I found my 1996 4dr XLT 4WD last november in the middle of Wisconsin... 42k miles, no rust, great shape, all original.
I probably paid more than most on here, but it is a solid "like new" vehicle and knowing how cheap all the parts are and how well they last, it was a worthwhile investment... With all the stuff I have done to it to make it "better" than new at this point I am still really happy (with the latest round of changes I think I am into it almost 50/50 in cost of the vehicle and the cost of the changes/upgrades).
Key for me is I am not one to really get rid of cars and with having to get rid of my conversion van last spring (it rotted out, no car washes were big enough for it around here, had 230k miles, but still ran/drove great, just maintenance was killing me with under-car rot-out) I needed something I could tow with (not often, maybe once or twice a year, if that, but still) and all my other cars are luxury sedans or sports cars and nothing is really "made" to tow (I don't trust more modern chassis stuff when wanting to tow 4000-5000lbs, such as with a 2017 Lincoln MKT).
The Explorer is most certainly heavy duty, full framed, made to do what I need it to, looks good, drives perfect, runs perfect and in general is "new" in most regards. Most certainly worth the investment to me. And the other benefit is I get to keep a ton of miles off the newer luxury cars (which I am CERTAIN are not made to go 200-300k like the Explorer is). I just need more garage space, as it is half are in the garage and half are outside.