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Anyone here own a late model Ford Explorer? Opinions wanted

Posted on 1/9/20 at 5:37 am
Posted by gsvar2004
Member since Nov 2007
8894 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 5:37 am
For those non OT ballers that don’t drive g wagons lambos or f250s, does anyone own a late model Ford Explorer. Looking to maybe pick one up 2016-2019 sport with the twin turbo v6. Any opinions appreciated. TIA
Posted by hawgndodge
Member since Jun 2009
5448 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 5:55 am to
Wife has a 17 sport. We love the car but there are a couple things to know.

Gas tank is tiny for such a big car.

Original tires are straight garbage. Got 23k miles out of them.

Those are really the only downsides I can think of.

The car accelerates great, the sport tuned suspension is noticable if you've driven a non sport explorer. She averages about 17.5mpg in town but she loves the gas peddle and forgets about the breaks until the last second. Last summer we drive to 30A and averaged 22.4mpg on the way there while running 78mph most of the time.
Posted by gsvar2004
Member since Nov 2007
8894 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 6:37 am to
Thanks. That’s about what I’m gathering. Not many are really unpleased with their Explorer
Posted by Perrydawg
Middle Ga Area
Member since Jan 2014
5161 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 6:48 am to
wife has a 2018 limited. Besides the leak from the back hatch area which took two months to get fix finally, it has been a good car. Decent gas mileage and haven't had any mechanical issues but it only has 15K miles on it right now. With two kids in car seats, the second row is not functional for any other passengers but that might not be an issue for you.
Posted by ScopeCreep
In the thick
Member since Jul 2016
695 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 6:48 am to
I’ve got a 2012 with the V6 at about 110k right now. It has aged fairly well. Regular maintenance just follow the manual for fluids. It averages around 22mpg on my highway work commute.

The backup camera module went out and had to be replaced, that was a few hundred.

I replaced the front struts myself at around 90k miles. The knuckle at the top went bad and was making a funky noise when I turned. That was a fairly easy weekend job. Since I was already disassembling the front I replaced brakes and rotors while I was at it.

Nothing else to note.
Posted by Fat and Happy
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2013
20251 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 7:01 am to
Well, it’s a ford SUV

And it’s made for exploring and adventures.
Posted by GetCocky11
Calgary, AB
Member since Oct 2012
53509 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 7:06 am to
quote:

Anyone here own a late model Ford Explorer?


I always assume these are unmarked police cars when I see them drive by.
Posted by goofball
Member since Mar 2015
17356 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 7:11 am to
The front drive explorers had some issues, but they were mostly ironed out by 2018. Some turbo engine issues, exhaust issues, etc. By Ford standards, it’s a decent vehicle.

Fun fact - That front drive Explorer chassis is based off of a platform that Ford inherited from Volvo in the early/mid 2000’s.

The new rear drive models (and the new Aviator) have been a nightmare for Ford. They are building them in Illinois and trucking them to Detroit to make quick fixes and repairs. A lot of customer complaints on those. I wouldn’t rush to buy one for a few years at least.
This post was edited on 1/9/20 at 7:21 am
Posted by jdavid1
Member since Jan 2014
2679 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 7:22 am to
My wife had a 16 and and currently has an 18 Limited. The features for the price is what really made the explorer stand out. That and the size of the car. It's smaller than the full size SUVs, but larger than any of the other midsize SUVs like the highlander and 4runner. Now they have the palisade and telluride that are similar size.

These are the only two things that we don't like.

quote:

Gas tank is tiny for such a big car.

Original tires are straight garbage. Got 23k miles out of them.


The gas tank is not that big of deal because the car gets good fuel mileage, but the tires were garbage. I had the dealer replace all four because they were shredding at 20K miles. Hankook paid for 75% of the new tires. When they put the new tires on they said the original ones were discontinued. I wonder why.
Posted by DCtiger1
Member since Jul 2009
11925 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 7:28 am to
We have a 2018 sport. Gas tank is small, had some issues with the roof rack after going through a car wash but other than that it’s been a great car. MPG is about 22-23. Been worth it to have the third row seating on multiple occassions.
Posted by Hangover Haven
Metry
Member since Oct 2013
34788 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 7:32 am to
quote:

she loves the gas peddle and forgets about the breaks until the last second


are we married to the same woman....?

Does your wife also wait to the last second to change to the lane she needs to be in to turn or merge....?
This post was edited on 1/9/20 at 7:34 am
Posted by hawgndodge
Member since Jun 2009
5448 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 7:41 am to
If we are, can you take Valentine's weekend? I really would rather go to opening weekend at Baum.
Posted by DaBeerz
Member since Sep 2004
18310 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 7:55 am to
I had a hand me down 98 Eddie Bauer that went almost 300k miles without any major repairs. Let her go in 2013
Posted by Nigel Farage
South of the Mason-Dixon
Member since Dec 2019
1242 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 8:04 am to
My explorer is a 2007 and aside from having to replace the fuel pump once it has been a great car for me with no truly major repairs needed, I have 190,000 miles on it right now. I cant speak for the newer models but that's been my experience.
Posted by Tonio
Member since Dec 2019
1023 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 8:07 am to
I have had one since 2015 and it’s been great. Not one issue other than a recall and replacing the shitty battery. The tech is really user friendly too.
Posted by hawgndodge
Member since Jun 2009
5448 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 8:08 am to
Oh and don't "top off" your gas tank. Something about it makes a sensor go off. Happened at about 26k miles. It was under warranty so I didn't really pay attention to exactly what they said. I just wanted them to fix it and they did. Oh and we've had zero issues with exhaust leaks.
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 8:19 am to
quote:

Oh and don't "top off" your gas tank. Something about it makes a sensor go off.



Chevy's have the same thing. Happened to my mom's Traverse. The part is like $15 on Amazon though, and it's right on top of the engine on the Traverse, so easy to replace.
Posted by Raleigh Tiger
Raleigh, NC
Member since Oct 2003
622 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 8:20 am to
Wife has a '16 Limited. Loves it. Drives nice and has all the bells and whistles you could want. Interior is nice and comfy. Has the regular non-turbo six in it. Gets about 24mpg on Hwy.

The tires that came with it were Hankook, which had some issues. They replaced all 4 free two times until we got a good set. Also, there is an issue with the paint on hoods of Explorers. It can bubble around the edges in some spots. Ford recently replaced the hood no charge because of this. Same for Wife's sister who has same model.
Posted by LNCHBOX
70448
Member since Jun 2009
89397 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 8:22 am to
quote:

For those non OT ballers that don’t drive g wagons lambos or f250s, does anyone own a late model Ford Explorer. Looking to maybe pick one up 2016-2019 sport with the twin turbo v6. Any opinions appreciated. TIA




If you don't need the third row, I'd look at the Edge Sport over the Explorer Sport. Just as fast and noticeably better MPG. I personally think it looks better too, and is also cheaper.
Posted by Hu_Flung_Pu
Central, LA
Member since Jan 2013
22546 posts
Posted on 1/9/20 at 9:10 am to
Wife has a 2011 Explorer and it's been fantastic. Have 140k miles on it and it just has had regular maintenance.
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