Asking advice on used purchase.

[wb5oxq]

I am thinking of trading my 23 Maverick Lariat for a used ST I won't go any older than a 2020 or any mileage over 40k. I don't know what changed through the last 5 years.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I am thinking of trading my 23 Maverick Lariat for a used ST I won't go any older than a 2020 or any mileage over 40k. I don't know what changed through the last 5 years.

Lot of info here for buying a 2020-24 ExST:

http://explorerstenthusiasts.com/2025/04/24/2020-24-explorer-st-buyers-guide/

 

[Cdubya]

I would avoid 2020-2021 if you want reliability. Make sure there are no open recalls yet to be performed.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I would avoid 2020-2021 if you want reliability. Make sure there are no open recalls yet to be performed.

2020-21 are perfectly fine, it’s the very early 2019 builds I’d stay away from.

 

[Cdubya]

2020-21 are perfectly fine, it’s the very early 2019 builds I’d stay away from.

Define fine: Trans issues, trans cooler leak, AWD module grounding, faulty downpipe welds. exhaust breakages, FADA O-ring flaw and even existence of FADA instead of the later intermediate pipe, midpipe flex section failures (v1.0), axle boot tears. crappy window switch paint, driver seat trim breakage, headlight and tail light condensation, multiple corrective module firmware updates, improperly installed sunroof drains...

Obviously, you may not have all of these but most of these issues were corrected or updated by 2022 model year. If you are buying a used, high mileage 2020 or 2021, you may be without a factory warranty or even the federal emissions warranty and could easily be on the hook for significant repair costs.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Define fine: Trans issues, trans cooler leak, AWD module grounding, faulty downpipe welds. exhaust breakages, FADA O-ring flaw and even existence of FADA instead of the later intermediate pipe, midpipe flex section failures (v1.0), axle boot tears. crappy window switch paint, driver seat trim breakage, headlight and tail light condensation, multiple corrective module firmware updates, improperly installed sunroof drains...

Obviously, you may not have all of these but most of these issues were corrected or updated by 2022 model year. If you are buying a used, high mileage 2020 or 2021, you may be without a factory warranty or even the federal emissions warranty and could easily be on the hook for significant repair costs.

Trust me, I had an early build 2020 with every problem in the book, but they fixed that towards they end of the build year, and most 2021s are fine.