New SUV question

Be an American and get the one with the most power!

I don't know the model, but I got a ford explorer as a company vehicle last year and like it a lot...it is nicely equipped with a 3.5L engine and has a decent amount of power (though nothing like the durango that it replaced)...

without doing any research or comparison, my thoughts would be that if you want to to anything other than a lawnmower trailer or small boat, I would get the sport for the extra power...

downside of the sport would be worse gas mileage, a stiffer ride, etc....


ETA: also, a couple of the explorers at work have had to have head gaskets replaced when only a year or so old, so be damn sure your warranty will cover that for a good long while. might be good to see if they will admit the problem to you beforehand just for kicks, too...

I get A plan, so it makes sense for me to buy new. I can get a 49k sport for around 38 so it doesn't pay for me to buy used. The one we're looking at has some additional options that brings it to about 42 but we could get a limited for about 38 fully loaded.

Do want you want! So we don't have to hear how it sucks.

Dude, lease don't buy!!!!!

Here's the thing. What if your wife decides she doesn't like the Explorer after 6 months of driving it? Do you want to be stuck trying to sell it and you'll still take a loss on the truck even at $38K. If you lease, then you get a new SUV every 36 months, kind of like, renting with the option to buy. You can always pay off the residual at the end if you absolutely have to buy the Explorer, however, anyone that knows Finance would never do so. You're only paying for the depreciation over the term and you don't have to worry about selling the truck when you want a new ride. Now, since you have pricing already set with the Plan A buying program, you can go into the dealership to see what the invoice is in order to haggle a little more to get the best monthly payment. Sales tax is always rolled over on a monthly basis when you lease, as opposed to rolled over into the Principal amount of the loan upfront, which will save you money in the long run. Keep your money in the bank and put the least amount down to keep your monthly payment to where you want it. Always demand to have the dealership waive all the bullshite fees, like the security deposit if you have good credit. Before you sign, be sure to ask what bank the dealership uses on their leases. They usually hold a point or more on the APR depending on credit. Call the bank before you sign to make sure the dealership is not lying. If you have "Vanilla Credit" 720 plus beacon you hold all the cards.

Hope this helps.

Dude, we don't buy new cars often. Hers now is nine years old, mine is fourteen. I research heavily so that we know what we want. We'll have this car for fifteen years.

Looks like he doesn't want a "monthly note"....putting the money in the bank and borrowing money is probably not gonna make him that much money vs writing a check for the car...for the Op...you should let the wife buy the one she wants

That's probably the best bet but I was just trying to do some final research. Like I said I want to make absolutely sure,although I know that's not technically not entirely possible.

WIll you be towing? halling lots of kids or gear?

If so get the sport

If you just have an SUV to look trendy get the LTD

Our SUV is used like piece of heavy equipment! towing, hauling gear, people etc- you want plenty of HP