Thinking of buying a 2013 Ford Explorer

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double vanos

double vanos

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Back in Arizona. Finally
The wife wants a brand new Explorer for Christmas. I'm Ok with that but swinging by some forums concerning these things has me a bit spooked. To listen to some of the posts you'd think they start falling apart right off the lot.
Any bitogers got a late model Explorer, and could tell me how it's been doing? Don't want to make a big mistake.
She's considering a Limited with the 3.5 liter V6.
Any input is much appreciated!
 
I have no first hand experience with the Explorer, but as I'm sure you're aware, sites for a specific make/model tend to attract owners that have problems with their cars and want a solution or a place to vent. All cars have issues, but owner forums are probably the least-representative sample of owners possible.

The Explorer is based on the Taurus chassis and drivetrain, which one would think is a positive. Have you looked at Consumer Reports reliability reports? Not that CR is infallible but at least it tries to be objective and draws on a largish sample size of owners.
 
Honestly if I knew, I would tell you what I know about these new Explorers, but they are so rare up here, I saw my first one a while back and I had no idea they were even still being made. The Escape must outsell them 20 to 1, if not more. Not sure if its because of some reputation or what, no idea. It looks fairly nice on the outside!
 
I like the new explorers, from what I understand they seem to be fairly reliable since that design has been out for a few years now. The 3.5 V6 has also been out for a while, I've got the same engine in my fusion but idk how id feel about that same engine in an explorer that weighs quite a bit more. If I got one I'd get the 3.5 ecoboost, but that's just my opinion.
 
Originally Posted By: Danh
I have no first hand experience with the Explorer, but as I'm sure you're aware, sites for a specific make/model tend to attract owners that have problems with their cars and want a solution or a place to vent. All cars have issues, but owner forums are probably the least-representative sample of owners possible.

The Explorer is based on the Taurus chassis and drivetrain, which one would think is a positive. Have you looked at Consumer Reports reliability reports? Not that CR is infallible but at least it tries to be objective and draws on a largish sample size of owners.


+1

The people I know with the new model Explorer have not had any problems and are very happy with their vehicles. I know the first year had some required dealer updates and TSBs, but to my knowledge there have not been any serious problems with the new model.
 
Might not be much help, but I have a 2008 Explorer Limited as my current company car. I have a little over 80,000 miles on it, it has been to Firestone every 5K miles for oil changes and other recommended fleet maintenance, and I have had almost 0 problems with it. I have a relatively new 3rd set of tires on it, it has had the front brake pads replaced, and the windshield washer pump replaced. That's it.

I have a Deep Impact Blue 2013 base model on the way as a new company car. It should be here sometime within the next 60 days. I have ridden in a few 2013 models as a passenger and I must say they appear to be very nice with the interior being an improvement in almost every way to my current one. The biggest difference is the departure away from the RWD truck platform to the unibody crossover platform, which obviously changes the interior layout and the driving dynamics. The newer engine should be an improvement in HP, MPG, and general drivability. From what I've heard, the majority of the gripes with the newer model Explorers have been related to the MyFordTouch system (which I think has actually been improved somewhat with some software updates). My new one will have Sync (which my current one has), but no MFT, so that is not a concern of mine. Your Limited would definitely have it, so I would take a very thorough test drive and spend some time messing with it in the showroom or with a friend's Explorer if you have the opportunity.
 
be prepared to fork over the big bucks for such a chariot. i wouldnt spent that much money on such a vehicle, there are much better values out there.
 
Have a friend with a 12 EcoBoost Limited. Loves it and reports no issues. My city has Explorers for a few of our department heads. We have a 2012 with non-Eco 6 and he has 35k on on it and no problems to reprot. Except he says he does not like the layout of the electronic gadgets.
 
They're not body on frame and apparently have a factory hitch only trailer set up. Because they are unibody they are probably quieter and weigh less than the prior versions. IRS should help handling, such as it is with such a layout.
 
I would never ever buy a ford or GM truck again. Garbage quality. Nice designes poorly assembled with cheap components. I loved my last '11 ranger but it let me down in a couple months. I loved my Silvarado Wt 4x4 5m but that let me down too.
 
Wow, thanks for all the responses guys. And you are right; hanging around Explorer forums will scare you to death! I reckon that applies to most any vehicle.
The only real life input I've had is from a neighbor who recently bought an '11 with 25k on the clock ( it currently has 35k now) and she is very happy. I'd love to get the Sport but they are priced in X3 territory, which I'd rather have over the Explorer, but the car is for her and this is what she wants..
Any other observations? I appreciate the advice!
 
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I would never ever buy a ford or GM truck again. Garbage quality. Nice designes poorly assembled with cheap components. I loved my last '11 ranger but it let me down in a couple months. I loved my Silvarado Wt 4x4 5m but that let me down too.


How long until your forester or fit throws a rod, the way you go through cars
wink.gif
 
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I would never ever buy a ford or GM truck again. Garbage quality. Nice designes poorly assembled with cheap components. I loved my last '11 ranger but it let me down in a couple months. I loved my Silvarado Wt 4x4 5m but that let me down too.


You have unusually horrid luck with vehicles that isn't representative of most cases.

As far as Explorers go, I'd buy a few beat to death $950 ones again before I'd ever even consider a new one. '95-'01 was like a Town Car with 4WD on a truck frame. Awesome vehicle. '13 is an an obese amoeba on wheels.
 
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It is on our short list for when we need a bigger car. Its slightly larger (I think) than the highlander... Issue is that we can get a highlander hybrid and get 28 MPG city (which is mainly what my wife drives), while the ecoboost 4cyl is a bit lower, though the same on the highway.

I was a bit surprised at how small the interior is on the explorer, given how large the exterior is. It just struck me as a bit cramped...

But highly useful, like the three row setup and good cargo space.
 
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