Looking for a reliable family car… Is a used Ford Explorer good?

Hi everyone, I’m searching for a family car, and so far the Ford Explorer seems to fit my needs. I’ve never owned a Ford before, so I’m wondering how reliable it is. Most of the used ones I’ve seen have around 100k miles. Any advice?

You’ll need to narrow down what you’re looking at. The Explorer has been around for over 30 years, so be specific about the year, model, and engine to get better advice.

Chen said:
You’ll need to narrow down what you’re looking at. The Explorer has been around for over 30 years, so be specific about the year, model, and engine to get better advice.

I’m looking at a 2014 Limited with a 3.5L engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It has 130k miles and one owner. The Carfax shows they kept up with maintenance, at least from what I can see.

@Gray
It depends on the price, but here’s what to watch for with the 3.5L (non-turbo) engine:

  1. Water pump: If coolant changes weren’t done regularly, the internal water pump could fail and flood the engine, causing catastrophic damage. Check the water pump weep hole—Google it to see how to inspect for leaks. Repairs can cost around $2,500 because the timing chain needs to be replaced too.

  2. Oil changes: If the previous owner followed Ford’s 10k oil change intervals, there might be sludge buildup, which could lead to timing chain issues. Check the Carfax to see how often oil changes were done. If you buy it, change the oil every 5k miles or less.

  3. PTU (Power Transfer Unit): Ford says it’s a lifetime fluid, but it’s not. It should be replaced every 30k–60k miles. If the PTU fails, you’ll notice a strong gear oil smell. This repair can be pricey at a dealer but is doable at home with the right tools.

If all the fluids look good, it should be fine, but keep some money set aside for these potential issues. Stay on top of maintenance, and the car could easily last another 100k miles.

@Chen
Thanks for the info! This is the one I’m looking at—it’s close to where I live: Get a CARFAX Report Now

@Chen
The water pump issue happened to me with my 2011 Limited at 128k miles. Be careful!

I love my 2015 Explorer XLT with the 3.5L engine. My only complaint is the fuel tank—18.5 gallons isn’t much.

Jordan said:
I love my 2015 Explorer XLT with the 3.5L engine. My only complaint is the fuel tank—18.5 gallons isn’t much.

What kind of MPG do you get? Around 19?

Gray said:

Jordan said:
I love my 2015 Explorer XLT with the 3.5L engine. My only complaint is the fuel tank—18.5 gallons isn’t much.

What kind of MPG do you get? Around 19?

On the highway, driving conservatively, you might see 19 MPG. Otherwise, expect 15–16 MPG. Our 2016 Limited averages around that.

We bought a used 2017 XLT with 52k miles and haven’t had any issues. We love it, and it came with a Certified Pre-Owned warranty, so we’re not worried about repairs.

Check if the water pump has been replaced. It’s an expensive repair if it hasn’t been done yet.

Riley said:
Check if the water pump has been replaced. It’s an expensive repair if it hasn’t been done yet.

Thanks for the tip. I don’t think the one I’m looking at has had it replaced.

It all depends on how the car was maintained. Any car with 100k miles has a long history. I have a 2015 Explorer I bought at 60k miles, and now it has 110k. It’s running great, though I had to replace the water pump (thankfully, it was under warranty).

@Joss
How much does it cost to replace a water pump? I’ve never had to replace one before.

Gray said:
@Joss
How much does it cost to replace a water pump? I’ve never had to replace one before.

I had mine done at Ford, and it cost about $3,000 for parts and labor. I don’t think it’s a super rare issue, so it’s something to consider.

I had a 2017 Explorer, and it had transmission issues due to a faulty torque converter. Also, there was an engine exhaust smell in the cabin. Ford seems to have a lot of recalls lately. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it.

I love my 2013 Explorer! It has a comfortable ride, lots of storage, and a good interior design. I’ve even folded down the seats and slept in the back on a double mattress. The transmission needed replacing (covered by warranty), but now I’m concerned about the water pump after reading these comments. Still, it’s a great car overall, but some drivers think I’m a cop because of the way it looks!