2013 explorer purchase

[Norad]

So I am not sure if this is the correct area to post to if a moderator wants to move my post feel free. First off I have an aging Gen II with just shy of 245k miles and it is about time for me to replace my old girl I went to the dealership today and looked at the new explorers and well... I feel that I am looking at a different animal. There is no ground clearance a third row of seats and well an over all minivan feel. It pains me to say the last part a TON!! I live in Maine and use my current Explorer for driving to work going hunting and fishing and dealing with the occasional snow "event. Has anyone taken a current generation explorer out on a rutted dirt road to their favorite fishing or hunting spot? I really wanted the new X sport but...that is even lower to the ground. I really want to stay with the platform that I have had for years but am slightly lost. Forum members please HELP

 

[13.]

I notice in your sig line you have an F350 that seams well equipped for those tasks. Why not use it?

I have had mine on sandy, rutted fire roads and its done fine. I just left it in sand mode and it had decent grip considering its on all seasons. It only has an inch or so less ground clearance than your gen II did stock. I'm willing to bet that if you havent had any troubles getting your II stuck you'll probably be ok with the new one. Dont get 20's. If the third row bothers you leave it folded down.

 

[sciond]

I take my Sport in all kinds of Terrain due my business. I am a home builder. SO far so good. I have had mine though ruts, mud and snow/ice and no worries yet. Yes it could use clearance but if you really want that it could be added.

 

[1995E]

So I am not sure if this is the correct area to post to if a moderator wants to move my post feel free. First off I have an aging Gen II with just shy of 245k miles and it is about time for me to replace my old girl

Coming from the 2nd Gen as well, the new Explorer gets a bit of time to get used to. However, you will see so much of the advances that the Explorer has made. If you're not rock climbing, or doing some hardcore mudding, getting the Explorer with the 3.5L AWD will best suit your needs. It's way more stable in the snow and keeps traction really well. Get the Sport if you can if you really need all that power but the 3.5 is enough power to move all your cargo.

From my own experience, the 3.5 is a bit underpowered for the vehicle because I had all 7 seats filled with some cargo in the back and going up hills took a lot of throttle. The Ecoboost would be the best way to go if you need all that power.

Turning radius is a bit wider than the 2nd gen cause it has a longer wheelbase but still maneuvers like a sports car when you want it to.

Other than that, the comfort took a while to get used to since it's a lot wider and not as close and cozy as the 2nd gen. It is very comfortable once you get used to it and it really gets up there with the speed! All the electronics will be fun if you're going on long trips.

I suggest do your full research though before you dive into it. Get a 2013, they fixed most of the issues from the 2011 - 2012 models.

Hope this helps.

 

[Norad]

Thanks for all of the info guys. I think that I am going to have to take one for a test drive and see if it sells itself to me. Does anyone have the dual sun roof option? I was wondering if that is loud when open? Thanks for all the input once again.

 

[Cj31]

My 2013 sport had done great in snow, but haven't had it off road yet. But my guess is that it's not ideal. There is a front air dam and I can't even get over the apron of my driveway without scraping unless I go very slow. It even scrapes on many parking lot curbs. 3 months and that thing is already pretty chewed up from normal driving. I'm sure there is a way to remove it, but I haven't checked. In reality, these vehicles are driven on road 99.9% of the time, and that's the way they are designed IMO. That's why almost all manufacturers have gone to the crossover style.

 

[FordService]

...I live in Maine and use my current Explorer for driving to work going hunting and fishing and dealing with the occasional snow "event. Has anyone taken a current generation explorer out on a rutted dirt road to their favorite fishing or hunting spot?...

Hi Norad,

You should check out the Explorer's available Terrain Management System. You can easily adjust settings to match the environment you're driving in. Get the details here: http://www.ford.com/suvs/explorer/features/#page=Feature1

Crystal

 

[alexk]

Thanks for all of the info guys. I think that I am going to have to take one for a test drive and see if it sells itself to me. Does anyone have the dual sun roof option? I was wondering if that is loud when open? Thanks for all the input once again.

I have the dual roof option and it is very quiet compared to a normal sunroof.

 

[gpzrider]

FYI, dual sunroof option does not mean that both panels retract. Only the front panel moves rearward. When it does, the rear frame of the front glass stops in the middle of the second glass. Sounds no louder than any other open sun roof.

 

[13.]

I have the dual roof option and it is very quiet compared to a normal sunroof.

FYI, dual sunroof option does not mean that both panels retract. Only the front panel moves rearward. When it does, the rear frame of the front glass stops in the middle of the second glass. Sounds no louder than any other open sun roof.

Ditto