2005 Ford Explorer XLT?

[chasingboys]

My dh and I are looking at getting a new (used) vehicle. We need more room! Dh does not want a minivan! We also need to stay between $15K and 20K (closer to $15K the better!) I found a certified 2005 Ford Explorer XLT w/ 49,000 miles on it for $16K (which is perfect for us).

Any thoughts on the Ford Explorer? We had a 98', but they've changed a lot since then and this one has a 3rd row (which we'll need since we're ttc #3) We currently have a Ford F150 supercrew ("it's dh's") we do really like Ford. I have an old sedan (98' Olds Eighty Eight) that I can no longer use because of carseat incompatibilities!

Thanks in advance!

[wondering1]

Make sure you can install the Regent with short belt path in the Explorer.

[sirrahn]

Check out the cargo room with the 3rd row up. I have a friend who has a Mountaineer (same vehicle) with the 3rd row (not sure of the year, but pretty new) and you can't even fit an umbrella stroller back there....not particularly practical if you think you'll use it regularly with 3 kids.

[chasingboys]

hmm, thanks, I will definitely check it out!

[TheRealMacGyver]

I've had a terrible experience with my 2002 Explorer. Started with transmission problems before I had 10,000 miles! (I bought it new too). The dealer took a week to fix it, then 4 more visits to stop the transmission from leaking. Strange humming from the rear end has been there since day one. Stopped bringing it in for that after about 4 visits. At one point they said it was my tires, about a year later I bought new tires-humming still there. There are other little problems, but those are the big ones. We had a 1996 Explorer prior to this that we traded in for the '02. We really didn't have any issues with that Explorer, which is why we decided to get another one. I personally would not recommend Ford. Everyone I talk to that has Ford trucks, however, always loves them, so I think the trucks are made better or something. Go check out www.carcomplaints.com for this Explorer (I haven't looked, but see if there is anything there)

[chasingboys]

Thanks for the link! We didn't have any problems with our 98 explorer either (and that was a big recall year I guess). I saw one yesterday and it's really too small for us anyway. I think we're going to have to get a mini-van, much to dh's dismay! LOL