Ford Explorer XLT
#31
Part Time Poster
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Worcestershire
Posts: 4,219
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
Running a 2001 escape
Only issue was a clutch failure and that was due partly to ignorance in the garage and getting dirt in the master cylinder (repair cost around $2000)
Redid the brakes and put a new alternator in around 200,000km
As for comment on the 4x4, it does its job when need in snow and can be switched from auto to fulltime if you really need it to be.
I t used as the around town family work horse after 3 year as the main commuter vehicle and its done several multi day road trips from Ontario to North Carolina
When this one dies, I’ll be looking at escapes again (if they’re still made when it fails)
Only issue was a clutch failure and that was due partly to ignorance in the garage and getting dirt in the master cylinder (repair cost around $2000)
Redid the brakes and put a new alternator in around 200,000km
As for comment on the 4x4, it does its job when need in snow and can be switched from auto to fulltime if you really need it to be.
I t used as the around town family work horse after 3 year as the main commuter vehicle and its done several multi day road trips from Ontario to North Carolina
When this one dies, I’ll be looking at escapes again (if they’re still made when it fails)
#32
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
Running a 2001 escape
Only issue was a clutch failure and that was due partly to ignorance in the garage and getting dirt in the master cylinder (repair cost around $2000)
Redid the brakes and put a new alternator in around 200,000km
As for comment on the 4x4, it does its job when need in snow and can be switched from auto to fulltime if you really need it to be.
I t used as the around town family work horse after 3 year as the main commuter vehicle and its done several multi day road trips from Ontario to North Carolina
When this one dies, I’ll be looking at escapes again (if they’re still made when it fails)
Only issue was a clutch failure and that was due partly to ignorance in the garage and getting dirt in the master cylinder (repair cost around $2000)
Redid the brakes and put a new alternator in around 200,000km
As for comment on the 4x4, it does its job when need in snow and can be switched from auto to fulltime if you really need it to be.
I t used as the around town family work horse after 3 year as the main commuter vehicle and its done several multi day road trips from Ontario to North Carolina
When this one dies, I’ll be looking at escapes again (if they’re still made when it fails)
#33
Part Time Poster
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Worcestershire
Posts: 4,219
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
But expensive, No! The parts and wear and tear costs I find lower than many other makes, the smaller engines are very fuel efficient and that brings the overall cost down too..
If you’re looking for an SUV to park and pose in the works car park, or to be fun to drive, or fast and smooth on the highway then this isn’t the car of choice.
However if you want an SUV as a family utility vehicle (read all round sport/camping/road trip/grocery shopping/large load carrying general workhorse) and intend to use it for what it was built to do then the escape does that well
#34
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,549
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
We got a Ford Explorer, the Eddie Bauer model. It is a 2006 and we got it for $18,000 in 2008. It is fully loaded and has been extremely reliable, after 2 years all we have had to spend is routine servicing and some windscreen wipers. We are very pleased with it.
#35
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
Harsh maybe, they do have all the driving characteristics of a Landover (discovery style). Noisy well I’d go with the same territory; they’re certainly not a luxury SUV no matter how you dress it up.
But expensive, No! The parts and wear and tear costs I find lower than many other makes, the smaller engines are very fuel efficient and that brings the overall cost down too..
If you’re looking for an SUV to park and pose in the works car park, or to be fun to drive, or fast and smooth on the highway then this isn’t the car of choice.
However if you want an SUV as a family utility vehicle (read all round sport/camping/road trip/grocery shopping/large load carrying general workhorse) and intend to use it for what it was built to do then the escape does that well
But expensive, No! The parts and wear and tear costs I find lower than many other makes, the smaller engines are very fuel efficient and that brings the overall cost down too..
If you’re looking for an SUV to park and pose in the works car park, or to be fun to drive, or fast and smooth on the highway then this isn’t the car of choice.
However if you want an SUV as a family utility vehicle (read all round sport/camping/road trip/grocery shopping/large load carrying general workhorse) and intend to use it for what it was built to do then the escape does that well
We got a Ford Explorer, the Eddie Bauer model. It is a 2006 and we got it for $18,000 in 2008. It is fully loaded and has been extremely reliable, after 2 years all we have had to spend is routine servicing and some windscreen wipers. We are very pleased with it.
Oh and by the way Stef, OH doesn't think you should have any unusual probs with what your looking for, he still can't think of anything that goes wrong on a regular basis with them.
Last edited by Piff Poff; Aug 3rd 2010 at 12:37 pm.
#36
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, B.C. - Originally Basingstoke UK
Posts: 193
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
I have a Ford Explorer XLT. It wasn't my car of choice but as funds were limited and we have dogs, we decided it would be a good car to start out with.
I have had it nearly 2 years and it has been a great car. The dogs have their space - the kids have plenty of space, we can get out and about in the snow in it, get up the mountains switching it over to 4x4. Its great on the Highway and great around town.
Not too big to park or manoevre but big enough not to feel intimidated by the huge juggernauts out there! I like the fact that it can shift when I want it too or can poodle about - its on over 200 K's and is still going strong.
If I were to get another vehicle - I would just buy a newer one of these (Or a Mustang GT500/Dodge Charger but thats WAY off! hahah). My friend has just gone and got a 2006 XLT and its better looking but still has all the bells and whistles of the older XLT.
We went to a dealership and got this one we have...its been a-ok thus far (I've probably gone and jinxed it now!).
Good luck with your search - I think its a practical solution without going too big!
I have had it nearly 2 years and it has been a great car. The dogs have their space - the kids have plenty of space, we can get out and about in the snow in it, get up the mountains switching it over to 4x4. Its great on the Highway and great around town.
Not too big to park or manoevre but big enough not to feel intimidated by the huge juggernauts out there! I like the fact that it can shift when I want it too or can poodle about - its on over 200 K's and is still going strong.
If I were to get another vehicle - I would just buy a newer one of these (Or a Mustang GT500/Dodge Charger but thats WAY off! hahah). My friend has just gone and got a 2006 XLT and its better looking but still has all the bells and whistles of the older XLT.
We went to a dealership and got this one we have...its been a-ok thus far (I've probably gone and jinxed it now!).
Good luck with your search - I think its a practical solution without going too big!
Last edited by NatsnSid; Aug 3rd 2010 at 12:54 pm. Reason: Muppet as I got miles/k's mixed up hahah
#37
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
You want honest opinion right?
Ford= Found On Roadside Dead..
The explorer is an ok SUV, if a bit small...they have a more appropriate nickname..The Ford Exploder..due to their tendancy to rollover and explode..
Of course this will depend on how you drive...SUV's, just like trucks, have a higher center of gravity and handle differently...
Bearing all that in mind, I drive an Expedition at work and its great...
I would just research...look at crash rating and consumer reports etc...
Your insurance rating will be determined by the vehicle, driving records, age, zipcode etc etc...good luck...
Ford= Found On Roadside Dead..
The explorer is an ok SUV, if a bit small...they have a more appropriate nickname..The Ford Exploder..due to their tendancy to rollover and explode..
Of course this will depend on how you drive...SUV's, just like trucks, have a higher center of gravity and handle differently...
Bearing all that in mind, I drive an Expedition at work and its great...
I would just research...look at crash rating and consumer reports etc...
Your insurance rating will be determined by the vehicle, driving records, age, zipcode etc etc...good luck...
PErhaps some independent review from a respected source.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2006/0...-2002-2005.htm
Canadian Driver has a lot of usefull info on used vehicles, but watchout for the pricing details as that tied to when the article was published.
In general Ford have made decent quality vehicles for a while. The explorer isnt stellar, but its OK, as good as the usual suspects in that category.
SUVs arent my thing, they are thirsty with ponderous handling due to the sheer weight of the things, but the roll over thing with the Explorer was always a tire related issue, and predated the 2003 models, so I wouldnt worry on that front.
There was a previous gen explorer in the car pool at a place I worked. It was nearly always the last thing left, just horrible to drive. Even the windstar minivan would be taken before that particular explorer. I understand the next gen was much nicer, so take a test drive before committing!
Insurance cost here is way more to do with the driver than the vehicle in my experience, although domestics may be cheaper as the cost of repair is generally lower (easier to get parts)
Last edited by iaink; Aug 4th 2010 at 1:41 am.
#38
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
A point about the Explorer is that the space is distibuted oddly, the cargo area is relatively large while the back seat is slightly cramped. It would suit a family that favoured the dogs over the children, an English family, perhaps.
#39
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
I will say that Fords are far more reliable than they used to be...I drive one at work and I like it..
I guess it all depends on how much money you have to spend, what you want the vehicle for etc etc...
And yes...the old cliches are the best (even if they arent true...
I guess it all depends on how much money you have to spend, what you want the vehicle for etc etc...
And yes...the old cliches are the best (even if they arent true...
#40
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,533
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
Thanks, Great to know
lol
Stef
[/ QUOTE] Oh and by the way Stef, OH doesn't think you should have any unusual probs with what your looking for, he still can't think of anything that goes wrong on a regular basis with them.[/QUOTE]
lol
Stef
[/ QUOTE] Oh and by the way Stef, OH doesn't think you should have any unusual probs with what your looking for, he still can't think of anything that goes wrong on a regular basis with them.[/QUOTE]
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Posts: 148
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
Hi Gav
Lins is one of those guys, that if he does not like the look of a car...it does not get past first base....lol..... No I am aware of the snow LaSalle gets and that is not the reason. I want a car with a higher driving position and 7 seats.....hence the questions about the Exploroer...Lins seems to like the look of it. We hired a Dodge Nitro on one visit ...well it was upgraded to a Dodge Nitro when they did not have the one we ordered...I though it was nice enough from a drive and comfort viewpoint. He hated the shape of it...likened it to driving a Box.
Only 3 weeks on Tuesday until we fly....god the butterflies are really kicking in and Liam is constantly saying he does not want to go!!! Stress is unbelievable!
Hope all is well with you
lol
Stef
Lins is one of those guys, that if he does not like the look of a car...it does not get past first base....lol..... No I am aware of the snow LaSalle gets and that is not the reason. I want a car with a higher driving position and 7 seats.....hence the questions about the Exploroer...Lins seems to like the look of it. We hired a Dodge Nitro on one visit ...well it was upgraded to a Dodge Nitro when they did not have the one we ordered...I though it was nice enough from a drive and comfort viewpoint. He hated the shape of it...likened it to driving a Box.
Only 3 weeks on Tuesday until we fly....god the butterflies are really kicking in and Liam is constantly saying he does not want to go!!! Stress is unbelievable!
Hope all is well with you
lol
Stef
#43
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,533
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
Thanks....A PT Cruiser....wow...where will you put all your shopping lol?
Hope you are settling in well
lol
Stef
Hope you are settling in well
lol
Stef
#45
Re: Ford Explorer XLT
We have finally gone from the mindframe that we need something with 7 seats for when rellies come to visit, we now hire something big for the weekend or whatever and if we have a spare (we usually do) car then the rellies can borrow that. We do still like the feeling of security we get from having at least one 4x4 in the winter for those longer journeys and I think we always will.