I purchased a high mileage 1998 Ford Explorer to use for its towing capability and to haul things in the rear cargo section. The vehicle had a towing package and was wired to hook up to a trailer. With a 5.0 L engine the vehicle has plenty of power. I like that because it has been my experience that four cylinder and small six cylinder engines fail early if used under heavy work conditions. They may get better gas mileage, but they have to work too hard to live a long life if used under work conditions. The thing I don't like about it is that small components like power window motors, door locks, and similar interior components do fail, and I always seem to be fixing these things. That is to be expected for high-mileage, older vehicles, but the Ford Explorer does seem to have more failures than normal. Since I am an experienced shade tree mechanic that isn't an expensive problem, because I can just buy parts and fix it myself. Someone who doesn't have that capability would find it an expensive recurring problem if they can't turn a wrench.

I am currently driving my 3rd Ford Explorer after previously leasing two older models. I absolutely love the explorer. It is roomy and large, but not too big to maneuver. The ride is incredibly smooth due to the crossover chassis the new Explorers have now.