https://www.tflcar.com/2019/09/repor...ay-deliveries/

 

I read an article on this the other day. This is very disappointing to say the least.

 

I don't think it's disappointing at all...Ford is doing the right thing to make sure the vehicle is right before it hits the lots and into the hands of the end user. Perhaps they learned their lessons from the fiasco that was the new gen Fusion way back in 2012 as a 2013 model. The fit and finish on those was so deplorable that virtually everyone of them was sent to the dealerships body shop to correct fit and finish. Then...of course...there's the disaster with the 3rd generation Focus...the one with the "All New Power Shift Transmission". Ford is going to pay many Billion$ of dollars to fix that fiasco. Better to take a little extra time to make sure they're right rather than rush them into the market place.

 

It is disappointing that a new product has so many issues. There are some of the affected vehicles that have been delivered to owners, so some consumers are already dealing with the problems. There was an article I read the other day about a new owner turning on his a/c, only to find out that one side was blowing hot and the other was blowing cold air.

 

That was in the article that Tim linked to. Ford has made a positive move to assess and correct the issue before most reach the market.

 

I have to agree with Ken here. But now my issue is, we're getting ready to be in the market for a new vehicle for my wife and the 2020 Explorer is / was on the radar. Just gotta wonder how many made it out without the repairs that are taking place right now? Next to the 2020, the 2019 Explorer looks old already so it's out.

Maybe the prudent move is to hold off till mid-model and become very cognizant of build dates when looking.

 

Was in the same position this past Spring - looking at new Explorers. When the specs came out, the pricing on the 2020’s was about $10,000 higher than a comparable 2019. Was concerned about potential “new model” issues too.

The 2019’s had some nice discounts even back then.

Ended up buying a 2019 XLT; very nice car.

 

I thought you and your bride were in the market for something smaller...in the Escape range. As for waiting...not only will Ford have a chance to work out some of the bugs...there will probably be some decent incentives helping the checkbook...like there were with the new Ranger. The early bird not only gets the worm...he generally pays dearly for the privilege of being amongst the first.

 

The RAV4 is still the front runner but I want options and where my daughter Sarah gets stationed next will dictate what we get. In other words, if she goes to Ft. Stewart, Ga like she wants, then a larger more comfortable vehicle is what I'd like.

 

I hear 'ya...if you're going to consider the Explorer...check out the Highlander and the Pilot. I had many very satisfied Highlander customers. My niece is on her 2nd Pilot...never an issue...she loves them.

 

Both are on my radar.

 

We looked at the Hyundai Palisade a week or so ago. Nice vehicle. Tons of room. Similar to my current Gen 3 Explorer in size and space. However, the price tags on all of these vehicles are obscene. The Hyundai we looked at which was not a top of the line but a loaded Mid level trim was around $43,000 MSRP. A top level trim is in the area of around 46,000. I said at that price I was looking at the 2020 Explorer pricing and base levels it was in the low 40s for an XLT with a 200A package. I just know what to think of the new ones since they have barely been out there and they are already have a few service bulletins. I also found out Hyundai have early teething issues too. They (palisade) are having vibration drive train issues in which some owners reported. At 40,000 plus for these vehicles, I would expect them to be trouble free. I guess the the old adage of don't buy the first model year still rings true.

Tim, I congraduate your will not to buy a gen 5 explorer. hahaha

 

I really like the 2020 Explorer, but it is absolutely huge; same footprint as a short last-gen Expedition or my minivan and pushing 5,000 lbs.

If you want a move up from a RAV4, maybe go to a midsize SUV like an Edge, Honda Passport (2-row sawed-off version of the Pilot), a Nissan Murano, or something of that size. Good compromise for road miles without the busy ride of a compact, but without the size of the Explorer.

But once again, I really like the 2020 Explorer and believe once Ford has it sorted out that it will be a huge success. The Explorer, unlike the Focus, is a huge cash cow for Ford and they can't afford a bad reputation out of the gate. I also think that the platform will be wonderful for police duty as the PI, but it's sad they've lost the common chassis and parts with the Taurus, which our local departments use in combination with the Explorers.

George

 

Interesting statement George. I was reading an article in a magazine a few months ago, perhaps C&D or MT, anyway the article mentioned it's bloated size and price tag and alluded that people may begin to choose it over the Expedition as it gets you close to the size of the Ex but for a few bucks less, comparably equipped of course.

We haven't had a car payment for several years and quite frankly I don't want one. Eventually it's going to have to happen. We've even discussed getting something very small such as a RAV / Escape and then renting a larger vehicle to travel. What a PITA to do that.

I'm within five years of retiring for the second time, lots to consider.

 

Local PD around here are in love with Chevy Tahoe. They are everywhere. In my town, I don't think they know what a patrol car is. They had a couple of Taurus PI but they retired them quickly stating the size of the vehicle didn't work for them. There is still a few CVPIs for light duty work. However the PD uses Tahoes for everything else from speed traps to traffic duty to fire/ medical emergencies. The only Ford products in town are really the pick up trucks. I am actually shocked they didn't move those over to Chevy's too. Other local departments have Ford Explorer. The county will be be a mix and mainly the ones I see in our area are Expeditions or Suburbans. The State is another story. Those are a collection of Ford, Chevy and Dodge.

However I get what you are saying about the Explorer in respect of being a money maker for Ford and wanting to make it right. Unfortunately, the Explorer name plate has not been without controversy. Firestone from 20 years ago comes to mind. To this day people still call them Exploders. Uhaul will not rent to you if you have a 2010 or below model year because of it. Also the Gen 5 CO leakage issues on the last generation didn't help matters much. I believe that issue came from the LEO community due to idling hours. Yet Ford sells a ton of these vehicles.