I was at my Ford dealer last weekend for an oil change, just waiting around, so I decided to walk the lot.
They’ve got a 2022 Explorer ST sitting there for over $61k.
Seriously, who’s buying these things? I remember when Explorers and Expeditions used to be in the Sunday paper for $29,995. Man, how times have changed.
I remember looking at an Explorer ST, Limited, and an F-150 back in 2021. The Limited and F-150 XLT were around $49k, but the ST was already at $59k back then. Prices haven’t changed much.
Houses used to go for $10k in newspaper ads too. Times change!
Lyle said:
Houses used to go for $10k in newspaper ads too. Times change!
Yeah, but wages sure haven’t!
My wife and I got a 2021 Explorer ST for just under $50k out the door. I can’t imagine paying another $10k on top of that for one now. At that price, it’s getting too close to an Expedition.
That said, the ST is great. Drivetrain’s solid, and the interior’s awesome. The only issue we’ve had is the infotainment screen—it’s terrible. Ford replaced it under warranty twice, and it still glitches all the time.
Once the warranty’s up, we’re planning to tune it, add an intercooler, and upgrade the downpipes. Hoping to get 500+ horsepower out of it. My wife’s gonna love it once it’s even faster than her old Edge Sport with a tune.
@Wynn
Lol, have you seen Expedition prices lately? A base model might barely hit $50k, but anything with options is pushing $70k.
Will said:
@Wynn
Lol, have you seen Expedition prices lately? A base model might barely hit $50k, but anything with options is pushing $70k.
I snagged a 2019 Expedition back in 2020 for under $40k, just before the market went wild. I’m in a Facebook group for Expedition/Navigator owners, and man, I feel poor compared to some of them.
Will said:
@Wynn
Lol, have you seen Expedition prices lately? A base model might barely hit $50k, but anything with options is pushing $70k.
Not without the crazy dealer markups they’re throwing on now. Forget that.
@Hale
Yeah, but even the sticker price on these is close to $70k.
I love my 2021 Explorer ST.
The ST is pretty awesome. Not really surprised at the price.
Ty said:
I wanted to get an Explorer ST, thinking they were around $40k. Big mistake. Ended up with a Focus ST instead.
A base model Explorer is almost $40k now.
I just bought a used 2022 Explorer ST. Love it so far.
Cars today are insanely powerful, loaded with tech, and way more reliable than they used to be. Prices reflect that.
Will said:
Cars today are insanely powerful, loaded with tech, and way more reliable than they used to be. Prices reflect that.
Don’t get me wrong, it looks great and all. But $61k plus fees? It’s just hard to wrap my head around how much things have changed.
@Hale
I get it. Back in 2002, a fully loaded F-150 was around $30k, which would be about $50k today. But now, loaded F-150s are hitting $70-85k. It’s ridiculous.
Jory said:
@Hale
I get it. Back in 2002, a fully loaded F-150 was around $30k, which would be about $50k today. But now, loaded F-150s are hitting $70-85k. It’s ridiculous.
It’s because of all the added tech and options. Trucks now have way more features, trim levels, and better engines than they did 20 years ago.
@Fin
Sure, but are some cameras, sensors, and Apple CarPlay really worth an extra $30k? Mustangs have had similar upgrades, but their price increases are nowhere near that steep.
Jory said:
@Fin
Sure, but are some cameras, sensors, and Apple CarPlay really worth an extra $30k? Mustangs have had similar upgrades, but their price increases are nowhere near that steep.
A fully loaded Mustang GT Premium today is about $70k if you add every option, so it’s closer than you think.
@Shiloh
That’s a Mach 1, though, not a standard GT. And even those haven’t increased as much as trucks have.
