New 2014 Explorer Sport Owner

[Brunt182]

Hey Guys-

Short Version
Over the last week or two, I have been trying to locate the perfect Explorer Sport for my wife and I, so I didn't have to order one & wait.

Over the weekend I had a getaway planned to celebrate my upcoming birthday, so I checked the city we were staying in, and they had exactly what I was looking for. Long story short, I reached the deal I wanted and I was able to come home from our getaway in a brand new car - nice birthday gift to myself.

See my signature for specs of the Explorer.

Here it is:

Longer Version:
About myself - I have decent history of fun and different vehicles; I have loved cars since I was a child, and I love to try all different types. My vehicle list is below:

1995 Nissan Altima SE
2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE
2006 Scion xB
2001 Nissan Maxima SE
2009 Honda Civic SI
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander GT
2011 Lexus Ct200h
2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
2014 Ford Explorer Sport

Before the Explorer, I was in my dream car. My 2009 C63 AMG... After about 10 months of owning & loving the car, and 83 year old man turned in front of me resulting in the car being totaled

Since then, my wife and I have found out we will be having our first child early in 2014. So, my next car choice needed to be practical, yet fun. So I started really doing some research & determined the Explorer Sport would be right for us. It's still somewhat quick & nimble, but also spacious and practical. I couldn't be happier with my decision!

 

[T-1000]

I think going from daily driving the AMG to being so happy with the Sport is a pretty strong endorsement! Hope you keep loving it!

 

[Brunt182]

I think going from daily driving the AMG to being so happy with the Sport is a pretty strong endorsement! Hope you keep loving it!

I think the key was going into the decision without expecting a "replacement" but instead, an alternative. Nothing will replace the way that car made me feel, but other vehicles (Explorer Sport) can certainly give me enough excitement to get by...

 

[Harley#356]

I think the key was going into the decision without expecting a "replacement" but instead, an alternative. Nothing will replace the way that car made me feel, but other vehicles (Explorer Sport) can certainly give me enough excitement to get by...

That's the same rationale on this end too. My wife is expecting, so unfortunately her 2011 5.0 Mustang had to go for something more practical. We both miss the RWD V8 and 6 speed manual banging gears, and that iconic 5.0 sound with the roush exhaust, and the Sport isn't a "replacement", but a fun "alternative" that is fun to drive in different ways. More creature comforts, more practical for space/utility, and a totally different power curve with the TTs. We'll always miss the Mustang, but we don't regret the Sport at all.

 

[Brunt182]

That's the same rationale on this end too. My wife is expecting, so unfortunately her 2011 5.0 Mustang had to go for something more practical. We both miss the RWD V8 and 6 speed manual banging gears, and that iconic 5.0 sound with the roush exhaust, and the Sport isn't a "replacement", but a fun "alternative" that is fun to drive in different ways. More creature comforts, more practical for space/utility, and a totally different power curve with the TTs. We'll always miss the Mustang, but we don't regret the Sport at all.

Yes, you've said it perfectly. There will always be that special place in my heart for that raw, crazy power; but the Sport will keep me occupied, for sure.

One big thing I can say is that the Sport is way more advanced in technology. The c63 was a joke when it comes to "features" in the car (not that people buy the car for that reason). That said, if you ever have a chance to sit in one, do it. The seats are the best I've ever sat in; that's all I ever heard my passengers say.

Also, the sport is fun & quick, without being so loud that the neighbors want to kill me. For reference, here is a video of a garage start of the c63 (completely stock). Watch with headphones for a more accurate sound....

 

[Brunt182]

On the first day home, I just had to get started...

I set the blow off valves to vent-to-atmosphere... Sorry for the extremely short clip.

In person, this sounds much more significant. Well worth the few minutes of tampering:

 

[Brunt182]

Just a couple new photos for everyone:

 

[TimGinCentralNJ]

It's beautiful I've only owned one black car (an old M5) in my life, and said I'd never do it again, but I don't know....your's looks awfully nice!

Our 2011 XLT lease is coming to an end next July and I'm trying to figure out what to do. I think the buyout is about $20k; it's been a great car and we've take excellent care of it. So, it wouldn't be a bad deal for us to buy it out, but....

....I really want a lightly used 2013 Sport. Would even consider selling my 2008 Infiniti EX35 as a down payment, but then that means we'll need 2 cars...not just 1.

Congrat on your new ride!
Tim

 

[TimGinCentralNJ]

It's beautiful I've only owned one black car (an old M5) in my life, and said I'd never do it again, but I don't know....your's looks awfully nice!

Our 2011 XLT lease is coming to an end next July and I'm trying to figure out what to do. I think the buyout is about $20k; it's been a great car and we've take excellent care of it. So, it wouldn't be a bad deal for us to buy it out, but....

....I really want a lightly used 2013 Sport. Would even consider selling my 2008 Infiniti EX35 as a down payment, but then that means we'll need 2 cars...not just 1.

Congrat on your new ride!
Tim

 

[Brunt182]

It's beautiful I've only owned one black car (an old M5) in my life, and said I'd never do it again, but I don't know....your's looks awfully nice!

Our 2011 XLT lease is coming to an end next July and I'm trying to figure out what to do. I think the buyout is about $20k; it's been a great car and we've take excellent care of it. So, it wouldn't be a bad deal for us to buy it out, but....

....I really want a lightly used 2013 Sport. Would even consider selling my 2008 Infiniti EX35 as a down payment, but then that means we'll need 2 cars...not just 1.

Congrat on your new ride!
Tim

Thanks, man! I used to detail cars; I swore I'd never own a black car either! I changed my mind after seeing the Sport in black!

 

[JohnBoyToo]

Congrats and
Dang ! u got the two tone interior --- really classy looking... pics don't do it justice of how rich looking it is in person.

I wanted that, in fact the test drive we took had it,
but the wife wanted the black and since it's her DD, I relented!

The 'sparklies', as the girls call them, really are nice on the tuxedo black !!!

 

[Brunt182]

Congrats and
Dang ! u got the two tone interior --- really classy looking... pics don't do it justice of how rich looking it is in person.

I wanted that, in fact the test drive we took had it,
but the wife wanted the black and since it's her DD, I relented!

The 'sparklies', as the girls call them, really are nice on the tuxedo black !!!

Yeah... The Black/Sienna interior is really unique. I honestly was willing to take anything that I could find; the Sport is hard to come by. I just wanted Black exterior with 401A package.

And, yes, the "sparklies" really pop!

 

[Brunt182]

Two black cars.. Lots of detailing in my driveway!