Buying advice: 2009 or 2010?

[davidk]

My tried and true 1993 XLT 5 speed 4WD is getting old (only 242K miles, go figure), has a leaking head gasket (argh) and I'm ready for a newer Ex.

I bought the 93 in 1998 with 70K on the clock, and I really liked the sturdiness and huge cargo area. I've driven all over the forest service roads in all seasons in 4WD and it's been really reliable (as much as push button 4WD drive is).

Would like some purchasing advice. I want body on frame, a low range transfer case, large cargo area and reliability! Thoughts on 2009 or 2010 Explorers (or others)? I'm probably ready for an automatic transmission as well...

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

David

 

[El Duque]

I had a '92, '99, 2008, and now a 2010. I don't think there is any difference at all between the 2009 and 2010. You would probably be amazed driving something like that, the difference between my '92 and '99, and my 2008 and 2010 are worlds apart. Handling, ride comfort, power, creature comforts, etc. I would go for the V8, though. Comparable gas mileage with more power

 

[Ornery]

Before I bought our '06, I did a LOT of research. Happened across hundreds of people griping about their radiators on Edmunds. More research seemed to point to electrolysis being the culprit. I saw a guy on his cell phone outside our shop, in a fourth gen Explorer, and asked if he'd had any problems with it, specifically radiator issues. Turns out he actually owned a nearby auto shop, and said he had no problems with the truck, which had over 100K on it. Also mentioned preventive maintenance goes a LONG way. So, I bought the '06, figuring I could tackle most problems that cropped up.

Hanging around this forum can be a real downer, though. I'm now holding my breath, while I wait for the inevitable wheel bearing, exhaust manifold or transmission issues to crop up. Never mind the odd Smart Junction Box, Shift Interlock, or Rear Wiper hassles. Some MUCH more expensive than others to resolve.

But, from the same source of all the radiator complaints is this reliability history:

As with all vehicles, the first year of a new generation usually has teething pains. I think they got most bugs out by '07, so the ones you're deciding between should be as good as it gets.

For me, maybe instead of worrying, it's time to just start "Enjoying the Drive". Anybody remember Fahrvergnügen?

 

[SBV45]

I bought a used 09 with 64000 miles. I think it got abused. Now that I fixed the big problems, it is a nice ride.

 

[davidk]

Thanks for the feedback and advice!

Thanks so much everyone for your advice (and the reliability ratings), I feel a lot better about getting a few-years-old "pre-unibody" Explorer now.

They aren't that easy to find (especially V8). So let me ask, additionally, would anyone buy a former rental/fleet Explorer? I bought my current Explorer from the original owner, they did scheduled maintenance and didn't let teenagers drive it four-wheeling in the mountains [ Dead Link Removed ] so I took the 70K miles used car gamble, which turned out well. So, opinions and advice?

BTW, my wife is lobbying for a later model 4Runner (she has a 2002 which feels like a Tonka Truck to me, being a tall guy), but I'm an X guy (and it will be my car) so we'll see.

And yes, Ornery, I DO remember Fahrvergnügen! Funny ad campaign that was very catchy.

David

 

[Ornery]

Being a tall guy, I'm surprised an Explorer suits you size wise. Actually, I guess there is plenty of legroom length, but it feels pretty hemmed in. I'm only a little over 5-10, and would have preferred a full size truck chassis. We test drove an Expedition and my wife thought it was a little too cumbersome. My only concern was gas mileage in a 5.4L, but now it's hard to believe it could be much worse than our Explorer. Well, this was going to be her ride, so we went with the Explorer. You might be more comfortable in the Expedition.

In my forty years of driving, I've only owned two cars without bench seats (a roomy '66 GTO and shoehorn tight '68 Camaro RS). Everything else seems too confining with the console. The Explorer is pretty narrow anyway. My dad rode in front with me and it seems we we're both fighting for the armrest room of the console. If the 4Runner is even smaller... ugh.

I always check CarFAX for rental or lease usage. Our Explorer was single owner corporate owned. It's a crap shoot no matter what. In our area, it's not likely any previous owner would have taken it off road. Might be a lot different where you live. Sounds like you keep a vehicle for a long time. If that's the case this time, just accept the fact that you'll have to spend a little more, and drive a good distance to get "the one". Little by little, I'm trying to "restore" ours. Fixing little issues and detailing it. The better yours is from the start, the less you'll have to repair. As you already know, they don't build 'em like that anymore, so it will be worth it to be patient and get it right the first time.

 

[4df150]

I bought a 2010 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0 v6 4x4 used with 36000 miles. I've had it for 18 months now and it's got 63000 miles. All I've done to it is chance the oil and filter, and rotate the tires so far. I am real happy with the 2010, no problems with anything not working like it should. My youngest daughter is still driving my old '97 Explorer with over 200,000 miles which I bought new in 1997.

 

[davidk]

Actually, I really like the midsize SUV. Legroom is what I really need and get with the X (required with my bum knee). It's easy to park and maneuver (especially on forest roads), big enough cargo area (with rear seats down) for two large dogs and camping/trip equipment (and more when you put the box on the roof). My full size Ford diesel van, on the other hand, feels like I'm driving a house on wheels (which I guess it is). Yes, mileage is lousy with both...

In my area, people rent four-wheel-drive SUV's to drive through the snow to Reno/Lake Tahoe and *might not* be too careful about how they use them. I'd hate to get one of those. It took me a while to find my current X, sounds like it's the right call to take my time in finding its replacement.

 

[V8Pete]

I'm 6'2". Tons of headroom (no sunroof), and I don't have to put the seat anywhere close to all the way back. I've done 500+ mile days in it; it's really comfortable.

I bought it new. Has 92K on it now. Aside from oil changes and tires, I've done one set of brakes, a battery, and aligned it once. I had the radiator and both exhaust manifolds replaced under extended warranty, between 70K and 80K. And I had the spark plugs replaced at 75K, in case they decided to take the threads with them when they left the heads (they didn't). That's it. Pretty much hassle-free.

My '96 had a ton o' mods, including full Explorer Express suspension. The '06 is better in pretty much every respect. You'll really like a 4th gen.

BTW - there are bunches of 'em for sale in the bay area.