Ford Explorer (1997 - 2001) 4.0 XLT 5d Auto (1999/V) Owner Review
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Don't care. I just like big American cars with big engines!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Most people really like it. One or two refer to it as 'The Tank'. My 2 year old loves sitting high up and being able to see out of the windows (low window line).
Would you buy this car again and why?
Probably not. It is a bit expensive to run (15-22 mpg), the parts can be expensive and can be difficult to get hold of. In my experience, most Ford dealers haven't got a clue what to do with it and charge silly prices. Its cheaper to buy parts from the US, get them shipped over and pay any duty/VAT on them!
What are you likely to buy next?
Not sure. Maybe another 4x4, possibly an MPV or a large estate.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,500
When did you buy the car?
March 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
NO. It wasn't a bad deal on the face of it but they didn't do some of the work I asked them to and the garage they used to do the other work did a very bad job of things.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I wanted an American car with a big engine but needed something practical so a Mustang or Camaro wouldn't do. The Explorer was quite a bit cheaper than the Grand Cherokee.
What was the dealer like?
Was ok, until I moaned about the problems the garage had caused and then weren't interested.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very relaxing. Handling isn't bad considering what it is and ride is better than a lot of new cars I've driven. Steering is light, auto box smooth and brakes are ok. Engine plently powerful enough!
What's it like to park?
Can be a bit awkward, because of its size.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Needed new brakes all round (£500), new fan belt and it has developed a squeak when starting from cold (traced to the Alternator).
What's most practical about your car?
Huge boot, very easy to fold rear seats and loads of room in the back seat.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
I like the general level of luxury as a whole. Leather seats are nice.
