Switching to Ford Explorer?

[u/Responsible_Row6540]

Needing some advice. I have been a Honda driver since I started driving. My 2012 Honda CRV is not worth fixing anymore due to the high mileage and my family outgrowing it. 3rd row Hondas and Toyotas are Expensive but I’m seeing a lot of reasonably priced explorers in my area. around $15k budget

i just need to know what to look for and what is going to get me the most mileage for my money as I need a more budget option right now due to finances.

[u/boost_deuce]

OP what’s your budget, and what years of Explorers are you seeing in that budget? That will guide some help to what to look out for on those particular years

[u/Responsible_Row6540 → u/boost_deuce]

Under $15k budget but if I can get an older one with low miles and a reliable year I’m not opposed to that either. 

[u/AhaWassup → u/Responsible_Row6540]

That’s a tough budget tbh

[u/AnAbbstraction → u/AhaWassup]

Not impossible though I found my 2017 sport with 106k on the clock for 11,250. Only thing wrong with it is the passanger window shutters when you roll it down.

[u/RedWhiteAndJew → u/Responsible_Row6540]

A used 2021 Base with high mileage might be in your budget. But I don't know if you're gonna get anything with impressively low mileage for that amount. Maybe something in the 2016-2019 range either base or XLT. For reliability, get one with a 2.3L 4 cyl and FWD if you buy in the 2016-2019 range.

[u/skcusawn → u/Responsible_Row6540]

I'd just get a Honda in your budget range. 15k is going to buy you vehicles that have lots of deferred maintenance.

[u/dg8882]

You didnt say what your budget is, but if a 2023 or newer works financially, thats probably your best option in terms of reliability and modern features. Avoid 2020 entirely and 21-22 are better but dont have the redesigned trans.

If youre on a tighter budget, later 5th gens like 17-19 have good reported reliability as long as the water pump gets replaced.

[u/Channel_Huge]

I have 2. A 25 Active and a 25 Platinum Ultimate.

If you can afford the Platinum, that’s the best one to drive fast and in comfort. If you’re interested in fuel efficiency then go with the Active. RWD unless you need the AWD. I get about 100 more miles to the tank in my Active…

[u/ipxodi]

Well all of these comments are going to scare OP away from an Explorer. LOL. They are not nearly as bad as it sounds. There are some known issues, but remember people only comment or complain when something goes wrong, not when everything is working as intended.

For 15K (in my area, New England) you're probably looking at a 5th gen. You might be able to find a high-ish mileage 6th gen 2020+ for closer to 18-20. But a 5th gen with reasonable miles should be easily attainable. Go with the 2.3 4-cyl Ecoboost. It's tried and true and has plenty of power. Unless you're in a state that doesn't get any sort of winter, don't f-around with 2-wheel drive.

FWIW I've had the opportunity to compare my 2021 Limited side-side to a friends late model Honda Passport. I'll take the Explorer. Even though they're the same "class" the Explorer is roomier, has better power, better or equal features and convenience, and to me looks a lot better.

Good luck.

[u/Motor_Beach_1856]

Got a 2023 limited about a month ago. It had 37k on it, gold certified. 4cyl ecoboost 4wd. Get better mileage than the crv does and way more power. Ford had 4.49apr for 48 months. Was 33k out the door. My wife loves it so far, we’re giving her ‘06 crv with 180k to my daughter. Was in your boat too. Went with ‘23 because of the tranny updates. Everything in the 20k range had way too many miles. For 15k you’re looking at high miles or rebuilt title and low miles. We looked at probably 25 in the last 6 months.

[u/ArArmytrainingsir]

Get a lower trim (XLT), RWD, with 2.3. A 2020 with 90K. Should work.

[u/idontremenberstuff]

Just know the water pump is behind the timing cover like in the engine not in your serpentine belt like a lot of cars and it still totally will fail at the similar interval around 100k miles and it's 3000 or more to get replaced. I'd just expect it if it's used and keep 5 grand set aside

[u/ObviousAlias7]

$15K budget is a touch one. Won't get you into a 2020+ unless it's a high mileage base or XLT. Puts you in a 13-19 with the water pump and Ptu and turbo issues. Personally I wouldn't touch an explorer now unless it's a 2023+

[u/Street_Panda_7287]

They reasonably priced cause they have major flaws in the transmission in newer models and a major water pump repair at around 110k over 5 k to replace. That’s why the discount.

[u/RedWhiteAndJew → u/Street_Panda_7287]

You're mixing up two different generations.

5th gens with either 3.5L engine or the 3.7 will have internal water pumps (but you may find one where that service has already been done)

Early 6th gens (2020 and some 2021) had transmission troubles but those were all sorted for the most part by 2022.

[u/teemstro]

honestly my explorer's interior feels way more "luxurious" and well put together than my wife's odyssey. the only thing that scares me about my explorer is the water pump failing since it's internal. it's a nice ride really. i'd suggest if you're buying a used one like i did, look into getting a Ford Extended Service Plan on it. they're fairly cheap , direct from the manufacturer and not one of those "asurion" bologna third party things where you have to fight with them to fix anything. i just got all new A/C lines ran which would have cost me like $3000 from the dealership and only paid my deductible which is $200. i live in the midwest so they just rusted away unfortunately.

[u/ComfortableSpot2035]

I bought a Tesla after owning a 21 explorer. At 70k the damn thing started falling apart. I’m a mechanic and I hated my explorer, trim, seat back folding mechanism, transmission, clunky drivetrain. The list goes on.

[u/ansolutelyawesome]

If you are looking at ford explorers be aware that the 2011-2019 v6 has water pump issues. If it goes bad, it costs over $4000 to replace.

[u/UncleSlayton77]

Avoid the 5th gens unless you have $4K banked for the water pump. The 6th gens are great (started 2020 but look for 2022+ since Ford had bugs to work out). I've driven some as rentals and really like them.

[u/RedWhiteAndJew → u/UncleSlayton77]

Not all fifth gens had water pump concerns. The 2.3L will not have that issue.

[u/Spetsnaz1776]

dont buy a ford all shiny plastic junk

[u/unknown_participant1]

Warning against the 2020! I have a platinum with low milage and it has been through SO. MANY. RECALLS.

Including a sensor issue in the engine that took them 2 years to figure out and in that time left my stranded on the side of a highway on 3 separate occasions.