I need help/input on 06 XLT vs 05 Limited

[rowekmr]

Help Group
I am trading in my 98 xlt 5.0 AWD for a 05 Limited 4x4 4.6 loaded with 22K miles or am considering a 06 XLT 4x4 4.6 with 22K and some options both with 3rd row seats and trailer tow package. I have read the industry reports on how the 06 is the quietest and safest Explorer yet with the most hp and trailer towing capacity. I tow a 7000# boat trailer and occasionally will haul my family of 5 around (hence the 3rd row seats) which one performs better on a daily basis. When I drove both it seems the 05 was stronger accelerating (but floored neither) and had the racier exhaust tone while the 06 seemed like a quiet mannerable car. I would like to hear opinions from those that have driven either or both. I love all the bells and whistles of the 05 but like the newer styling of the 06 XLT. Is it better to have the newer safety features in the 06 or the gizmos in the 05 like messsage control center, heated and memory seats, power pedal adjustments, DVD system?

Thanks in Advance

 

[tipdrill]

i just ran across this thread -

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=174180

might help you some.

 

[rowekmr]

i just ran across this thread -

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=174180

might help you some.

Thanks I just read it before I made my post and it kinda scared me so I wanted to ask outside of that thread hoping it is an isolated problem. Plus I am curious of the other attributes of both vehicles assuming the trans problem is fixable.

 

[rowekmr]

Thanks for the input I bought the 06 Ltd

 

[tipdrill]

i figured you would get more feedback.

i thought the '06 was a XLT?

 

[rowekmr]

Well it was one of the two finalist but a third dealership (I went to 5) gave me a deal on the Limited that gave it the nod over the XLT.