Help with Purchase

[cgspff]

Hello Everyone,

I have been lurking for a while doing research. I Am going to buy one. I am not in a hurry to get one and I have some questions I was hoping you could help me out with it. I drove a new one last night. I like the slate blue color. The one I drove is $60k out the door. I looked at a used 2025 with 3100 miles that is $55K out the door. Which to me is a little ridiculous. I was looking at 2023 and 2024's used. Is there any advantage to a new one over one of those years? I did notice they seem to be hard to find.

One big question I had is what is the difference in features between those years. Also, I have not bought or shopped for a vehicle since 2015 and the prices are like getting hit by a brick. Is anyone seeing any better pricing on the new ones or know of any rebates coming up sooner than later? My wife and I also thought about ordering a 2026 if the prices stay the same with no rebates. You all have a ton of experience with this. Any help is appreciated.

Oh, never thought I would like massaging seats, but, WOW!!! They are pretty awesome. Hope you all have a great day and if you are in the DMV area watch out for the storms.

 

[KCM]

Here is a post I made a while back on differences which should get you started. The entire thread should be helpful.

Was ready to buy 2022 ST but had issue with perimeter sensors…..year ?? | Explorer ST Forum

One change to note for 2026 is it sounds like they are getting rid of the opening sunroof and it will only be a fixed glass panel.

 

[cgspff]

Thank you!! I appreciate the help. There is a ton of knowledge on this forum so I am trying to take in everything. I will read thru that.

 

[KCM]

One other change: Active Park Assist was deleted in 2025 as either standard or an option. Was available from 2020-2024.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Hello Everyone,

I have been lurking for a while doing research. I Am going to buy one. I am not in a hurry to get one and I have some questions I was hoping you could help me out with it. I drove a new one last night. I like the slate blue color. The one I drove is $60k out the door. I looked at a used 2025 with 3100 miles that is $55K out the door. Which to me is a little ridiculous. I was looking at 2023 and 2024's used. Is there any advantage to a new one over one of those years? I did notice they seem to be hard to find.

One big question I had is what is the difference in features between those years. Also, I have not bought or shopped for a vehicle since 2015 and the prices are like getting hit by a brick. Is anyone seeing any better pricing on the new ones or know of any rebates coming up sooner than later? My wife and I also thought about ordering a 2026 if the prices stay the same with no rebates. You all have a ton of experience with this. Any help is appreciated.

Oh, never thought I would like massaging seats, but, WOW!!! They are pretty awesome. Hope you all have a great day and if you are in the DMV area watch out for the storms.

Most people have been able to get a new ST down to like $58k out the door. The 2025s have improved technology, but to me aren’t worth the price compared to used 2020-24 cars. I like how the older ones can be tuned, have real leather, and better interior and exterior design IMO. If you want a new one, I’d stick with the 2025s, the 2026 have a few deleted items and changes. Here’s the two buyers guide articles I did for this platform, which should help you with finding what is best for your needs.

http://explorerstenthusiasts.com/buyers-guide/

 

[cgspff]

Thank you!!! That has been a ton of help.

 

[PokerMunkee]

What did you end up doing? List the MSRP and give your prices before tax and title. Gotta keep it apples to apples for everyone.

Best I've seen is $54,500 before tax title. 1,110 miles demo unit. No tint or clear bra. 03/25 build date with sunroof and spare. MSRP $61,050

 

[2020FordRaptor]

What did you end up doing? List the MSRP and give your prices before tax and title. Gotta keep it apples to apples for everyone.

Best I've seen is $54,500 before tax title. 1,110 miles demo unit. No tint or clear bra. 03/25 build date with sunroof and spare. MSRP $61,050

Best I’ve seen is $55k OTD for a completely new one.

 

[PokerMunkee]

Best I’ve seen is $55k OTD for a completely new one.

What's your MSRP and before tax?

 

[cgspff]

What did you end up doing? List the MSRP and give your prices before tax and title. Gotta keep it apples to apples for everyone.

Best I've seen is $54,500 before tax title. 1,110 miles demo unit. No tint or clear bra. 03/25 build date with sunroof and spare. MSRP $61,050

I have not bought anything yet. I have been looking at 2023 used models. I am not in a hurry to spend money at this point and most dealers in Northern Virginia want to play games. So they can find people who have money to burn.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

What's your MSRP and before tax?

I have a ‘22. My MSRP was around $62k, think I got mine for $57k OTD, not sure what before taxes numbers looked like.

 

[STeiner]

I've owned both a 23 and a 25. I can tell you without a doubt that the 25 is the way to go, for the new tech alone. The driving experience is going to be the same although my 25 seems much quieter inside. The new digital experience infotainment system in the 25 is vastly improved over the SYNC system in the 23 which dates back 5 years. It has enough CPU power to play video games and since it's Google based, you can even watch Youtube videos on the included app. Then there's the Bluecruise. The 25 can drive itself hands free on the highway. If you go 24 or earlier you're buying the tech from 2020.
I traded my 23 in with only 4000 miles on it, to get the 25. And I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

I'm not knocking the 20-24, I really liked my 23 before the 25 came out. But for a few thousand dollars more, it's better to have the refreshed look and current technology, in my opinion.