2011 used Explorer, should I?

[Jake's Dad]

Hey Gang:

Been awhile for me on here.

I have been driving a 1997 Explorer for sometime now.

There is a 2011 Explorer at a dealership close to me. It is a "limited" with a DVD player in the rear headrests with Navi. Only 14,500 miles. They have it listed at 37K, but will take $1000 off to sell it to me.

Just wanted to ask you all about this year vehicle and if it's reliable and a fair shake.

Thanks,

JD

 

[VinceL]

I personally wouldn't (the 2011's seem to have the lion's share of issues), but having said that, a number of folks on here haven't had any problems with their 2011's. Your mileage may vary.

I'm also curious why the previous owner would get rid of such a low mileage vehicle (but of course there could be a thousand rational explanations).

 

[peterk9]

Hey Gang:

Been awhile for me on here.

I have been driving a 1997 Explorer for sometime now.

There is a 2011 Explorer at a dealership close to me. It is a "limited" with a DVD player in the rear headrests with Navi. Only 14,500 miles. They have it listed at 37K, but will take $1000 off to sell it to me.

Just wanted to ask you all about this year vehicle and if it's reliable and a fair shake.

Thanks,

JD

The first question that came to mind when reading your post was "Why is this vehicle on the lot?" While it is true that the majority of problems were with the 2011, mine has been great. If I was looking at that vehicle I would want to speak to the original owner first to see why he/she got rid of it. I know that can be done here for a fee but I'm not sure if you can do in the U.S. Does Carfax give the previous owner's name.
For someone that obviously sank a fair bit of $$ into it, I share Vince's concern as well.

Peter

 

[Jwhcars]

Maybe it was a Ford lease as they are known to have short lease deals. Have them pull up the service history report and see if it has been trouble free.

 

[briteboy]

I have a couple of ideas (maybe not good ones).

I would think the dealer could show you the service records on the car. Any TSB's that were, or were not performed.

what is the "story" you getting from the dealer on where the car came from? Was it this particular dealer's car to begin with? If not, definitely get a CarFax. Until you can research the history, I'd be very leary.

Having said that...when we got a 2011 Ex for the wife in April of 2011, I immediately said I HAD TO GET ME ONE OF THESE. So I did. We have 2, 2011 Explorer's.

the only issues I've had are:

• Had to do one master reset on MFT. No problem
• Radiator fan TSB performed on Wife's Ex
• AC/Htr actuator door TSB performed on Wife's

I've got more miles on mine than her's and have had no issues at all. I have the Nav, hers does not.

But I have to say that $37k sounds pretty stiff for a 3 model year old car.

good luck. Let us know how you make out.

 

[VinceL]

Also consider the folks on here who have lemon lawed their Explorers, to my best recollection, they have all been 2011's.

 

[dragonexplorer12]

I would thoroughly read JDraper's stickied TSBs here before buying that 2011 Limited EX. There is a long list of issues for the 2011s I believe.

I would make sure that they have rectified all if not most of the issues that came with that unit.

I'm glad that I waited it out and got the 3rd generation from the assembly line.

Personally, I agree with VinceL. Avoid it and look for a used 2013 model instead. Heck, go for the 2013 Sport if you can find one used =)

 

[boominXplorer]

If its at a Ford dealer ask for its service history, they can look it up and tell you what work has all been done.

 

[foxtemple]

I bought a used 2011 ex limited and would not recommend you getting one. Too many little problems here and there for me. Maybe you will be lucky and get a good one!

 

[RandyH2]

As an '11 Limited owner, I would recommend getting another year out of your current vehicle if you can. Otherwise, look for something other than the '11 Explorer. Plenty of folks with no complaints but that does not mean they have no problems. I'd bet most folks accept the problems as "still better than 20 years ago". In a $20,000 car that would be acceptable but not a vehicle that retails for $46,000 or more.

 

[Jake's Dad]

Hello All:

After reading these comments I have decided to steer clear of the 2011.

The dealership by my home had a 2013 demo model that I picked up. I tried to buy it outright, but the payment was way too high for me. I ended up with a 19,500 mile a year lease, and they gave me $4,000 as a trade in for my old truck (2001 F150).

It's a great vehicle. It's a silver XLT with black leather. The options are Navi, backup camera, SYNC, with the 20" polished rims. That's about it.

I really appreciate everyone's comments here, it helped me in making my decision.

JD

 

[VinceL]

Congratulations and enjoy your new Ex!! Now, the standard forum question for new owners... Where are the pics?

 

[RandyH2]

Congratulations!