Wife's Explorer died...need to find a good replacement
 

Her Ford Explorer is 15 years old and is nickel and dimeing her to death...but not nickels and dimes. It's time to replace it with something. She insists on an SUV but not necessarily a Ford. We'd prefer to buy 'gently used' or lease return perhaps ...just no money to buy new these days.

Gimme your recommendations on brands, models and where to find a good one with low milage. I don't think that rental cars would be overly abused and would be decently maintained but could be wrong. Something with 30K or so on the clock should be reliable for a long time. Only gonna be a daily driver.

Thanks in advance...

Man, there are so many to choose from. First, does she like the cute-ute size category? Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX7, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, etc?
Or does she want more midsize? Nissan Murano? Ford Edge? Chev Equinox?

Does she need all wheel drive or is a good front-drive with traction control enough?

the new Explorer is fantastic looking. i dont know crap about them..but if it came with a Ecoboost motor..dang.

Yeah, I know I should have been more specific. I think an American, 4WD, mid size would be what she'd want. Explorer, Durango, Tahoe...etc. I just don't know where to shop for them with low miles and good maintenance ...maybe a rental car agency.

I'm going through this right now:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/723756-replacing-toyota-highlander.html

Still have a few vehicles to check out, but the Buick Enclave is top of the list. This might stretch our price point a bit since I think we need the power folding mirrors for it to fit in the garage.

I went to a GM dealer, I think it was Buick, and they had a bunch of rental company cars that came back to GM. Then GM sends them out to the dealerships. At least that was the story. The sales guy said that GM extends the warranty as if its in service date is when you buy it.

If she doesn't need the towing capacity or seating capacity, I definately wouldn't go with another V8 model like the tahoe, explorer, or especially the Duango. These trucks are hard to park, get bad fuel mileage, and cost more to insure due to thier size and damage potential.

If she likes the higher seat position of an SUV, you might consider something like a Buick Rendevous, or other crossover vehicles, or an AWD minivan.

GM dealers must seek out and purchase rental returns. Just like any other dealer, franchised or not. GM doesn't give used vehicles to dealers.

GM "offers" an extended warranty that you may purchase for extra money. Either selling you a warranty, or Certified-Pre-Owned where the expense is built into the higher selling price. If you want an extended warranty, buy one. If not, save the money. GM doesn't extend it for free.

Get another Explorer a few years newer? I know someone that racks up an insane amount of miles on his explorers then just trades a year up a few years. Seems like the doors can be falling of these things and they still run.

I was looking at wagons & small suvs recently. After a lot of reading I figured a newer RAV4 V6 was going to be the answer. For a bit more money I'd be looking for a Mazda CX5. It's received great reviews.

The Ford Explorer is now a front-drive based unibody large crossover with third row seating
The Ford Edge is basically the shorter five passenger version of the Explorer

Both are V6, both are quicker and more powerful than her 15 year old Explorer (to be expected). I think she'd like either one, depending on her preferences.

They're very nice vehicles. Angela has two late-model Edges in her family, you may want to ask her.

Enterprise may offer rental returns directly through their stores. Some stores have dealer's license to do so.

Otherwise, any dealer can acquire a rental return. Just walk into one that you trust and talk to them about what you want. If they don't have it, they can get it.

I can provide that service for anyone, anywhere in the country. But so can your local Ford dealer, or any dealer.

Her Explorer is a full seat model and V6.. It's been OK.. I think a V8 is a waste of money in this situation. Also need 4WD up here.

Hey Doc,
We have had good luck with the weekend deal out at Sierra college.
We found my car coming off lease,and my wife also found her car out there.
We went through the normal ppi stuff and it worked out well.
just a thought
Good luck with your search!

What's a full seat model?

The Explorer wasn't available with a third row until 2002. Before that it was typically a 5 passenger -- two front buckets and a 60/40 split rear bench with 3 seatbelts. I assume that 15 years old means 1997 or 1998? A Ford Edge would be roughly the size equivalent now, with a modern Explorer being slightly larger.

She just need a full front and back seat w/o having to go thru Yoga moves to get in the back. Third row seat is not wanted cuz the storage for groceries back there is needed.

Wife's Explorer died...need to find a good replacement
 

Have you checked out your local singles bars?

I got a 2012 Explorer Limited as a company car in January this year. Big, but not too big, comfortable, good fuel economy, Sync Bluetooth system works pretty good (some road noise when on the phone) interior fit and finish is good, but not great. I've put about 20K miles on it this year. No problems. If I was in the market, I'd buy one.

It was a CPO. It sounded like it was a little different because it was a rental car return, but probably more salemanship. i was only paying half attention.

+1

Eric mentioned Enterprise. I bought my last truck from them. Easy to deal with. Truck was $10K cheaper than the same ones up here.

Enterprise Car Sales Locations

They do. Explorer Sport.

2013 Ford Explorer Sport | The Premium Driving Experience | Ford.com