Pulling my hair out: Need advice on used EX

[machine4321]

Hi all, I have been reading the forums for awhile now. I hope this hasnt been asked to death yet but my search came up lite.

A brief history, My wife an I are getting close to buying a large suv. The 2 I am looking at are 09-11 pilot touring, or the explorer xlt/with leather or a limited.

For me, Honda is the go to choice. I have been driving, fixing, building and tunning hondas for most of my driving life. They are reliable, consistant and unfortunitly getting boring and alittle behind the times.

Never in my life did I think I would consider a Ford to buy. While on vacation in florida we rented a escape. When I arrived to pick it up I was told that they would have to put me in the explorer. I thought to myself " oh great a big v8 gas guzzler". To my suprise I looked at it and said "cool". Getting in and driving it blew my mind. I had no idea how much it had changed from the last time I was in the older full frame explorer. Anyway, we loved it for the week we had it. the gas milage was great for the size. Over 1000miles and averaged 23mpg with mix of hiway and city (we were on a budget so I was being very cautious).

I must say the explorer is the one we want but I am affraid. Affraid Of change (very familiar with working on hondas), but more affraid that We wont be able to afford to fix the issues I have read about on the forum.

The MFT seems to be better with the latest update. But I can deal with the resetting.

My Biggest concern is the Mechanical/electrical issues, ie power steering and I though I read about some transmission issues. I am in canada and most that im seeing for sale are getting close to the 100 000km mark. This would leave me with out warranty.

I know most of what I read around hear is people venting. There isnt always the urge to come online to say how awsome somthing is.

The pilot we drove didnt make us go WOW that is totaly worth 30k. We are going to check out another ex, but the nearest model we want is over 3 hours away.

So I guess im looking for some responce to how serious the issues really are. I know how things get blown out of proportion.

Also I dont think we can afford a '12. the first year has me a tad concerned.
Thanks

 

[1995E]

A used 2011 is definitely a no. You will have more issues than what you want to have. I would also recommend trying to get a 2012 that has flex fuel if you're going for used since the EPA recently allowed for E15 which will eat up your fuel systems. The 2011's and some 2012's don't have it so beware.

I'm just being harsh about the 2011, because I've had millions of issues, and still do. It's a nice car nonetheless. The riding, handling, is really sharp. Acceleration is top notch.

I do warn though, that if you're getting MFT, Ford recently extended the warranty for it to 5 years, most MFT issues are APIM related.

I would suggest getting an extended warranty with the used Ex. It's just safer. The Explorer is a good car when everything is working properly. The luxury items in the Explorer are like no other.

Honda is definitely reliable, but even with all the issues I had, I would still choose the Explorer, just not a 2011 or early 2012.

Happy picking.

 

[Sgt1411]

Machine4321

I agree with 1995E, your better off skipping the 2011 MY, too many issues. Then the 2012 is really a 2011.5 and still had many of the original issues.

This from an owner who had a 2011 and then through arbitration got a 2013. Other then My Ford Disappointment (Touch) my 2013 has had no issues at all. It drives completely different then the 2011. New larger PTU, and different programming for the 4WD system.

Your assessment of Honda is bang on, very high build quality, very reliable, will last forever if taken care of. BUT they are 10 years behind in tech and styling.

The 2011 build quality just wasn't there, you can read here that some people have had the repairs done and the issues are fixed on their 2011. But there are just as many who have had the same issue fixed 4X without success.

If your in Canada the used Ex prices are likely high, I would suggest shopping for a 2013 at minimum from the US. You can import it if its 6 months old and there is no duty. The price you pay for a used 2013 from the US will likely be not much more then a used 11/12 from Canada.

The process is easy........www.riv.ca

 

[peterk9]

Hi all, I have been reading the forums for awhile now. I hope this hasnt been asked to death yet but my search came up lite.

A brief history, My wife an I are getting close to buying a large suv. The 2 I am looking at are 09-11 pilot touring, or the explorer xlt/with leather or a limited.

For me, Honda is the go to choice. I have been driving, fixing, building and tunning hondas for most of my driving life. They are reliable, consistant and unfortunitly getting boring and alittle behind the times.

Never in my life did I think I would consider a Ford to buy. While on vacation in florida we rented a escape. When I arrived to pick it up I was told that they would have to put me in the explorer. I thought to myself " oh great a big v8 gas guzzler". To my suprise I looked at it and said "cool". Getting in and driving it blew my mind. I had no idea how much it had changed from the last time I was in the older full frame explorer. Anyway, we loved it for the week we had it. the gas milage was great for the size. Over 1000miles and averaged 23mpg with mix of hiway and city (we were on a budget so I was being very cautious).

I must say the explorer is the one we want but I am affraid. Affraid Of change (very familiar with working on hondas), but more affraid that We wont be able to afford to fix the issues I have read about on the forum.

The MFT seems to be better with the latest update. But I can deal with the resetting.

My Biggest concern is the Mechanical/electrical issues, ie power steering and I though I read about some transmission issues. I am in canada and most that im seeing for sale are getting close to the 100 000km mark. This would leave me with out warranty.

I know most of what I read around hear is people venting. There isnt always the urge to come online to say how awsome somthing is.

The pilot we drove didnt make us go WOW that is totaly worth 30k. We are going to check out another ex, but the nearest model we want is over 3 hours away.

So I guess im looking for some responce to how serious the issues really are. I know how things get blown out of proportion.

Also I dont think we can afford a '12. the first year has me a tad concerned.
Thanks

Welcome to the Forum machine4321.:wavey:
If it will make you happier, I'll say that my 2011 has been awesome. At least up to now. Only one TSB needed to be done (Random windshield wipe) and I had a front right sensor replaced. No real MFT issues to speak about. Granted in 2 years I have only put 12,800 kms on it. The lease is up March 2015 and I doubt there will be more than 25,000 kms (15,500 miles) on it by then. I'm very tempted to buy it at that point unless something more tempting comes along.

Peter

 

[machine4321]

Thanks for the replies!

We might be wise to wait (wife will not be happy) but I just didnt feel right about droping 30k on a Pilot just for piece Of mind. I am a car nut and dont want to compromise.

I will look into the importing. Does ford still honour warrenty in canada? Reason I ask is there is a flood of pilots being imported at great prices from used dealers but of course honda Canada wont honour the warranty of one imported.

 

[Sgt1411]

Yes the Ford Warranty is North America

Honda is not

Chrysler is not

 

[machine4321]

Wow you were right on the prices. There is 2013 for just over 30k. And with the dollar being pretty close this might be a decent idea. I am guessing financing would have to be done in Canada.

 

[peterk9]

without success.

If your in Canada the used Ex prices are likely high, I would suggest shopping for a 2013 at minimum from the US. You can import it if its 6 months old and there is no duty. The price you pay for a used 2013 from the US will likely be not much more then a used 11/12 from Canada.

The process is easy........www.riv.ca

FYI, the residual on my 2011 Ltd after 48 months is $19,158.23
That was will an annual allowance of 25k kms. It will likely have no more than 25k kms by then. Since I'll get my refundable deposit of $6250 back, it will cost me, out of pocket, around $12,900 + tax and fees to buy it.

Peter

 

[Sgt1411]

Also remember there are a bunch of features through SYNC and MFT that you will have with your US vehicle that you will not have compared to a Canadian build.

 

[machine4321]

Found a nice 2013 limited in the color we want. Its a us model priced at 33,800. Out of my price range, but we migh try to make it work.

No pana roof though

 

[Sgt1411]

Do it........no roof means no leaks

 

[peterk9]

Do it........no roof means no leaks

I have had many sunroofs before they were called moonroofs and have never had one leak. The dual moonroof is a great feature that adds an open feeling to the Explorer. In the 2 years I've had mine the shade has never been closed.
In the warmer weather it is a pleasure to be able to drive with the front part completely open, small as it is.

Peter

 

[machine4321]

other then the roof, it has every feature we need. I didnt want the power rear seats. It has 42000km on it. If they can get the price down abit I might just go for it. Its a 3 hour drive one way away but they are hard to come by it seems.

It is a US vehicle but as stated above, ford will honour the warrenty. Will have to check the car fax and see where it came from but I was told it was NOT a flood vehicle. After much thought, the pilot was just to dam boring. I like a bit of flare. And the fuel economy in the real world seems to be very bad on the pilot.

I hope this works out. I am getting very anxious.

On a side note, I saw a video of the ambient lighting. I had no idea it had that giggle like a little boy.

 

[colintrax]

I'd suggest you stay away from the Honda. I personally don't like them, had a HORRID experience with my mom's civic. And as you've already noticed, the Pilot is boring. I read some shootout that had the Pilot and Explorer. Explorer won everything, the Pilot is ill handling, eh gas mileage, poor braking, ect. It got high rankings for 1 category though. I forget which.

 

[machine4321]

would have been interior volume mabye? It feels alot bigger inside. but its an empty feeling. the explorer has a soft cozy surrounding.

I also found the road noise to be far to loud. less power an worse mpg.

 

[peterk9]

other then the roof, it has every feature we need. I didnt want the power rear seats. It has 42000km on it. If they can get the price down abit I might just go for it. Its a 3 hour drive one way away but they are hard to come by it seems.

It is a US vehicle but as stated above, ford will honour the warrenty. Will have to check the car fax and see where it came from but I was told it was NOT a flood vehicle. After much thought, the pilot was just to dam boring. I like a bit of flare. And the fuel economy in the real world seems to be very bad on the pilot.

I hope this works out. I am getting very anxious.

On a side note, I saw a video of the ambient lighting. I had no idea it had that giggle like a little boy.

If you do go ahead and get it, make sure that they activate the DRL for you if it hasn't already been done. There are several items it must have to be allowed as an import and that is one of them.
I doubt that the speedo being in Miles as the main display will be a problem since you should be able to set everything to KMS.
Have you checked out the following?

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-importation-usa-index-445.htm

http://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx

Good luck.

Peter

 

[machine4321]

thanks for the links Peter!

I asked about the DRL already and they said that canadian tire is the contracted service for ontario.( thant scares the crap out of me) and that the vehicle is compliant.

 

[peterk9]

thanks for the links Peter!

I asked about the DRL already and they said that canadian tire is the contracted service for ontario.( thant scares the crap out of me) and that the vehicle is compliant.

If you are buying from a Ford dealer, they should be able to do it for you. Other U.S. owners who wanted the DRL have had it done for their own vehicles. See if you can make it part of the deal.

Peter

 

[Sgt1411]

thanks for the links Peter!

I asked about the DRL already and they said that canadian tire is the contracted service for ontario.( thant scares the crap out of me) and that the vehicle is compliant.

Canadian Tire has the Canadian Government contract all across Canada for the Federal and Provincial inspection of all imported vehicles.

Like Peter suggested, get the dealer to do it, don't let the 18yr old kid at Canadian Tire who doesn't have the scan tools the dealer has.

 

[Crumbo]

OR you could go "super used" and get a 92 like I did, almost 300,000miles and no major mechanical issues so far