Why a Pre-Owned Ford Explorer Is a Great Option for Colonie Drivers

Colonie drivers want a lot from their vehicles and don’t want to pay a fortune to get it. Some may prioritize a ride that can hold a big family, has the flash and performance for weekend adventures, or is comfortable for commuting to work and doing errands. Others want all three in a single package. It sounds impossible—until you meet the Ford Explorer.

DePaula Ford has a used Ford Explorer for sale near Colonie that offers the versatility and performance you’re after. This three-row SUV can safely get you through rush-hour I-87 traffic one day, then bring the kids to football practice or your favorite boating spot the next day. The incredible versatility of the Ford Explorer and the impressive value of a used model makes it a great combination for anyone who wants an adept vehicle on a budget.

A Powerful Design for Any Terrain

If you need a vehicle that can go just about anywhere, the sixth-generation Ford Explorer is your ride. The SUV is built on the Ford CD6 platform, an architecture designed to be adaptable in what it supports for parts and driving styles. Ford fits it with a strut-style front suspension and multi-link rear suspension using coilover springs for excellent responsiveness and a smooth ride. There are also front and rear sway bars plus gas shock absorbers, AdvanceTrac stability control, and the Ford Terrain Management System. This is a highly technical way of saying you can be confident going green-laning or venturing to the Catskills with a solid foundation beneath you.

At the same time, the Ford Explorer offers surprising agility and efficiency for daily driving. Speed-sensing electronic power steering helps you take the tightest turns with ease. It also comes standard with all-season tires and six selectable drive modes to handle rain, snow, slush, and other less-than-ideal Capital District conditions. Choose the standard RWD for more dynamic driving or the intelligent AWD for the most traction. The Ford Explorer finds the right balance between off-road toughness and on-road nimbleness—and if you want an extra edge, finding a pre-owned Ford Explorer ST in our inventory adds a sport-tuned suspension with 21-inch wheels.

A Spacious, Comfortable Interior

You don’t need to get a full-size SUV to bring a crowd wherever you go. The Ford Explorer offers three-row seating that a driver and up to seven passengers appreciate. The 43 inches of front legroom is among the best in the midsize class so commuters won’t feel cramped. The 39-inch second-row legroom found in more recent models is plenty for adults and teens, and youngsters will easily slide into the third row. Used Explorers can be found with second-row bench seats or captain’s chairs, depending on your primary passengers. Either way, you can bring a full carload of family and friends without any complaints about space.

Carry or Haul Whatever You Need

On a related note, the Ford Explorer has excellent cargo and towing for the midsize SUV segment, catering to anyone who often travels with a full carload and then some. You will receive 87.8 cu.ft. of maximum cargo space, outpacing competitors like the Honda Pilot, with a power liftgate for easy access. Each Explorer also has roof rack side rails for mounting equipment and luggage pods. Whether you’re packing suitcases, hockey pads, bicycles, or snowboards, the Explorer will hold them.

In addition, recent Explorers have a 5,000-lb-plus towing capacity with a standard Class III Trailer Tow Package and Trailer Sway Control. That’s enough for ATVs, a small camper, a bass boat, and plenty of other adventure toys with a stable ride. Hook up and go anywhere with the right gear.

Exceptional Efficiency for Daily Driving

For years, one of the biggest hang-ups for using an SUV as a commuter vehicle has been gas mileage. After all, you don’t want your get-to-work vehicle to eat up your paycheck getting you there. A Ford Explorer won’t cost you a fortune to operate thanks to its solid gas mileage—but it doesn’t achieve it by giving you a lethargic ride, either. The baseline sixth-gen engine is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder that gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway in RWD, and 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway in AWD. You still get 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, though, letting you feel a surge pulling away from traffic lights that isn’t the sound of your wallet draining.

If you want more power, select used Explorers have a 3.0L twin-turbo V6. It sends output soaring to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, making the Colonie commute fun instead of a chore. Furthermore, although the Ford Explorer Hybrid is no longer offered as a new model, you can still get it on the used market. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG in RWD with 318 hp, making it an economical option for those who want the other benefits of an SUV.

High-End Tech for the Road Ahead

Regardless of why you’re buying a vehicle, innovative tech is now practically mandatory. The Ford Explorer tech package offers everything a driver could desire. Every sixth-gen Explorer has standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, front USB ports, Bluetooth phone connectivity and streaming, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and satellite radio capability. The infotainment touchscreen can be up to 10.1 inches to easily dial up your entertainment experience. Select used Explorers are available with many other tech goodies, including:

• Built-in navigation to help you reach your destination.
• HD Radio for static-free listening and bonus stations.
• Bang & Olufsen sound systems with up to 14 speakers for pristine audio quality.
• Second-row USB ports so passengers can charge up.
• A wireless charging pad so you don’t have to plug in.

Top Safety Ratings and Assistance

One thing most family, commuter, and adventure pilots have in common is a desire for a safe vehicle—and no one can question the Explorer’s safety. Year after year, this SUV consistently earns five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick honors from the IIHS, showing it will protect you if disaster strikes. Bright, long-lasting LED headlights and tail lights are standard issues, and most models also have LED fog lamps, as well as rain-sensing front wipers. Owners also receive numerous driver aids from the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. The following assistance features come on every Explorer:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Assist
• A Lane Keeping System
• Rear Parking Sensors
• A Post-Crash Alert System

Many other assistance features are already included with certain used Explorers or can be added. With Adaptive Cruise Control and other options, you’ll have all hands on deck for a safe journey.

Save Big With Proven Quality by Investing in a Used Ford Explorer

By purchasing a used Ford Explorer, you will be ready for whatever the day’s schedule calls for, plus any unexpected occurrences. Choosing a used vehicle doesn’t mean compromising on quality, either. The pre-owned Explorers we carry are subject to a thorough 139-point inspection to ensure they work like new and offer the lasting performance you expect. The DePaula Pre-Owned Promise also includes a 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, a free CARFAX vehicle history report, free annual state inspections, and other benefits to give you peace of mind.

Browse our used vehicle inventory online, call our sales department, or stop by Monday through Saturday to start the ball rolling on your next vehicle. DePaula Ford is the leading dealer of used Ford Explorers near Colonie because we offer tailored customer service to go with our carefully curated vehicles. We also have a knowledgeable finance team and generous trade-ins to get you the best deal. Come in today and let us help you find a great pre-owned Explorer that meets your needs and budget.