Shaderkul:
Hello All,
I'll make this brief. I'm in the market for a new car and I'm considering a 2012 Ford Explorer XTL. All my friends and my mechanic are trying to discourage me from buying it, saying its a problematic car and truly, the little research I've done online is not looking good for it, with issues leading to recalls and the likes.

So, I want to know directly from the source:
- What is it like to own a Ford Explorer in Nigeria in terms of maintenance
- Is it prone to issues? What issues does it usually have and how much did it take to fix?
- Are parts readily available and where at what cost?
- What are the things i need to know before taking the plunge?
- Any tips and tricks?

Thank you all!

sultaan:


check the vin to make sure it was not flooded or too badly damaged.

Shaderkul:
Hello All,
I'll make this brief. I'm in the market for a new car and I'm considering a 2012 Ford Explorer XTL. All my friends and my mechanic are trying to discourage me from buying it, saying its a problematic car and truly, the little research I've done online is not looking good for it, with issues leading to recalls and the likes.

So, I want to know directly from the source:
- What is it like to own a Ford Explorer in Nigeria in terms of maintenance
- Is it prone to issues? What issues does it usually have and how much did it take to fix?
- Are parts readily available and where at what cost?
- What are the things i need to know before taking the plunge?
- Any tips and tricks?

Thank you all!

Lyoncrescent:


I cant speak for ford explorer but my experience with my Ford edge can help you. I used a Ford Edge 2009 for a period of three years. Bought it tokunbo and it came with two keys full option. The maintenance is a little bit high because the parts are quite expensive and you have to use motocraft oil for the servicing .Parts are avalaible

However, the biggest challenge i had with the car was the mechanics i was exposed to. Good mechanics that repair ford are very rare. If you take your car to coscharis or briscoe, they will charge you high. even the independent mechanics avalaible were trained by these companies. If your ford has a fault on the road, other mechanics in most cases will avoid it. Even one popular ford mechanic on nairaland enjoyed eating my money and still doing shakara because good ford mechanics are rare. There was a hillarious case where i met one mechanic who i was introduced to that repairs ford. Went to see him only for him to say he has stop repairing ford because an explorer he tried to repair kept giving problems and the owner a strict woman got him arrested.

In summary, using a ford is classy but you must be ready for premium maintenance as in most cases u must buy OEM spare parts not the knock offs. Secondly, you must pray to find a good ford mechanic. I currently use a toyota as mechanics for toyota are every where and parts are cheaper. From Brake pads to shock absorbers to brake discs to motocraft oil, all is premium parts and a mechanic who has both the technical skills and the fear of GOD. Compared to toyota mechanics, technical skills isnt an issue but fear of GOD on the part of mechanics is. Enventually sold my FORD Edge. If you can find a great mechanic and can afford premium maintenance then carry go.

Final Recommendation: DONT BUY A FORD PRODUCT

weyreypey:
looks like trouble
smells like trouble
it is probably trouble......walk away!!

LuciferYaweh:
It has enough space at the back for a decent sex romp which saves you hotel fees.

This is its most important feature.

johnabraham:
i am a proud owner of 2013 explorer limited edition, it has 77424 kms on the odometer now. it was bought brand new from coscharis by the first owner. i am the second owner. USE ONLY RECOMMENDED FLUIDS and change at regular intervals. service the vehicle regularly. do not take it to road side kazeem. mine is maintained by oga Gazzuzz. parts bit expensive but a sturdy and reliable vehicle. doesn't develop problems easily. not too complicated to repair.

sultaan:


check the vin to make sure it was not flooded or too badly damaged.

I see a lot of the and the Ford Edge on Lagos roads so they must be performing great for the owners. It will be cheaper than the usual models and you can bargain better

Lyoncrescent:


I cant speak for ford explorer but my experience with my Ford edge can help you. I used a Ford Edge 2009 for a period of three years. Bought it tokunbo and it came with two keys full option. The maintenance is a little bit high because the parts are quite expensive and you have to use motocraft oil for the servicing .Parts are avalaible

However, the biggest challenge i had with the car was the mechanics i was exposed to. Good mechanics that repair ford are very rare. If you take your car to coscharis or briscoe, they will charge you high. even the independent mechanics avalaible were trained by these companies. If your ford has a fault on the road, other mechanics in most cases will avoid it. Even one popular ford mechanic on nairaland enjoyed eating my money and still doing shakara because good ford mechanics are rare. There was a hillarious case where i met one mechanic who i was introduced to that repairs ford. Went to see him only for him to say he has stop repairing ford because an explorer he tried to repair kept giving problems and the owner a strict woman got him arrested.

In summary, using a ford is classy but you must be ready for premium maintenance as in most cases u must buy OEM spare parts not the knock offs. Secondly, you must pray to find a good ford mechanic. I currently use a toyota as mechanics for toyota are every where and parts are cheaper. From Brake pads to shock absorbers to brake discs to motocraft oil, all is premium parts and a mechanic who has both the technical skills and the fear of GOD. Compared to toyota mechanics, technical skills isnt an issue but fear of GOD on the part of mechanics is. Enventually sold my FORD Edge. If you can find a great mechanic and can afford premium maintenance then carry go.

Final Recommendation: DONT BUY A FORD PRODUCT

johnabraham:
i am a proud owner of 2013 explorer limited edition, it has 77424 kms on the odometer now. it was bought brand new from coscharis by the first owner. i am the second owner. USE ONLY RECOMMENDED FLUIDS and change at regular intervals. service the vehicle regularly. do not take it to road side kazeem. mine is maintained by oga Gazzuzz. parts bit expensive but a sturdy and reliable vehicle. doesn't develop problems easily. not too complicated to repair.

Shaderkul:



Wow, thanks for the feedback. I dont mind buying premium parts for maintenance, they last longer than knockoffs anyway. And I think Ive gotten a good place to go for maintenance and repairs that wont charge me briscoe and Coscharis money

Readonee35L:

At 77k km your car is still very young.
Aside oil i dont see anything that should need extra hand on the vehicle
So what has taken you to the mechanic ?

Shaderkul:



Wow, thanks for the feedback. I dont mind buying premium parts for maintenance, they last longer than knockoffs anyway. And I think Ive gotten a good place to go for maintenance and repairs that wont charge me briscoe and Coscharis money

olumide4christ:


Where is this place you intend to go for maintenance and repairs? Would you mind sharing contact details??