Why are 2013-2014 Ford Explorers so cheap? Is there a catch
They’re a headache, especially when it comes to parts and maintenance.
They’re gas guzzlers, and as they age, parts will need replacing—which isn’t cheap, even if you source them outside the dealership.
They also don’t have the best reputation for reliability, which keeps demand low in the used market. If you’re thinking of buying one, be ready to set aside extra cash for repairs. And they won’t be cheap.
You might want to look at a Toyota Fortuner or Mitsubishi Montero Sport instead. Better fuel efficiency, cheaper parts, and more reliable overall.
@Val
But aren’t the Fortuner and Montero in a different class? Wouldn’t the Toyota alternative be the Prado and the Mitsubishi equivalent be the Pajero? Both of which are just as expensive—if not more—than the Explorer on the used market.
@Dakota
Yeah, technically the Explorer is a higher-tier SUV compared to the Fortuner/Montero. I only suggested them because they fall in the same price range as a used Explorer.
If you’re comparing apples to apples, a used Prado of the same age as an Explorer is significantly more expensive. That said, the Fortuner does have a gas variant, so if you prefer gas engines, it might be worth considering.
@Val
Good point, though I wouldn’t recommend the gas Fortuner after driving it against the diesel version—it’s night and day.
Do you think a Mazda CX-9 would be a better comparison to the Explorer?
Dakota said:
@Val
Good point, though I wouldn’t recommend the gas Fortuner after driving it against the diesel version—it’s night and day.
Do you think a Mazda CX-9 would be a better comparison to the Explorer?
The 2TR-FE engine in the Fortuner is solid, though. It’s quieter, has less vibration, and lasts a long time. A quick spark plug change can improve fuel efficiency a bit.
Dakota said:
@Val
Good point, though I wouldn’t recommend the gas Fortuner after driving it against the diesel version—it’s night and day.
Do you think a Mazda CX-9 would be a better comparison to the Explorer?
I’d say Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Evoltis, or Mazda CX-9.
@Winslow
Isn’t the Palisade kind of new? I think it was only introduced around 2018, and the first-gen didn’t even make it to the Philippines.
Dakota said:
@Winslow
Isn’t the Palisade kind of new? I think it was only introduced around 2018, and the first-gen didn’t even make it to the Philippines.
Before the Palisade, Hyundai had the Grand Santa Fe, which competed with the Explorer.
@Lyle
Or if you can find one, the Hyundai Veracruz.
Winslow said:
@Lyle
Or if you can find one, the Hyundai Veracruz.
Oh man, the Veracruz was a head-turner back in the 2000s. I had a neighbor with one, and I used to admire it all the time. The only time I ever rode in one was when our village distributed relief goods for Ondoy, and the neighbor gave me a lift.
@Lyle
Yeah, the Veracruz was the first car that convinced me Korean brands were stepping up their game. I think that was around 2008!
@Val
Yep, Fortuner and Montero maintenance might be cheaper than an Explorer, but it’s still expensive!
@Val
Explorer is supposed to compete with the Prado, Land Cruiser, Pajero, and Patrol.
They’re not just unreliable—they’re also expensive to maintain, which is why their resale value is so low. And no matter what engine you pick, they love to drink gas.
Zion said:
They’re not just unreliable—they’re also expensive to maintain, which is why their resale value is so low. And no matter what engine you pick, they love to drink gas.
You’ll get similar mileage with the V6, so you might as well go for it. But the NVH isn’t as good. Still, it’s smoother than most 3- or 4-cylinder SUVs.
Zion said:
They’re not just unreliable—they’re also expensive to maintain, which is why their resale value is so low. And no matter what engine you pick, they love to drink gas.
I drove a 4-cylinder EcoBoost Explorer for about 200km, and it burned through a quarter tank of gas.
@Shan
That sounds like a stretch. Most fuel-efficient cars can’t even hit 600km on a full tank, and you’re saying your gas-guzzler can go 800km?