My husband and I are looking to buy a Ford Explorer and could use your input. We’re considering models from 2013-2019, ideally with under 100k miles. We’re only looking at the 3.5L V6 and are already aware of the water pump issue, so we’d likely get an extended warranty.
We’re using CarFax to check maintenance records, but I’d love to hear from actual owners—what’s the good, the bad, and the ugly? Are there better years to look for or any years to avoid?
Also, has anyone here bought from Carvana? They seem to have some good options, but I’m hesitant about buying a car without test-driving it first. I know they have a return policy, but I’ve also heard some horror stories.
I have a 2019 XLT 3.5L with 318,000 miles—original owner. No water pump issues, no PTU issues, no transmission problems. Just normal maintenance. Coolant changed once, and I do oil/filter changes every 10,000 miles using full synthetic. It’s been a great, reliable car and handles snow like a champ. I do courier work, so I put about 10,000 miles on it every five to six weeks.
I have a ‘16 with 150k miles. Water pump needed replacement, and they couldn’t find an OEM timing belt… The job wasn’t cheap. If the one you’re looking at has already had the pump replaced, go for it. If it’s lower mileage, you’re probably fine for a while.
We bought a 2014 XLT in 2021 when we moved out of state. It’s got almost 150k miles, and I drive it daily. No major issues, but the backup camera is hit or miss—it usually works but occasionally glitches. Overall, it’s been great for our family of four and handles South Dakota winters pretty well.
I have a 2014 Limited (3.5L V6), bought it two years ago with around 60k miles. Unfortunately, it’s been one issue after another. Most recently, it started running rich, and now both catalytic converters need replacing. In two years, we’ve spent about $6,000 on repairs (and that’s just parts—my husband does the labor).
The CarFax showed no accidents, only two previous owners, and great maintenance records. That said, it’s never left me stranded. Personally, I wouldn’t buy another one, but that’s just my experience.
Sloane said:
I know you’re set on the 3.5L, but just a heads-up—avoid the 2.3L at all costs unless you’re looking at 2020 or newer.
Yeah, we’re steering clear of anything with a turbo. We had a Ford Edge with the 2.0L EcoBoost, and while I loved it, we sold it before the inevitable coolant intrusion issue could happen.
@Paxton
Smart move. I’ve owned both, and I’d highly recommend getting a premium extended warranty. I’ve driven a lot for work, and I’m currently on my tenth Explorer since 1999—they’ve always gotten the job done for me.
Had a ‘16 XLT 3.5L N/A—traded it in at 94k miles for a 2023. It was reliable, 4WD handled great in snow, but I did go through a full set of bearings over time. Otherwise, no major issues. Also have a ‘17 Sport with the 3.5L twin-turbo, currently at 66k miles. Both have been solid, and I’ve always carried an extended warranty just in case.
Bought a used 2015 Limited with 60k miles back in 2018. Now sitting at 198k miles. The only major repair was the water pump, and that didn’t happen until recently. Other than that, just regular maintenance.