Howdy,

On Tuesday I will look at a Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2007 V8.
As this truck wasn’t sold in France and was imported I have no idea where the VIN is stamped on the truck to check if it match with the title certificate.

If someone knows about this truck and would tell me if I have to be aware of something in particular it would be very appreciated.

Thank you

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French Pollywog

The VIN is likely located on the dashboard in the lower corner of the driver side windshield.

Also likely found on the identification plate located on the door frame on the driver's side.

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FBINA, 204th Session

I bought a 2003 V-6 Sports Trac new and owned it until just last month. It had 175k miles on it and was a great truck. It was a perfect size for someone who didn't need a full sized pickup truck.

I replaced one of the front hubs around 90K and the other at 99K and the alternator at around 75k. It never needed a wheel alignment and it had the original exhaust when sold.

Some of them did have an issue with the gear shift selector becoming a little loose and causing some shifting problems with the auto transmission. Mine did, but it was a simple fix of tightening the two bolts under the dash.

I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I test drove the Ranger II but they are not the same vehicle and was disappointed with the Ranger.

Good luck with the one that you're going to see on Tuesday.

More than likely a V8 engine will burn a lot more gas than you're used to.

It’s a V8 engine. I know about the gas

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French Pollywog

I changed my post to V8 but you beat me to the draw.

Here's where I ask a dumb question. Are you actually in France? If so you had better find a repair shop that knows American trucks with 4wd (if so equipped) and auto transmissions. Transfer case problems can be costly even here where you can get parts for stuff like that. Not trying to dissuade you just please be cautious.
Here's a couple owners forums to browse.

SportTrac.org

2007 - 2010 Explorer Sport Trac | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

Yes I live in France, my husband is a mechanic and I’m working at an autoshop. So we only have to order parts.

The longitudinal transmission shaft was replaced this year, automatic transmission service is done as well.

Thanks for the links

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French Pollywog

My experiences are with the standard Explorer Eddie Bauer model, but I believe the Sport is similar. Expect issues with wheel bearing hubs front and rear, automatic transmissions are weak and typically have worn servo bores that require sleeving during a rebuild, driveshaft seals leak, most usually the front. Plan on replacing the egr valve and the electric PCV valve. Interior trim pieces are easily broken, and the radios are mostly junk. Otherwise, nothing a competent mechanic can’t handle. I have had four of these, starting with the very first year and ending with my last ever Ford product, a 2008 Explorer 4wd Eddie Bauer. They are great until they get past 100,000 miles, assuming regular maintenance was performed. Mine just passed 201,000 miles. I have replaced everything mentioned above, and more, on all four of my Exploders. Engines and bodies, transfer cases and axles have been great on all. Automatic transmissions, wheel hubs and bearings, water pumps and brakes are junk as defined in Webster’s dictionary. If bought used, buyer better like wrenching and have above-average skills and plenty of reserve cash. These things are awful after the drivetrain warranty is expired, but they are fun to work on, if you are a sadist

Well, I was finally able to look at the truck today.
Many scratches but anyway... the engine and the transmision work fine.

Both reverse lights don't work and I was wondering if it's not the lights bulbs that need to be changed, if there is a reverse light switch like with a manual transmission, or if it can be a serious problem about the automatic transmission itself (reverse gear work perfectly though) ?

thanks

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French Pollywog

Hey guys,

Finally we picked up the truck last week and we enjoy it a lot. It’s the perfect size for a daily use here.
Of course there are a lot of « little * things to fix due to its age.
Especially the stereo installation. I never saw a **** like that of my whole life (I’m working in an autoshop). The truth, the radio unit was fixed to the dashboard with some parts of plastic as wedges, sticked to the radio frame with windshield glue ! We have never been so happy to desinstall an aftermarket radio... And what a mess behind the radio ! We removed a parrot unit and a mic, almost 1 meter of aftermarket wires, a few bare wires assembled together with just a bit of tape...

It’s our first V8 engine with automatic transmission and overdrive, and it’s just awesome.
I really like when you have to overtake someone and step on the gas, firstly it’s like the truck tells you « mmmm okay... * and goes faster, step on the gas again, and now the truck asks you « Are you sure ? *, then it shifts down and screams like hell...
As regards to the gas mileage, well, we expected worst. It’s almost like our Suzuki XL7 diesel but the tank of the Sport Trac is a little bit bigger. That being said, my husband has a heavier foot than me if you know what I mean...

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French Pollywog