Should a Used Explorer Be Your Next SUV?

When it comes to buying your next vehicle, it might seem like there are a million choices on the market. While that number seems an exaggeration, the truth is there are innumerable options, which can make it challenging to know which model has everything you’re looking for. Researching ahead of time can help you narrow down your search to a few select models that best fit your needs, and we’d recommend looking for a used Ford Explorer for sale near Latham.

The Ford Explorer is a prominent model in Ford’s lineup, first introduced to audiences in 1991. The SUV was marketed toward families seeking a spacious yet stylish vehicle, and it was an instant hit, which could be thanks in part to the SUV’s role in an incredibly popular 90s movie franchise about the reintroduction of dinosaurs. However, once audiences saw all the Explorer had to offer, its popularity continued because of the vehicle itself rather than just its fame on the silver screen.

Now, decades later, the Explorer is still an incredibly in-demand vehicle. Its lengthy history and impressive features make it the perfect pre-owned model for various lifestyles. If you’ve been considering a used Ford Explorer but are still on the fence, keep reading to find out why this vehicle could be perfect for you.

The Explorer Was Made for Families

Ford initially created the Explorer with the family in mind, and that idea has held true for more than thirty years. This SUV has been meticulously designed to accommodate families of all sizes with its versatility and spacious interior. The Explorer can seat up to seven passengers with a foldable third row to customize your cabin to your needs. You can bring the back row up for additional seating when traveling with extra people; alternatively, if you need more cargo room, fold both rear rows down for an even more spacious trunk to hold all your luggage or belongings.

Being safe is a high priority when driving with your most precious cargo. For this reason, Ford equipped the Explorer with many safety features to keep you and your passengers as protected as possible on the road. Since the 2018 model year, Explorers have been equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, with essential features like Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, a rearview camera, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. If you are considering a model created before 2018, don’t be discouraged by the lack of Co-Pilot360; these models are still well-equipped with plenty of safety features to make you feel secure.

The Explorer’s reliability is also high, which makes you feel even better about driving your loved ones around Latham and beyond. The fear of a breakdown while traveling with children can be a massive source of stress, so choosing a dependable family vehicle can help ease your mind and allow you to enjoy your time more.

Doing More Than You Ever Imagined

Although the model was designed with families in mind, you don’t have to have children to enjoy all the Explorer has to offer. While this SUV is practical, it’s also impressively powerful, with even the model’s base engine offering incredible horsepower figures in the most recent model years. If you’re looking for a little more power under the hood, check out your engine options when browsing for a pre-owned Explorer; many years and trim levels saw more capable powertrains that could get the most capabilities out of this SUV.

The Explorer is also the perfect model for seeking adventure. This SUV has excellent towing strength for its size, though the specific figure can vary based on year and trim level, so be sure to clarify if you’re looking for an Explorer that can pull heavier loads. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can bring a small camper or boat along for a fun-filled weekend, most pre-owned Explorers can certainly deliver.

Not only that, but the Explorer can also tackle some challenging terrain without breaking a sweat. While not all trims are created equal, many used Explorers were equipped with all-wheel drive so their drivers could handle more difficult roads and topography. Ford also began offering its Timberline trim level in 2021, which was specifically designed for optimal off-road performance. If being able to take the roads less traveled is your priority, seeking a used Explorer Timberline is your best bet.

Used SUVs Present Plenty of Positives

There are many excellent reasons to choose a pre-owned Explorer as your next SUV, perhaps the most obvious being the cost. When you purchase a used model, you can save significantly compared to brand-new vehicles. You can also get more features for your money. The Explorer is offered in a variety of trim levels—some more basic with lower price tags, while others include all the bells and whistles but cost quite a bit more. Shopping for a used SUV can allow you to get a higher trim level for a lower cost, so you can enjoy even more standard features without breaking the bank.

You can save in more ways than just sticker price. Used vehicles also tend to garner decreased insurance rates, so you can save more over time with a pre-owned purchase. As a bonus, used models typically cost less to register as well, offering you another added layer of savings. A pre-owned Explorer can allow you to use your money for something you’d enjoy rather than putting it all toward the cost of owning your vehicle.

Shopping used also has the perk of greater variety. When you purchase a model fresh from the factory, you are limited in your selection, only being able to choose from that year’s trims and packages. However, when you opt for a pre-owned Explorer, you can broaden your search to include different generations, model years, trims, special editions, packages, and even specific features that Ford may have only produced for a particular year. The sky is the limit regarding your options for used Explorers.

Enjoy Everything a Used Explorer Has to Offer

If you’ve been considering a used vehicle but weren’t sure what could deliver everything you were looking for all in one, the Explorer is here to answer the call. This top-selling SUV has been around since the early 1990s and has enticed audiences for decades with its family-friendly design and advanced features. You’ll love driving around Latham in a stylish three-row SUV that doesn’t force you to choose between seating or storage with its expansive rear. The Explorer is also well-equipped for towing, off-roading, and keeping your passengers safe.

While brand-new vehicles are certainly enticing, there are many positives to choosing a used Explorer over a new one. For starters, you will keep much more money in your pocket thanks to savings on the purchase price, insurance rates, and registration costs. Beyond the savings, pre-owned models offer a much larger variety, so you can ensure you’re purchasing a model that has everything you’re looking for. Whether you’re seeking a high-level trim or something exclusive, the possibilities are endless—and for a safe, dependable, and adaptable SUV, a Ford Explorer is the best choice. You won’t be disappointed purchasing a pre-owned version of this incredible three-row model.