Low mileage 05 or higher mileage 07?

[The Rainmayker]

Decisions, decisions...

At this point in time, my 02 is basically just a snow vehicle and used for hauling loads that won't fit into sedans. Without getting into detail, the vehicle is starting to have almost weekly problems and I have thought a lot about it, and finally made the decision to part with it.

I see no real reason to invest in a brand new Explorer, as my fiancee's 06 still serves us well and has relatively low mileage, and I mainly prefer to drive a sedan except for in snow. The 06 is her main vehicle so I can not use it any time I want to. I am a law enforcement supervisor and have a takehome cruiser that I am permitted to use for personal needs, so that ends up being the vehicle I drive the most. I only put 4300 miles on my Explorer last year. Thus, I do not see the need to spend the money on a newer Explorer.

I will be paying cash for this purchase, so financing is not an issue.

Looking in my area, I've found two vehicles at dealers that seem to fit my needs. One is an 05 XLT V6 with 58K miles, the other an 07 Eddie Bauer V8 with 77K miles. I have looked at both and tried to see how much I could flex the pricing. I am thinking I could get the 05 for about $9K (asking is $12K), or the 07 for about $16K (asking is $18,500). Neither vehicle has maintenance records available, but both check out fine on CarFax and AutoCheck, neither has a fleet/lease past or reported accidents.

Would the 05 be a good choice, or should I spring for the 07? I am intimately familiar with the maintenance and issues of the 02-05 generation, and it seems that by 05 most problems were worked out. I would not hesitate to buy one. However the 07 is newer and presumably improved in various ways, has a larger engine (not that I do any towing), and more bells and whistles. Not to mention the money saved by buying the 05 could probably be put toward some other gas-powered toys as my better half would like that I spent less money.

Any opinions appreciated, thanks!

 

[lynchy wa]

I'd go the '07 V8 personally.

 

[nvrenufedge]

We just bought an '05 XLT V6 with the AdvanceTrac in Dec. Loving it so far. It's basicly loaded except leather and does have the 3rd row seating, which my wife loves for when we have our nephews or she's out with her friend and all 4 kids.

 

[jrford]

'07 should have the newer 3 Valve engine, close to 290hp can't be beat. . .far better engine that the 4.0lV6 imo.

 

[kert0307]

I'm going to stray from a the crowd and go for the 05. Assuming they are of similar condition, why pay 7k more for something that can do the same thing? If you're not towing, the extra power doesn't help you much anyway.

Edit: at 4300 miles per year, theoretically the 05 has 4 years less life on it than the 07. (77k -58k = 19k difference 19k/4.3 k per year is 4.41 years...

 

[not8taxi]

if you got the cruiser to take home then thats enough power for you...i would go with the 05...saves you on the gas and def saves you in your wallet..and the low mileage is always a plus

 

[Robsbrd99]

I have to say that I've had very few problems with my 05. I dont think the 07 is worth the extra money imo.

 

[gjblanchard]

I have an 05 XLT sport (66K) and an 08 Eddie (42K). Both are excellent vehicles and both have been trouble-free. The 05 feels a bit more truck-like than the 08. Both have the V6. I'd save the $$ and go with the 05.

 

[ajaake]

05 owner here 80k miles. It was a fleet vehicle as best as I can tell. No major issues. Great truck so far. I've had it just over 2 years.

 

[The Rainmayker]

Wow thanks for all the input folks! Especially kert0307, that is an interesting way to look at it.

Leaning toward the 05 at this point...by that year, were most of the problems of that generation worked out? Like the rear differential whine, rear springs breaking, 4WD module, etc. I know what I've been through with my 02 and am not looking to do it all over again.

 

[The Rainmayker]

Update...ended up getting the 05 last week, she was in top shape as the seller had said, and the local Ford dealer went through it front to back and found nothing in need of work. Ended up paying $9K. Thanks to those who gave their input!!!

And I still have the 02, but not sure for how long...

 

[lynchy wa]

Good stuff mate!!

 

[iBrent]

if you got the cruiser to take home then thats enough power for you...i would go with the 05...saves you on the gas and def saves you in your wallet..and the low mileage is always a plus

I know I'm late to the party, but I believe the gas claim here is false. The 06+ V8s had the 6-speed auto and actually get better gas mileage then the 05 V8.

My Mom drove an '06 V8 until recently (upgraded to a '10) and got better mileage than my '05 V8. Can't really comment on the V6, however.