2nd gen vs 3rd gen

[robl110]

Sorry if this topic has been beaten to death. On Friday the wife and I went to test drive a 06 Explorer EB 4.6L. We were both super disappointed. It handled like crap, interior was cheap and falling apart and it seemed very under powered with a V8. To my surprise the wife wanted to try an Expedition. She fell in love with it right away. Handles great, tons of room, lots of power and lots of visibility. So far we have driven a 2010 with 30k and my sisters 04 with 117k. To our surprise both handled the same. Nice to know that an 04 117k that's been beat hard still drives like new.

We are considering either a 05-06 or an 07-08. My wife really likes the newer features on the 3rd generation but neither know if it's worth the extra money. I am fine with an 05-06. We can pick up a fully loaded EB with around 60k miles for under $15000.

Is it worth the extra money to get a 3rd gen? Do you guys like the 3rd gen 6 speed? I am mostly concerned about reliability.

Any input would be great. Thanks, Rob

 

[Dib52]

One piece of advice...keep the wife happy. If she likes the extras on the 3rd gen, go for it! I have just about everything on my EB minus the nav radio and air suspension. Love all of the creature comforts, great road trip vehicle with the kids, can't really complain about anything. Never had an issue with the tranny.
On a side note, the 3rd gens started having the RSD/AdvanceTrac combo which provides more safety to the family, just something extra to think about. If you don't know anything about it, it kills power momentarily when wheel slip is determined or if you get into a situation where a drastic maneuver is needed and she starts to go top heavy, power is reduced to keep you shiny side up.

 

[sgtowing]

I think it is more personal prefrence. Between 2nd gen and early 3rd gen's, I dont think there is much difference in options. Mainly looks. I have an 05 EB and the only things it doesn't have are nav, vented rear windows and the more feature power seats. I have the heated and a/c seats, sunroof, 2nd row captains chairs, power fold third and more.

 

[robl110]

I personally like the 3rd gen too but the price difference is huge. It's really huge if the only reason we are getting it is for some extra features like center console shift. My search has found that I can get an 05 limited or EB with 70k or less miles for $16000 or less. An 07 with 80k plus are going for $23000 and up. We are in no hurry to buy at this point. Who knows, maybe by spring the price will come down on the 3rd gen a little.
What year did they introduce sync?

 

[Dib52]

You need to be in an 09 for sync, one of my biggest regrets. And no, can't be retrofitted, I've asked!

 

[robl110]

You need to be in an 09 for sync, one of my biggest regrets. And no, can't be retrofitted, I've asked!

Ok, no sync for us. Does yours still have a usb jack in the center console?

Edit: Just read your sig. Nice to know I can put hockey pucks in for a little lift. That's what I have done to my Grand Cherokee.

 

[Dib52]

No USB either, only a line in.

 

[robl110]

No USB either, only a line in.

Dang, so usb came at the same time as the sync.

 

[VTfireftr]

The 3rd generation has a 6 speed transmission vs the 4 speed of the 2nd generation. This will allow the engine to run lower RPM and get better fuel economy.


Also, 2009 and newer vehicles can run E-85 fuel. My 2008 can't and when I was traveling thsi past August in the midwest, E-85 was everywhere.

Marc

 

[robl110]

The 3rd generation has a 6 speed transmission vs the 4 speed of the 2nd generation. This will allow the engine to run lower RPM and get better fuel economy.


Also, 2009 and newer vehicles can run E-85 fuel. My 2008 can't and when I was traveling thsi past August in the midwest, E-85 was everywhere.

Marc

I will have to check out the mileage difference. That could make it worth the extra $.

Don't feel bad that you can't run E85. It may be cheaper but you will get horrible gas mileage. Its pretty much a wash. The only nice thing about having E85 in the midwest is be able to have cheap race fuel to tune turbo and SC cars.

 

[treycool94]

i feel like the 6 speed is a bad idea... i have in in my 07 int she always needs to chang gear if you want to go anywhere fast and and i also feel like the 6 speed they put in was not meant for the extreme weight of the truck so when you stomp on it it hardly goes anywhere... but i think they fixed this in the 2011s im not sure i would go 2nd gen it will be alot cheaper and prob alot easier to fix

 

[robl110]

i feel like the 6 speed is a bad idea... i have in in my 07 int she always needs to chang gear if you want to go anywhere fast and and i also feel like the 6 speed they put in was not meant for the extreme weight of the truck so when you stomp on it it hardly goes anywhere... but i think they fixed this in the 2011s im not sure i would go 2nd gen it will be alot cheaper and prob alot easier to fix

That was exactly my concern. When the 150 got the six speed people were complaining about this problem. I know some guys ended up buying Rams because you could still get a five speed with better passing power. The Explorer I test drove had a six speed and a 4.6L V8 and it was a dog. 4.6L in an Explorer should get up and go. At least my buddies that still had the 4 speed did.

 

[DF5.4]

5th and 6th gears on the 6 speed are overdrives. When you lock out OD on them you are locking out 5th and 6th. I do wish I could just lock out 6th at times. If you are passing, it may be dropping 3 gears. I don't have a problem with it. I love the way the truck runs but part of that may be the tuner too.

 

[Dib52]

No problem at all with the tranny, never hunting gears in my travels. Then again, mine is tuned and running the 3.73 rear.

 

[robl110]

Currently we are leaning towards a low mileage 05-06 gen 2. It just makes financial sense. Sell Mustang and Jeep then pay cash. It will be tough to see the Mustang go but we need the space and a newer family rig. We are currently stuck in a small townhouse with a single car garage, dang housing market. Looks like I can have some fun with mods on a Expy to tide me over until I have room for another Mustang. I will probably just do a CAI, catback and a tuner of some sort. I would like to do the 3/2 lift and bigger tires but it would not fit in the garage. I think I should still make it in the garage if I went up to a 285/70/17 on the stock suspension and rims. Is there a kit that will just get rid of the factory rake without having to do a 3/2 lift? Like a 1" front spacer that would make it level with the rear.

 

[SOLISIMO]

Ive had both, the 2nd gen rod better and had less problems.

 

[robl110]

Ive had both, the 2nd gen rod better and had less problems.

The 3rd gen are great looking inside and out. If the price drops $4k come spring of 2012 I would buy an 07. Then again I like the idea of 2nd gen not being so fancy and new. That way I comfortable using it like a truck.

 

[robl110]

Since it looks like I will most likely get a 05-06 do you guys have any recommendations on must have options?
Here's what I have so far:
EB or Limited
Tow package with 3:73LS
No air suspension
Leather/heated seats
DVD (would be nice to have)
3rd row power fold
Dual climate control and rear climate control

 

[sgtowing]

SUNROOF. Gotta have a sunroof. I love mine. Actually had it open last night. It was nice until the rain.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

 

[Dib52]

The options you have listed for those years sounds about right. If in the EB or Limited, leather is standard. Personally, I like the EB. In my 08, the leather is 2 tone, don't remember if they did that ack in 05-06. You'll also might be able to find heated/cooled seats.
If you're planning any heavy towing, try to find the 3.73 rear. That will probably be harder to come by. Gas mileage will take a hit, but you can gain that back with mods.
One last word of caution...if the money gets better and you do choose a 3rd gen instead, try to go with the 08 version. If my father taught me anything about cars, it's never buy the first model year of a redesign. Always wait a year for the "bugs" to get worked out!