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How Long Do Ford Explorers Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Longevity

in Reliability
Ford Explorer in a field

Source: Pixabay

The Ford Explorer is a prominent SUV from Ford. It’s been around for three decades, and in that time, Ford has created eight trims for the vehicle. Explorers are excellent because they offer plenty of room for people and cargo. If you’re interested in this car, you might be curious about its lifespan. You might wonder - how long do Ford Explorers last?

One of the most critical factors to consider when investing in a car is its longevity. To maximize value, you need a vehicle that will last a long time and, in turn, require minimal repairs during its life. The longer a car lasts, the longer you have until your next car investment. Read on to learn more about the Explorer’s longevity and other information. 

How Many Miles Does the Ford Explorer Last?

How long do Ford Explorers last? According to vehiclehistory.com, the Ford Explorer will last 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. For those who are meticulous about the care of their vehicle, your Ford Explorer could last much longer. It’s a decent car with some issues, but the lifespan is pretty good if you want an SUV.

According to progressive.com, here are some items that will impact the overall lifespan of the Ford Explorer:

  • How often you repair and maintain your car
  • The habits you have while driving, such as braking and speeding
  • The weather conditions you drive in

Think about these whenever you drive a Ford Explorer, no matter the age.

It’s critical to remember that you will get out of the Ford Explorer whatever you put into it. If you provide proper maintenance throughout the year and repair issues as soon as they appear, your car will last much longer than if you neglect those items. Be mindful while driving to improve your vehicle’s lifespan. 


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What Is High Mileage for the Ford Explorer?

We mentioned that 200,000 miles is the average for most Ford Explorers. Based on that average, it’s safe to say that any Ford Explorer with about 150,000 miles is in the high mileage range. At this number, the Explorer is much closer to a need for critical repairs that will cost an extensive amount from the driver.

Although it’s not always ideal to get a Ford Explorer with high mileage, they often cost much less than those with minimal mileage. If you want to save money, try to locate a newer used Ford Explorer with high mileage. They are more likely to be in good condition and have many updated safety and technology features.

What Is a Good Mileage for a Ford Explorer?

When considering how long a typical Ford Explorer will last, it’s helpful to understand how many miles a Ford Explorer should be able to last before it is normal for it to undergo serious malfunctions. Most Ford Explorers should be able to make it to at least 150,000 miles before pricey repairs occur again and again, though many will make it to 200,000 miles.

Those who are on the road more often are likely to hit the end of the car’s life faster than those who work from home. In either situation, the Explorer should last at least a decade with proper care.

One of the biggest influencing factors on the mileage a Ford Explorer will last is maintenance. The better you care for your vehicle, the longer it will survive without severe issues.

Should I Buy a Used Ford Explorer with More Than 100k?

How long do Ford Explorers last? It’s critical to examine this question before buying, especially if you’re thinking about buying a used car. It can be discouraging to sift through used cars, only to find that most affordable For Explorers have 100k miles or more on their odometer. Are these vehicles worth the money?

If the Ford Explorer you see is well-maintained and newer, it might be a safe choice for your used car investment. Although there are some issues with reliability in the Ford Explorer, a properly maintained version is perfectly safe to invest in for your next car.


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At What Mileage Do Most Fords Break Down?

It’s helpful to consider how many miles Ford cars will last, on average, when examining the longevity of the Ford Explorer specifically. This number will reveal if Ford vehicles are worth the investment and how the Ford Explorer stacks up against the rest of the Ford selections.

According to getjerry.com, Fords will typically last about 200,000 miles. The Ford Explorer is right on par with this average, offering a decent lifespan for a large car.

Common Ford Explorer Issues

Several issues are common in the Ford Explorer. It’s critical to consider these ahead of time to understand what you’re getting yourself into before you invest in the car.

According to enginepatrol.com, here are common Ford Explorer issues:

  • Transmission failure
  • Timing chain failure
  • Water pump leaks
  • Loss of power steering
  • All-wheel drive PTU failure

These appear often in the Ford Explorer complaints from drivers.

You might notice these issues in any year of the Ford Explorer. However, they are most likely to come to life in the older years of the Ford Explorer with excessive mileage and minimal maintenance from you or a previous owner.


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Final Thoughts

How long do Ford Explorers last? You can expect a Ford Explorer to last about 200,000 miles, which may increase or decrease depending on how well you maintain the vehicle. Although the lifespan isn’t spectacular, it’s right on par with what other Ford vehicles are expected to achieve in their life.

We hope this information is valuable! It can feel overwhelming to pick a new or used vehicle, so our goal is to make the process much easier for you. No matter what the average lifespan is for a vehicle, it’s always critical to carefully examine a vehicle before purchasing it to determine how much it will cost to maintain it.



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