Im wondering if anyone can answer this: I am looking at most likely having to have my new truck built. It seems that my perticular mix of options are somewhat rare around here. Will the factory incentives still be applicable? and what about the D plan? ( thats the one for ford employees and family, right?) will that still be applicable? Also, is the 4.2 even worth looking into for the fuel savings over the 4.6? and is the 4.6 worth looking at for fuel savings over the 5.4? (reg. cab flareside w/ probably 3.55 or 3.73 non lim slip) thanks for all the help!

 

If you look at the 2005 EPA mileage guide, the 4.2 is rated 15 city/20 highway (manual or automatic), the 4.6 is rated 15/19, and the 5.4 is rated 14/19 (all 2WD models, the only numbers available for all 3 engines). Now, I've never been a big fan of the 4.2; we had a lot of problems with it during the time I was a service writer. Also, the 4.6 in my STX is BARELY adequate in day-to-day driving, but that's all Ford offers in that model. If given a choice, I DEFINITELY would have gotten the 5.4. In real-world driving, I don't think the 4.2 will get any better mileage than the V8s. The 4.2 is a little on the rough side (90-degree V6s almost always are), somewhat noisy, and it's gotta be gutless in the new 150. I just don't see the point of offering it to the general public.

 

My 90 deg chebby is as rough as a cats tounge, so I know. I just hope that I can AFFORD the xlt w/. the 5.4 . By the way, do you know about the rebates?

 

Oops, got so wrapped up in the motor part I forget the other part of your question! D-Plan applies whether you buy from stock or order. Ford says the rebate is the one that's in effect at the time you take delivery. If it's $2000 now and it goes down to $1500 when your truck arrives, too bad. If it goes up to $3000, hallelujah. With the FTE purchase program, we guarantee the rebate that's in effect at the time you order; if it's lower when your truck arrives, we make up the difference. If it's higher at time of delivery, then you get the higher rebate. This is something we do on our own, it has nothing to do with Ford or any other dealer. And yes, you have to come to New York to pick up your truck with this program. At $500 below invoice and a guaranteed rebate, you have to figure out if it's worth the cost of a one-way ticket on Southwest, plus the cost of driving back.

 

Couldn't agree more with Jeff on that one. With the gas mileage being so close in all 3 engines, it's a no-brainer on which to choose. In this case, bigger is definitely better. Wish they'd offer the 5.4 in the Explorer. IMO, adequate pretty much describes the 4.6 in the Explorer. It could use more *****.