Hi!
Long time lurker here and on YouTube, just never had a reason to ask questions unit recently. Two part question for the internet car guru strangers!
I own a 2013 explorer limited. It has the V6 3.5NA motor, AWD, and about 86K on the ODO. Its been in the shop since January. Diagnosed this week with cam phaser in bank 2 failure. I was advised that it is wise to have the whole timing kit replaced while they are in there, as well as the water pump. Thankfully an extended warranty is covering most of this cost. Its been a costly vehicle to maintain otherwise. Aside from the above timing issue and routine maintenance, in just the past year alone its gotten the battery control module and alternator changed, an AC compressor, it also had the dreaded power sun roof failure (when it was open of course), and pesky leaky roof drains in to the cabin. I know these are known to be ticking time bombs as far as powertrain issues PTU, timing, and water pump. If I remedied two of these, and have no issues (knock on wood) with the AWD/PTU is the juice worth the squeeze?
So, my question is, do I keep the explorer post timing and water pump repair?
Additionally, I've been eyeing a 2015 VW Jetta TDI w/ auto transmission, as I commute about 70ish miles a day. I figure they are comfortable and fuel efficient, a few friends have them and never seem to have issues or complaints. Anything to specific to look for mechanically when buying a used TDI?
Thanks!
-Homercomm
Joe is our money pits and really I fall at work is actually done I keep the explorer but if it's under warranty I would really question whether the actual work is being done because they're often very crooked on that they claim they did stuff they never did
Im not too sure what scotty said, but idk what you can get for that explorer, might not be worth selling. On the other hand nothing requires less maintenance over time. 86K isnt alot of miles, so if they really do do the work it can be alright to keep.
Im not too knowledgeable with VW but I believe the diesels run pretty damn good, the problem is most likely all the electronics in the thing. My buddys 2012 jetta was totaled bc it got "flooded", just enough water got in to soak the floor, but there were computer modules under the passenger seat that shorted (ABS, Bluetooth, and others). That's wacky german engineering for ya. Id look into if you can get a manual with that, personally.
