$20K for Explorer XLS AT, Good or No?

[Crab cake]

I just got back from a Ford dealership where I can get a new Explorer XLS with AT for exactly $20,000. I didn't know Explorer can be had for so cheap, relatively speaking of course. There were 2 to chose and one is the color I want. The only bad thing about this one is no CD player. What the heck is Ford thinking? 20 Grand for a car and no CD player. Are we still in the 80's? If I want the CD, I would have to fork over a lot more dough for the XLT. Is this a hot deal?

 

[RossMAN]

I don't have any loss leader ads here with me to compare with.

Have you checked carsdirect.com and edmunds.com for their invoice prices?

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Explorer Pricing @ Carpoint
Explorer Pricing @ Edmunds

And the XLS is the base Explorer model - how many base models of any car come with a CD player, except for possibly Porsches or BMWs?

 

[Angrymarshmello]

And factory radios blow anyway - a measly 2~5w rms to each channel from the stock head unit - the first thing I do when I buy a new car is replacing the factory radio/speakers.

 

[ElFenix]

those are loss leaders prices usually... invoice on an XLS with AT is a few grand higher. heck, thats lower than xplan with rebates IIRC. the XLS comes with a manual stock.

 

[rh71]

Back in 95 when I bought my Rodeo, SUVs cost $27k minimum after all was said and done. If you can walk out the door with a 4WD mid-size SUV for $20k (give or take for taxes), then it's a good deal comparatively. Then again, I don't know if they can be had for even less nowadays...

About the CD player, get an aftermarket system for a better bang for your buck.

 

[vi edit]

how many base models of any car come with a CD player, except for possibly Porsches or BMWs?

A $12,000 Focus ZX3 for one

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

Base model Camry comes w/ CD too.

 

[RossMAN]

The Honda Accord LX/SE/EX all come with CD Players but they're not entry level.

Not sure about the DX/VP.

 

[hoihtah]

i have nothing against SUV's...
but i just don't like gas guzzlers.

after my 89 grandmarquis.... (10 mpg... when i junked it.)
i'd never go back to one of them.

 

[T2T III]

If you purchase the Exporer for $20K, what rate will the financing be? Will they offer 0% for 60 months??

 

[Sluggo]

I really like the Ford Escape. I have seen a few running around town with some *Bling*Bling* rims, and they looked really sharp

 

[bmacd]

If you have your heart set on an explorer, i'd definitely buy used. Explorers do NOT hold value. You can easily find a 96 for $8k, and a 98 for $10k. That's half the price, same features (given a couple), and a helluva deal if you ask me. I'm in a love-hate relationship with my explorer. I have a '96 V8 XLT (base model at the time as XLS wasn't available). I can't really complain about the car...it'd be the things that i can fix that i'd change...my tires are balding, brakes were just replaced 6,000 miles ago and are squeeling again, and that's about it, but i bitch an awful lot about my car. Would i buy it again? I dunno...

-=bmacd=-

 

[Crab cake]

That price is after the rebate. I could go with the 0% financing if I choose. A few weeks back, you could combine the rebate and the 0% financing. That would have been a screaming deal. I'm in no hurry to buy the car so I'll just wait it out. Judging from the lack of foot traffic at the dealership, Ford will probably bring the deal back again.

The Escape was my first choice. It's just the right size for my need, but after some research I decided it against it. 7 recalls in the first year of production and horrible crash test rating just kills it for me. Getting a used one was also one of my options. There's not a single 98 or newer with low miles for less than 15K. I would rather pay a few thousands more for a new car that comes with a warranty. Add to it the much improved ride, comfort and safety of this new Explorer and it's all worth it to me.