’s costing this car points

Fixing these, or marking them done, raises the score.

  • Internal Water Pump Leakage
    Usually shows up around 120k mi · $2,200 to $4,200 to fix
    −1.1
  • VCT Phaser Startup Rattle
    Usually shows up around 100k mi · $1,600 to $3,200 to fix
    −0.3
  • 6-Speed Transmission Shift Harshness
    Usually shows up around 110k mi · $300 to $4,800 to fix
    −0.2
  • 7 smaller items
    −0.3
Fixing the top three$4,100 to $12,200

When this car gets expensive

The chance of a major repair as the miles add up. This one is at 128k, right where the climb starts.

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You’re here · 128k
26k
52k
78k
105k
131k
157k
183k
209k
3.6/10
ReliabilityPoor
Deal0.0
10 open issues
Critical
01
Major
06
Caution
03
10 Findings10 open, 1 critical

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2017 Ford Explorer Limited: 3.6/10 | Squeezed