I agree totally about not rushing and getting something that's not exactly what I want, I almost did that in the excitement of getting a new '02. I have spent a lot of time researching info on the new Explorer's and visiting dealers in the past few months. The NG's have of course been a wonderful source of information. It's amazing what little knowledge some dealers have while others are well-informed.
So, I have decided to wait things out a bit, until all of the first production vehicles are sold. I know a lot of bugs or annoyances won't be corrected until a year or two later but I gotta believe that there will have been at least a dozen or two "tweaks" and corrections for models built later in the model year. If I am going to buy an '02, and I probably will, I would rather have one built later this year than one of the first that were built months ago.
I'm looking at an LTD as I like the black interior and some of the extra options. And I might as well wait until they toss in the telescoping wheel, adjustable pedals and home link (by the way, current Explorer LTD's subtract a total of $350 from the retail sticker price for those 3 options).
It will be interesting to read further reviews as these new models spill out into the market, as well as see how the sales go. Dealers are really low-balling trade-ins now, many do not want used those Explorers. That's bound to have a noticeable effect on sales as most people would rather not hassle with selling vehicles on their own.
Also, if the new models end up with a lot of problems, recalls, bad publicity etc., it will really affect the depreciation value. I'd hate to pay $36k for a vehicle and have it drop in half to $18 or $20 in a year or two. I know they will depreciate of course but it seems now that the days of Explorers holding their resale value at a reasonable level are over.
As far as the engine goes, I'm still undecided, but leaning toward the V8. There are a lot of different opinions going around. If Ford would be more detailed on what exactly the problems with the initial production were I would feel a little more comfortable.
And I do not want the 3rd seat option. One, I will never use them. Two, they do not fold flat as does not the 2nd row, so the back is pretty uneven (a terrible and stupid engineering mistake), three, the 2nd row seats are split into thirds when you get the seat option, and four, without the seats you get the cargo shade, and the floor is nice and flat. It seems to be split about 50/50 on people who want the seats or not.
My main complaints with the '02:
The awful, annoying, and hard to use tilt-wheel mechanism
The large, unsightly passenger assist handle.
The odd placement of the keyless entry pad on the door
Awful location of the temp and compass readouts
Front seat seems too high, will not lower "enough"
The fear of problems, it being a first year model
For the most part, the positives of course far outweigh the negatives. With a little more quality, thought, and common sense, plus a summer or fall 2001 release instead of an early rushed release, and this could have been a near-perfect vehicle. Maybe we'll have that in 2004 or 2005... Overall, though, the 2002 is a great accomplishment.
