New 2013 Explorer on Vancouver High Way:-)

[VanExplorer]

Hi all,
Got my 2013 Explorer on Dec. 26, 2012 now it has run 228km. Feel secured in the tank like car.
Just curious, any tools that come with the car, like Jack that can be used to change a flat tire?
Happy New Year of 2013!
Angela

 

[VanExplorer]

Fuel economy report for the first 228km:
Avg 11.3L/100km, with regular gas (87);
2/3 being on HWY and 1/3 being in City;
Two adults, one 11yo boy, one 5 yo boy in the car;
When the car starts up from still, there is an astounding 30L/100km!

 

[VanExplorer]

A few draw-backs felt during the limited 228km driving experience:

a. the head lamps seem not light enough, esp. in the rainy area like Vancouver;
b. the view is a bit narrowed as SUV, and to avoid further blocking the already narrow view, the interior was make so small that you have to adjust it frequently if body position has changed during a long drive;
c. The exterior mirrors are smaller too, even compared with my Ford Five Hundred. May need time to get used to them as well as the integrated blind spot mirrors;

Those feelings might just come from my lack experience with SUVs. Wish could get adjusted to the new driving experience with such a big car/truck. Hope could learn a lot more from you folks

 

[ssstacoma]

I've had my Explorer XLT since December 6th. I agree that the headlights do not seem very bright. I'm in Seattle and was driving some dark roads in the rain the other morning and felt the same way as you. Love it though so far - I hope you do as well!!

 

[VanExplorer]

I've had my Explorer XLT since December 6th. I agree that the headlights do not seem very bright. I'm in Seattle and was driving some dark roads in the rain the other morning and felt the same way as you. Love it though so far - I hope you do as well!!

Yeah, really like it - Feel safe and secured in it! Wish you a nice ride!!

 

[peterk9]

Hi all,
Got my 2013 Explorer on Dec. 26, 2012 now it has run 228km. Feel secured in the tank like car.
Just curious, any tools that come with the car, like Jack that can be used to change a flat tire?
Happy New Year of 2013!
Angela

Angela, the jack is located under the spare tire. There is a section on it in the Owner's Guide under Roadside Emergencies.

Lack of adequate lighting seems to be a popular complaint. The cheapest way to address this, in my opinion, is to upgrade the bulbs for more light.
In b) of your other posr I assume you are referring to the rearview mirror. I think in time you will adjust to both the outside and inside mirrors.

In regards to the 30L/100km that is not what you really want when driving. That shows that you are getting the worst gas mileage possible which is exactly what it should read when starting to drive. You will also note that when you take your foot off the gas and begin to coast, it will show 0L/100km or the best mileage possible.

Peter

 

[Justyman87]

Funny, when I had my Ford Explorer (I changed and would of lost it in Hurricane Sandy anyway), I thought the lights where super bright and loved them! I did find the rear window small for the size of car but got use to it and finally got a position I loved driving it in. I admit now, I do miss my Ford.
- Justin

 

[broken strut]

Are you guys using the xenon HID lights?

 

[peterk9]

Are you guys using the xenon HID lights?

As far as I know, HID headlamps are not available on the XLT, which the OP has, and are an option on the Limited in the U.S. In Canada all Limiteds have HID as standard equipment.

Peter

 

[VanExplorer]

Hi Peter, thanks for your detailed explanation and great recommendations! I found the jack as you suggested. Will consider brighter bulbs, but will most probably not go for xenon HID lights, as they might cause problems for the guys driving at the opposite lane. I did noticed that the gas consumption drop after the start up. Now in the city, the gas consumption goes up to 13-15L/100KM.
Thanks again for your kindness!

 

[FordService]

Hi Peter, thanks for your detailed explanation and great recommendations! I found the jack as you suggested. Will consider brighter bulbs, but will most probably not go for xenon HID lights, as they might cause problems for the guys driving at the opposite lane. I did noticed that the gas consumption drop after the start up. Now in the city, the gas consumption goes up to 13-15L/100KM.
Thanks again for your kindness!

Hi VanExplorer,

If you're concerned about your fuel economy, I suggest you check out Ford's fuel saving tips: http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1097497476823&pagename=Owner%2FPage%2FArticleDetail&recid=1251387049618&parentheadlineimageid=1233677327701&parentrightrecid=1239636411265 Saving money at the pump is always a "bright" idea.

Crystal