Finally Got Mine!!!

[Blues]

Well, after a 7 week wait I got called out of my "near-death" bed (flu bug finally got me) to pick up my new 2002 Eddie Bauer Explorer. Talk about a shot in the arm!!!

I didn't have the time or strength to compose a very good picture, but here's a quick look anyway.

Options are V-8, 4X4, Running Boards and Side Impact Air Bags. (Color is deep wedgewood blue in case it doesn't come out very clearly.)

All I can say is this thing rocks.

In the recent past I've only had the opportunity to compare the Explorer to a couple of others: Montero Sport (Nice Looks but Underpowered and Loose/Tippy Handling); Pathfinder (Good Engine but Cabin & Cargo Area A Bit On Snug Side). I think the Explorer overall is better looking, handles better and has better people and cargo accommodations.

Looking forward to a long term relationship.

 

[McFumo]

Nice Explorer man.

 

[aldive]

Your ride is nice, thanks for sharing.

 

[rustytr]

Congrats on the new Explorer.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Congrats!!! How much did you pay for? You should snap a few more pictures!!! PICS PICS PICS!!!! Haha...congratulations on your new ride!!

 

[KillerXLT]

My father just bought the same one in White. I was fortunate enough to drive it over thanksgiving break. Man does that V8 move! And very little body roll! How about the 2 toned leather interior! Ford has made a Speedy, Sweet looking SUV! The hood dwarfs mine in height, and the interior is wide and spacious.

 

[Blues]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate it.

I tend to keep my vehicles for a while and when Ford began offering the 0% financing I decided to sell my old low mileage Integra ('88) and look toward purchasing a vehicle which would offer me the options I want going forward.

I can retire early from federal law enforcement in under two years and plan on moving from FL to a mountainous area, whether eastern or western mountains hasn't been finally decided. (I like to spend my time hiking and canoeing when I can get away. Or on my motorcycle.)

Our local Ford truck dealership offers law enforcement invoice pricing. Just not having to haggle with salesmen and managers made it worthwhile.

Between the savings at invoice price coupled with the 0% financing, it made it possible to lower the final cost by several thousand dollars.

I opted to add GEICO's "Multi Risk" (Mechanical Breakdown Insurance) to my policy. It only adds $30 per six month premium and it limits any major repair to a $250 deductible. It's good for seven years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That means that out of pocket for the protection is only $420 for the seven years. You'd have to have several major repairs before the cost began to approach those of either the Ford ESP or internet aftermarket warranty plans. This plan was highly touted by service managers from Ford and Pep Boys when I spoke with them about a warranty plan.

I also invested in and ordered a good Weathershield cover for the Explorer. I figured it was the least I could do to try to keep the paint and the interior from suffering the elements when the Explorer was sitting idle. (Best price I found after lengthy research was from www.autoanything.com)

Anyway, nice to finally feel like a real member here.

p.s. I like the 290 watt/6 CD/subwoofer system that came in the Explorer.

 

[Blues]

As Requested

Hey, '96, here's a link to the rest of the pix I snapped off yesterday. (Well, you asked. )

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=123592&a=14100525&f=0