LifeisaBeach
Member
- Joined
- September 26, 2008
- Messages
- 12
- Reaction score
- 0
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2010 Ford Edge Sport
Howdy all. I'm seriously looking into getting a late model Sport Trac and thought I'd make some inquiries here about opinions/experience with the various options available. Just for reference, I used to own a 2000 Explorer Sport (2-door SUV) with a 4.0L engine and minor upgrades (cat-back exhaust and K&N filter) that helped a little with the gas mileage and performance. Overall I was very pleased with that vehicle, though I traded it in a few years ago for a used PT Cruiser GT Convertible. I really love this car, but reality is setting in and it's getting harder on my back to get in and out of something that sits so low. I've long liked the look of the Sport Trac and always thought it'd be a worthwhile option for me. I have only occasional need for a truck and size-wise, it seems perfect for my liking. Today, I test drove a 2008 model with a 4.6L engine and Adrenalin package. I was very satisfied with the seating, especially for my size, and it handled to my liking, so I'm confident I'm on the right "trac" here. 
So, that all said, I'd like to see what experience anyone has had with these. My understanding from reading around is that the 4.0L engine is considered to be a bit underpowered for these vehicles. Additionally, the 4.6L engine is supposed to get better gas mileage, which seems to make that choice a no brainer. As far as the model I test drove, I "like" the look of the Adrenalin package, but it's not exactly a deal breaker for me. And although the vehicle drove well, I got the sense that the Adrenalin package is purely looks, not performance. Is that true across the latter years? I was planning to stick to a 2010, maybe a 2009. I'd rather get a latter year without the Adrenalin package for the same money if there's no performance advantage. Are there any performance upgrades I should seriously consider, like I did with my old Explorer?
As for the built in radio... if I'm not mistaken, it's ok to replace these if I want something with more modern features? I know this is a problem with the later Ford models, starting in 2011 or 2012. I'd like to consider replacing it with something that can mirror my phone's display for navigation, for example. Also, the salesman pointed out a row of "slots" below the AC controls that looked like would be handy for adding something like a USB charger. Not sure what else besides that though.
I'm debating on getting a 4x2 vs 4x4. I've seen these listed with AWD also. Not the same as 4x4? I don't really have a regular need for 4x4. I thought if anything, it may be helpful if we want to go to a beach that you can drive on (something I haven't done in many years). Any thoughts on if the 4x2 would handle that well enough? There's a public beach locally that people regularly drive on with all kinds of vehicles, but I was wondering if, given the weight of the Sport Trac, the 4x2 would struggle more.
Anywho, any thoughts and insight would be greatly appreciated!
So, that all said, I'd like to see what experience anyone has had with these. My understanding from reading around is that the 4.0L engine is considered to be a bit underpowered for these vehicles. Additionally, the 4.6L engine is supposed to get better gas mileage, which seems to make that choice a no brainer. As far as the model I test drove, I "like" the look of the Adrenalin package, but it's not exactly a deal breaker for me. And although the vehicle drove well, I got the sense that the Adrenalin package is purely looks, not performance. Is that true across the latter years? I was planning to stick to a 2010, maybe a 2009. I'd rather get a latter year without the Adrenalin package for the same money if there's no performance advantage. Are there any performance upgrades I should seriously consider, like I did with my old Explorer?
As for the built in radio... if I'm not mistaken, it's ok to replace these if I want something with more modern features? I know this is a problem with the later Ford models, starting in 2011 or 2012. I'd like to consider replacing it with something that can mirror my phone's display for navigation, for example. Also, the salesman pointed out a row of "slots" below the AC controls that looked like would be handy for adding something like a USB charger. Not sure what else besides that though.
I'm debating on getting a 4x2 vs 4x4. I've seen these listed with AWD also. Not the same as 4x4? I don't really have a regular need for 4x4. I thought if anything, it may be helpful if we want to go to a beach that you can drive on (something I haven't done in many years). Any thoughts on if the 4x2 would handle that well enough? There's a public beach locally that people regularly drive on with all kinds of vehicles, but I was wondering if, given the weight of the Sport Trac, the 4x2 would struggle more.
Anywho, any thoughts and insight would be greatly appreciated!
