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.

 

[lsxd]

If you want my two cents then I would go with as new as you can get with as low as miles as you can find within your budget. Either way, good luck finding one and hope it works out

 

[Cdubya]

Easy way to see if a build is at risk? Look at the TSBs.
FADA TSB.. builds up to Aug 2021.
AWD module grounding TSB... builds up to 12-2021...

 

[SteveJ]

Should be noted that these things SHOULD have already been fixed on those (2020's - 2021's). I have a 2020 and have had my FADA fixed, both the front CV axles - no trans issues (been tuned since 32K miles currently at 56k AND I have changed my trans fluid and will be changing it again at around 60K). I think the tuning helps the trans shift firmer and therefore the 'issues' never surface. I could be wrong...but just my .02.

Also, when I purchased this at 28K miles 2 years ago, I DID get a 100% extended warranty included. Here is the real rub though, as in LIFE in general so much of this is just a crap shoot. Some ppl die of heart attacks at 40 years old and some live well beyond 100. Just the way it is.

Good luck, but I will agree with previous comments - you SHOULD get as new as you can afford with as low of miles you can get. I was willing to pay 36K when I got mine - yes I did a lot of searching and (to me, scored a deal).