phreaky_d
Member
- Joined
- January 25, 2012
- Messages
- 30
- Reaction score
- 0
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2012 Ford Explorer Ltd.
Hi, everyone! I'm a n00b here and I need some advice. I currently have an old '95 Explorer XLT that has served me well for 10 years, but the car is starting to fall apart and the time has come for me to get a newer Explorer. I'm saving up some money to either get a used 2011 Explorer Limited (preferably with the Rapid Spec 302 configuration) or a used 2010 or 2009 Explorer Limited with Sync, factory navigation, and a moon roof.
I'd like some advice from you guys (preferably from people who have experience with both models) as to which you would prefer and why. The 2011 looks like a pretty awesome car, but I have read mixed reviews on it and have heard some of the horror stories with respect to the MyFord Touch issues. I also understand the 2011 is more of a crossover and is quite different from the truck-based SUV 2009 and 2010 models. I recently test drove a 2009 Limited with the hard drive-based navigation system and was very impressed with the Sync system in the car and loved the feature. It was REALLY cool to have the Sync system change radio stations for me and input directions on the navigation system in that 2009 model. From what I have read so far, it seems the Sync system in the older 2009 and 2010 models is more stable and reliable than Sync or MyFord Touch in the 2011.
Safety is also a big concern for me and I like the height and body-on-frame truck structure of the 2009 and 2010 SUV models. I have yet to test drive a 2011, but I understand the ride is a lot smoother on the 2011. Also, the V6 on the 2009 and 2010 models seems a bit sluggish to me and not much better than the V6 in my '95 Explorer. It seems people like the V8 engines better on the 2009 and 2010 models, but those are pretty much impossible to find in my area. How does the new 2011 V6 compare to the older engines?
So long story short...I'm torn between the 2011 Limited or the 2009/2010 Limited. Of course this is a highly-subjective question, but I just want to hear people's preferences as to which model they like better and why. A pro/con list would be great!
I'd like some advice from you guys (preferably from people who have experience with both models) as to which you would prefer and why. The 2011 looks like a pretty awesome car, but I have read mixed reviews on it and have heard some of the horror stories with respect to the MyFord Touch issues. I also understand the 2011 is more of a crossover and is quite different from the truck-based SUV 2009 and 2010 models. I recently test drove a 2009 Limited with the hard drive-based navigation system and was very impressed with the Sync system in the car and loved the feature. It was REALLY cool to have the Sync system change radio stations for me and input directions on the navigation system in that 2009 model. From what I have read so far, it seems the Sync system in the older 2009 and 2010 models is more stable and reliable than Sync or MyFord Touch in the 2011.
Safety is also a big concern for me and I like the height and body-on-frame truck structure of the 2009 and 2010 SUV models. I have yet to test drive a 2011, but I understand the ride is a lot smoother on the 2011. Also, the V6 on the 2009 and 2010 models seems a bit sluggish to me and not much better than the V6 in my '95 Explorer. It seems people like the V8 engines better on the 2009 and 2010 models, but those are pretty much impossible to find in my area. How does the new 2011 V6 compare to the older engines?
So long story short...I'm torn between the 2011 Limited or the 2009/2010 Limited. Of course this is a highly-subjective question, but I just want to hear people's preferences as to which model they like better and why. A pro/con list would be great!