soloxx
Member
- Joined
- July 15, 2011
- Messages
- 36
- Reaction score
- 3
- City, State
- Arlington, VT
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2017 Ford Explorer LTD
First thread here. Came aboard at the time I placed an order for a 2012 LTD with every option minus the second row buckets and polished wheels. The dealer got my $1k, and I'm fine with that. Word is, my Explorer will arrive in 10 days.
I've driven Honda Pilots for the past seven years. Absolutely no mechanical problems. This is the first American auto I'll have owned since 1972. But, listening to comments here, I wonder if it's the best choice. I guess I'm looking for some affirmation, and would like to ask some specific questions about aspects of the Explorer that I find outstanding with the Pilot... and not so.
1. (I ordered HID lamps on the LTD). I was never able to out-drive the Pilot's, and the driving lights are excellent. A real important issue for me. So, how are the Explorer's headlights and driving lights?
2. Ground clearance (8 versus 7") Any real-world issues in your experience?
3. Maintenance. The Pilot has no maintenance requirements beyond oil/filter/fluids up to 100k. Reliability and cost; What has been your experience with the Explorer?
4. Usability of the storage area. I've used my Pilot many times over the years as lodging (solo) when I trailer my motorcycle. How's the comfort level sleeping in the Explorer?
And the "not so"
1. I have leather seats in the Pilot, and they break down with cracks and creases very quickly (I'm 5'10", 205 lbs). How are the Explorer's?
2. Honda paint seems very fragile and thin. How about the Explorer?
3. Sound system. Honda has never met a audio system they couldn't screw up. Utter crap! Can I expect better in the Explorer?
So, that's it. But, these are some 'details' that matter to me over time. I buy my cars tend to only buy new when major improvements drive me to update.
Pardon the length of this introductory post. I'll appreciate any and all feedback.
I've driven Honda Pilots for the past seven years. Absolutely no mechanical problems. This is the first American auto I'll have owned since 1972. But, listening to comments here, I wonder if it's the best choice. I guess I'm looking for some affirmation, and would like to ask some specific questions about aspects of the Explorer that I find outstanding with the Pilot... and not so.
1. (I ordered HID lamps on the LTD). I was never able to out-drive the Pilot's, and the driving lights are excellent. A real important issue for me. So, how are the Explorer's headlights and driving lights?
2. Ground clearance (8 versus 7") Any real-world issues in your experience?
3. Maintenance. The Pilot has no maintenance requirements beyond oil/filter/fluids up to 100k. Reliability and cost; What has been your experience with the Explorer?
4. Usability of the storage area. I've used my Pilot many times over the years as lodging (solo) when I trailer my motorcycle. How's the comfort level sleeping in the Explorer?
And the "not so"
1. I have leather seats in the Pilot, and they break down with cracks and creases very quickly (I'm 5'10", 205 lbs). How are the Explorer's?
2. Honda paint seems very fragile and thin. How about the Explorer?
3. Sound system. Honda has never met a audio system they couldn't screw up. Utter crap! Can I expect better in the Explorer?
So, that's it. But, these are some 'details' that matter to me over time. I buy my cars tend to only buy new when major improvements drive me to update.
Pardon the length of this introductory post. I'll appreciate any and all feedback.