Looking to buy an Ex

[e34nication]

New to the site as I'm looking to get back into another Explorer. 13 years ago I had a '93 4x4 Limited with a 3 inch body lift and 32x12.50 mickey thompson Baja's... since then I've been playing around with cars and currently own a supercharged 1995 BMW 540i 6-speed that's my caged track car... I've worked in a job with a company car for the last few years and have just taken a position with a new company that doesn't provide a company vehicle so I'm on the search for a new daily driver... fixed back seats, 750# springs, no carpet and a rollcage aren't exactly ideal for the office commute:

I've been doing some research for the last couple of weeks and stumbled across this site and it seems there are quite a few knowledgable people here... Right now I'm pretty much narrowed down to looking for a 2007 4x4, v-8 Limited with Nav and rear seat DVD (kids coming in a couple of years so it'll be necessary). I know the DVD screen size changed from 2006 to 2007 which is why I'm looking at the 07's... what were the other notable changes from year to year? Was satellite radio part of the 07's navigation/stereo system (satellite radio is also a must)? When did the cooled seats become an option? Any help on these subjects would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and I look forward to hanging around on the forums!

-Kris

 

[thebrakeman]

'07 also added an 1/8" aux input for an mp3 player on the front of the center console (behind the cupholders, next to the 12V socket). Our '06 Mounty doesn't have it, and it seems like options for adding a jack are pricey.

Do you need a low-range transfer case? If not, add the Mountaineer V8-AWD Premier to your search. Explorer has direct dash buttons for drivetrain buttons, while the Mounty does not. However:
Explorer 4x4-Auto: Same as the Mounty AWD system (these are the default for both vehicles)
Explorer 4x4-Hi: Same as the Mounty 4x4-locked (accessible in the setup menu)
Explorer 4x4-Low: Not available on Mounty

Given the same options, I found that a used Mountaineer was almost always cheaper than a used Explorer. And the only functional difference is the low-range.

 

[e34nication]

Thanks for that tip... the two things that have turned me off about the mountaineers are the aluminum interior trim and the clear taillights. Are these direct swaps with Explorers?

I probably won't need the low range... I don't plan on mud bogging this one like I did my prior Explorer. 4wd will just be used for trips to the mountains and slippery boat ramps.

Aux input is definitely key. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[thebrakeman]

Sounds like you should wait for your Explorer. I wouldn't want to be swapping interior trim. Taillamps are probably interchangable, but again, why bother.

If you intend to tow with this, be sure to hold out for the factory class III/IV tow package. With it, you get 7000-7300 lbs, without it, only 3500 (even with the V8). Easy to spot visually. Just be sure the stock receiver is the 2" (not the 1.25").

 

[bender]

Microsoft Sync and Satelite radio came in 2008. Sync is very cool, especially if you rely on an iPod a lot. I don't think there were the option of cooled seats on any year prior to the upcoming 2011. I know my 08 limited has heated seats but no cooled option. 07+ has power deploy running boards as an option although it seems the motors go bad frequently. I have mine turned off (you can set them to deploy, stay out, or stay off) 08+ had the option of the 20" factory wheels. they are very sharp and really stand out. someone mentioned the 09+ headrests are large and annoying, but i can't verify they changed from the 08. 06-08 V8s sometimes need the TCM reprogrammed due to a bump in the transmission coming to a stop.
Check the vanity mirror covers as the hinges tend to break. 06 had a terrible front door handle design 07+ they fixed it. (not the latch to open it, that stayed the same, the actual pull to grab the door).

quick review based on my experience (08 limited V8 AWD - 30k miles)

Performance - v8 is nice and smooth, 6spd is good except for the bump issue stated above, gas mileage good for an awd V8 SUV (21mph on highway) smooth for a truck-based SUV, quiet and solid

Interior - dated interior but solid, easy to use controls, audiophile stereo is only 'ok' for top of the line system, leather looks to be wearing well. sync works well with my phone and ipod.

Reliability - couple of minor annoyances here and there but no mechanical failures or concerns. some cosmetic things (such as vanity mirror covers)

 

[e34nication]

Ok... so 08 was the beginning of satellite radio... I had been trying to figure that out. Thanks a bunch. Wasn't sure about the cooled seats... oh well. That's not a deal breaker for me.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[thebrakeman]

I have power running boards on the '06 Mounty we just bought. They look nice folded up when not in use. But given the fact that they are sucking power when doors are opened (engine off), and the issues with freezing (mine were repaired by the previous owner under ext warranty), I would pass on them, given the choice. Go with fixed running boards.