Buying a Explorer

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Jul 31, 2008 | 10:47 AM

mldmkr1960

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From: New Hampshire

Buying a Explorer

Hi, Im looking at buying a used Explorer something around a 2006 maybe older for my wife. Id like to get leather heated seats, can that be founld in a XLT? or would I have to look for a EB or a Limited? And were Limited Explorers offered in any shades of blue? Is there anything else I should look for to get or not get?

Aug 4, 2008 | 06:44 PM

rusty1966

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I just bought a 2006 Explorer - Love it except for the door handles - look for a 2007 for your wife - lots of them are starting to come off lease now. The waranty is based on when the vehicle goes into service. Just something to keep in mind when you're out looking.

Aug 4, 2008 | 08:56 PM

jstutz101

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From: Kankakee

Did Ford resolve all the bearing and tranny troubles in the 2006-present? If not I would consider one of our Japanese counterparts. If I knew then what I know now about my 02 Exploder I would a Honda in my garage!

Aug 4, 2008 | 09:29 PM

rusty1966

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Here's a fairly comprehensive review of the 06 Explorer - includes standard equipment on the different trim levels. The V6 has a 5 speed tranny which is an improvement of the previous generation's.
For the 06
http://www.autobuyguide.com/2006/12-...ews/index.html

For the 07
http://www.autobuyguide.com/2007/12-...ews/index.html

Aug 4, 2008 | 10:14 PM

85e150

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Nothing is resolved as far as Explorer reliability. Trans, diff, wheelbearing issues can still be there. I still don't really trust the 4.0 sohc cam situation. That might actually be fixed. Bad news pretty much over.

Medium news: Not every Exploder is afflicted, many if not most get well into 100k's with no trouble at all.

Good news: As indicated, 2007s coming off lease. And guess what? All that bad news is now your good news, as Ford (and everyone else, Toyota and Nissan can't be wanting to see Sequoias and Titans roll in off lease) is swamped (or at least "overstocked") on lease returns.

So shop a bit, see if you can find a deal, and buy the ESP out to the max, and drive with pride, you've cut a fat hog in the hind quarters on your near-new, fully covered, nicely equipped Exploder.

Aug 4, 2008 | 10:42 PM

rusty1966

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I was thinking about the bumper to bumper extended waranty ... the more I read the more convinced I am that it's a good investment. My 'new' 06 only has 19k miles priced it out new at 34.5K ... paid half that. Unfortunately it was purchased in 05 so although an 06 my waranty will run out in 11. Kind makes me wish I would have waited for an 07.

Aug 5, 2008 | 08:44 PM

jstutz101

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Kankakee

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty1966

You have to admit it kind of stinks that the more you read about all of the Explorer problems the more you want to buy their extended warranty. Wouldn't it be nice if Ford just made a better product??

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Aug 5, 2008 | 08:51 PM

YoGeorge

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Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 4,512

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From: Detroit

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstutz101

I agree...having a vehicle which breaks down and strands you is a pain in the neck, even if you have a warranty. I had a '96 GMC Savana (bought new) that was the Van from Hell--I believe that the warranty repairs over 5 years/60k miles totaled well over 10 grand, probably closer to 15 grand. Yeah, the warranty was a good deal. Would I ever go through that experience again? NO WAY...

I looked at Explorers last year, and after spending some time looking at their issues on the Internet, decided to go in a different direction for a dependable vehicle. And if it was for my wife, I'd want it to be even more dependable...

George