Is Ford Explorer Limited 2012-2014 a good car

Seeking Advice
1

Hey everyone,

I’m in the market for a family SUV and I’m considering a 2012-2014 Ford Explorer. We’re a family of six and need something spacious, but I had a bad experience with a CVT in a previous Infiniti QX60, so I’m looking to avoid that this time around.

I’m leaning towards the Explorer because of its size and reputation, but I wanted to get some feedback from those who have owned or know about these models. Are there any common issues I should be aware of with these model years?

2

Make sure the vehicle has a complete maintenance history. Common issues include:

  1. Water Pump: Located inside the engine, costly to replace. Should be replaced if the car has over 150k-160k km.
  2. Power Transfer Unit (PTU): Ford claims the fluid is lifetime, but it should be changed regularly. Watch for shifting issues or front-end noise.

If maintenance is up-to-date, it’s a comfortable family SUV. Limited trims are nice, but avoid non-GCC spec ones.

3

Thanks a lot for your detailed reply. The one I’m looking at has 150k on the clock, but the water pump hasn’t been replaced yet.

4

If you like the vehicle and it’s in good condition, go for it. Just keep an eye on the coolant level to catch any issues early.

5

No major common issues. Great SUV overall.

6

Thanks for the reassurance! People in my circle were telling me to avoid it, so this helps.

7

My dad loved his so much he got a Ford Edge too! These are reliable, but keep in mind police Explorers use a different engine.

8

While the Explorer is a good choice, consider alternatives like the Toyota Rush or Jetour for reliability and warranty coverage. Used 2012-2014 Explorers could have hidden repair costs, so weigh your options carefully.