Sgt1411
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Posts posted by Sgt1411
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Those were Pre-Production builds were they not?
I should have mine by Friday this week if the train doesn't go off the tracks.
I will test right away and update here.
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The story I am hearing is the Ecoboost/AWD PI is priced out of the market. Many departments still biased against FWD, but some say the Police Explorer will be a surprise big seller. Highway Patrol type departments looking for traditional type partol units said to be eyeing the Caprice.
The Police Interceptor Utility will definitely be a big seller, many believe it will steal the show.
Yes the EcoBoost AWD NGPI is more expensive up front but it depends how its sold.
I just cant see the elected officials allowing the Police to purchase a vehicle built in Australia with a big V8 6.0L engine and a floor shifter compared to a V6 Ford built in Chicago. No way!
The recommendation from most in the know is for Police Agencies to purchase the Interceptors with AWD & the naturally aspirated V6 because the EcoBoost is too much for the average new officer with limited driver training.
Dodge has such a bad reputation for service and support along with build quality it will take a few years for them to gain back some customers.
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I have had my Explorer (Management Lease) for 2 weeks and love it. Several issues have surfaced:
- I too am getting a rattle in the windshield pillar on the passenger side around 70 mph.
- Several times I have hit the Emergency Flasher button while programing the display. My buddy also had this happen as we were driving yesterday.
- The owners manual needs to better describe the inserting the MyKey in the center console to reprogram along with step by step instructions. I stil have not been able to reprogram my key to eliminate max. speed. Several others have tried as well so it is not just me.
What is your build date?
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This review speaks to the benefits of the AWD/4WD system but I will still find one that deals with the technical side of the 4WD/AWD system.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/lifestyle/2011-ford-explorer-review/
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I set a google alert for anything on the 2011 Explorer back in July so I don't miss much on the internet about it. Google sends a e-mail with a link if you make something an alert like I did with my '09 FEH (Ford Escape Hybrid) months before I ordered it. At any rate, I watched a video on the operation of the 2011 Explorer MoonRoof and the shade can totally cover the front and rear panels and open to any point by a button. The rear glass panel is fixed and cannot be opened.
One of my hobbies is what's called Hypermiling. Hypermiling is an achievement of getting a lifetime MPG rating of better than what the EPA rates the combined City/Highway mileage listed on a new vehicle window sticker. For instance, my '09 FEH has a combined EPA rating of 32.5mpg and I have a World Record Lifetime MPG since rolling off the factory line of 53mpg with a little over 27,000 miles on it. There have been no modification to my stock FEH with all stock equipment and I use motorcraft parts. I will do the same in my new 2011 Explorer but my wife who isn't a hypermiler will be the primary driver to work. I can't wait to see what kind of numbers I will pull out of this new Explorer with the Select Shift 6 speed transmission, but I can say 35mpg should be a modest guess for me. You can view my results at http://www.cleanmpg.com/ after it arrives but you can see my present mileage log of my '09 FEH there at http://www.cleanmpg....29&viewcar=2612
I also get PM's from Ford Engineers on some of the sites I post and agree this Explorer has a great 4WD system. As far as the FWD traction, the snow tires are best on the rear I've heard.
Thats why I love these forums, I learn something new almost everyday. Hypermilling eh?.......very interesting
Can you share your mods with the rest of us?....it would be cool to have an Explorer post dedicated to Hypermilling so we can learn more about it
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I just want to chime in on this comment. FWD is not even close to AWD regardless of tires. I've owned/driven all types. I have an F250 4wd and an audi A4 quattro (ordering a limited explorer 4wd to replace the audi). I've also had several fwd cars. The AWD system will outperform any other type of system out there. All 4 tires propel the vehicle unlike 4wd and fwd. There is barely anything an awd vehicle can't get through without spinning the tires... Even with very good winter tires on a FWD car, you are still trying to pull the weight of the vehicle with 2 tires and that just doesn't equal all 4 tires pushing/pulling the car. Not only that but on turns, an awd vehicle will push the car into the turn where a fwd vehicle can continue to go straight when you are trying to turn.
What I love about the explorer 4wd system is it is close to awd.. it can change the power from the front to the back tires by as much as 90%.. not only that, when driving slow and turning into a parking space or driveway, the 4wd system will disengage so you don't have the front wheel hop one has on a typical 4wd system.
It will also help your resale value by having 4wd.
As far as coloring goes, I saw a white explorer with pecan inserts at a dealership, I personally loved it. I think that's the color combo I'm going to go with. I've had 5 vehicles since 1998 moonroofs in all of them. I'll never get one without. Having it open, fresh air coming in.. cruising down the highway.. nothing like it.
As another person said, cooled seats + remote start = no issues with black leather.
Best of luck with your decision!! Either way, you are going to love your vehicle.
Exactly!
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Perhaps, but parking prices in Chicago are beyond absurd, so I don't even venture there. That's what the internet is for. You can't ski at Whistler on the internet. Nor eat at the Beach House on the Internet. Or visit the fine Sooke Harbour House. Or visit the amazing market under the bridge (can't remember the name). You win.
Granville Island Market
Ya your right, online shopping works.......but remember the Explorer is built in Chicago!
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I'm very interested in seeing that link and learning more. I have to assume that I can still make changes to my car order as I just put it in yesterday. I know the dealership started inputting it before I left the lot, but I would expect it's not too late.
Thank you!
PS: Vancouver BC is one of my favorite places!
Ya but it rains everyday here and you have an American Girl Store so my kids say Chicago is better! LOL
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I went to the South Florida Fair today and Ford had a big spread of new vehicles including a black on black leather XLT on display. It looked fantastic with the optional 20" rims. It drew the biggest crowd of people of all the Ford vehicles.
As far as the rims and tires that are available on the 2011 Explorer, my bet is the standard XLT 18" alloy rims and Michelin tires will give the Explorer the lightest weight wheels and best MPG possible. I'm gambling I won't take to much of a hit with the standard Limited rims and tires, but those optional rims look much beefier and heavier. I took my hand and felt them today and there is a lot of metal on them. I wouldn't touch those steel rims on the Base Model at all. I've done some comparisons on tire and rim weight in my '05 and '09 FEH and I'm serious of just how much a few pounds can make a big difference in MPG. It's not about adding weight to the vehicle, it's about adding spinning weight to the drivetrain while accelerating.
I don't think adding tinting to the MoonRoof is needed since a fully automatic shade can be adjusted. I will legally tint my two front windows to match the rear and have a strip put on the top portion of my windshield for a heavier sun shade.
I saw the MoonRoof shade on the 2nd row panel but I didn't see it on the front row MoonRoof panel........did I miss that?
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Now you give me pause for safety with young children... BUT, AWD is not 4WD and my friends who are car fanatics ensure me that FWD with proper winter tires are better than AWD with all-season tires. But, with 20" wheels, I may be looking at the same cost to either upgrade to AWD vs. having another set of wheels/tires for the winter.
Curve control and roll stability control is on the car, regardless of transmission selection. Yes, I say car and not truck. I had a '95 Ex... that was a truck!
I saw a Tuxedo Black today and it is so pretty. We had a black car prior to the MDX and I will always say nothing is better looking than a clean black car. There's something about them. It's just the dirt. Oy! My car currently is really close to the Sterling Gray and it definitely does not show dirt as badly as the black car had. But, again, a clean black car is much better looking IMHO!
Great thought about tinting the moon roof. Thanks.
I hope to drive this car into the ground, so I'm not too worried about re-sale, but you never know. So, I try to keep an eye on that as well.
Thank you for your comments!
Very good points.
With regards to the new Explorers 4WD system vs the traditional 4WD. I have spoken to the actual engineers involved in the design of this system and I can tell you the Explorer 4WD system is no where close to what older 4WD systems were. I have driven the FWD Taurus and the FWD Explorer on a race track very hard, I have also driven the 4WD versions of both on the racetrack. Obviously the average retail buyer wont drive it as hard but I can tell you there is a significant difference. Its one of the most advanced systems on the market today.
Yes CC and RSC and AdvanceTrac are on the vehicle not the Transmission or drive system but its how they are integrated with the 4WD and ABS systems that make a big difference.
That difference is most beneficial for the average unskilled driver who may get them selves into a dangerous spot while driving. These new 4WD/AWD systems have the ability to correct driver error and reduce the likelihood of an off road excursion or impact.
I recently sat in on a presentation from a Raybestos braking expert who has spent his life engineering safety ABS systems for vehicles. He made an interesting observation that most people believe airbags and seat belts have made the biggest impact on passenger safety over the past decade. When in reality it has been the advancements in ABS braking systems integrated with stability control systems like AdvanceTrac that have been more significant. The problem is its more difficult to show specific examples or tangible results.
I have to completely disagree with the idea that FWD with good snow tires will be safer or better in anyway then an AWD or 4WD with all seasons. Try driving each at high speed on wet pavement and you will change your mind. (and your underwear)
I will try and find a link to the design of the new 4WD system so people can see just how advanced it is.
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I'm not remorseful over ordering a 2011 Limited. I'm quite excited about it. But I am questioning my color and moon roof decisions. If you would weigh in on your thoughts, I'll be happy to read them.
I ordered Bordeaux Red with Black interior. But, I have to admit I really like the pecan inserts even though I've yet to see them in person. To get the pecan, the only color that will work for us is the Sterling Gray (everyone is getting the beautiful white / black is too hard to keep looking clean / my husband does not like Kona Blue / I don't care for the Bronze Metallic). I currently have car in a very similar gray color and was looking for a change, however, am re-thinking this morning. I have young children, so I definitely want to stay with a dark-colored interior. Somewhat afraid the black is too black and will be too hot in the summer months.
I decided to forgo the fancy wheels and the AWD (I live in an area with snow, but it is cleared quickly. Otherwise, it's quite flat here and I tend to stick to roads.) I got the moon roof option, but wondering if that's silly, or if it is useful. I use mine now to get air into my car as well as let heat out when it's hot outside. Will the extra light in this big car be nice for the rear passengers to not feel claustrophobic? I can get claustrophobic in the 3rd row of my husband's MDX.
Thank you for indulging me this morning.
IMHO I think what your ordered is also a nice combination. It's interesting to hear your comments on interior color, AWD/FWD, and MoonRoof.
I too have small kids and charcoal interior was the only option, remember the pecan inserts are a very select buyer so resale might be more difficult. I cant see the black interior being too hot with A/C cooled seats and remote start.
I chose the Tuxedo Black Metallic because I have a friend with a Taurus SHO in that colour and he says its easier to keep clean then the older traditional non-mettalic blacks. That said, yes any black is harder to keep clean, I was considering Sterling Grey for that very reason.
Im not a big fan of the Moonroof either, I never use them. They were great with older vehicles but with todays HVAC systems Im not sure you need the wind noise to get fresh air anymore. I took the MoonRoof because most people commented without it there would be a much reduced resale market if I ever decided to sell. So it is probably good you ordered it. If your concerned about heat you can always tint it professionally for very little $$.
Yes, AWD has more parts but the Explorer Terrain Management System is from LandRover and it's a proven system. All the new safety systems like Roll Stability Control, Curve Management, AdvanceTrac, etc etc makes the 4WD much safer in any conditions. Having kids anything that's safer is worth the cost to me.
Interesting the other comments about the optional polished 20" wheels being more weight and having a higher roll resistance, I didn't know that.
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I tired to take out my rear center console on my 2011 limited but when I took it off it was a square metal space with the metal piece that holds the console down. I doubt anyone has any ideas for suggestions yet....!!
Are you thinking a multi media type replacement console with screen?
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I polled several of the folks in my office that have received 2011 Explorers. All were early builds, and 4 of them have the windshield/cowl noise. Has anyone heard if any dealers have resolved the issue?
What's considered an early build?........Mine was built last week.
I find it odd that these issues are coming out now.....for those that arent in business the factory builds tons of prototypes called PPV's (Pre-Production Vehicles) they have PPV1 to PPV4 etc etc
Then they build Ford Management prototypes and they provide feedback on these types of issues.
Seems odd because they also do unbeleivable testing on these vehicles well beyond what the average consumer would ever put it through.
Im very interested to hear the fix
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I was interested in hearing opinions on whether or not its a good idea to order the Trailor Tow package even if I probably wont ever tow anything.
Just the idea of having the engine oil cooler and the bigger 26mm radiator seems to be a good deal for the $500 package cost.
Thoughts?
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hi rscalzo,
Thanks for posting info re costings on base Charger and CVPI, I was lead to believe that the strategy
for pricing the 2012 PI was to offer the FWD for around $2,000 less than the CVPI, AWD about even
and EB about $2500 dearer. A rumor that Caprice PPV is set around $25,000 but we'll see about that....
Regards,
John
John,
Your pricing ideas are probably the most accurate.
Ford was very clear at this years LASD COPS West Conference when they said they were not announcing pricing until later in the year.
Unlike GM who last August at Police Fleet Expo announced Caprice pricing and the everyone gasped!
For RSCALZO....
Remember the Caprice is being built in Australia, that alone makes it non starter for some agencies. It has to be sent here on a boat, really long delivery times, minimum orders required.
Secondly it has the big 6.2L V8 which again cant beat the Ford V6 EcoBoost, and way worse mileage.
The SHOWSTOPPER for most agencies is the floor shifter, GM says it will cost too much to put in a colum shift so its being left on the floor with a slight mod for PPV that moves it back and towards the passenger. I have sat in it and can tell you the comments I heard from others sitting in the car were "No thanks"
As apposed to Ford who without question moved the shifter in both vehicles to the colum because they know its a showstopper for Law Enforcement.
I was there and watched the LASD Vehicle testing, it was embarrassing watching the Caprice go around the track looking like it was retail vehicle lost on vacation, swaying side to side. Honestly It was an after thought, its not a purpose built Police vehicle.
Your right the new Charger is nice but no way its as cheap as the old ones. Hopefully build quality is there because the old ones were sold off for next to nothing just to get the product placed out there. Almost all the big fleets are now saying they tried them and they are staying Ford.
The Dodge Police Team didnt look to happy at the LASD test track when the EcoBoost V6 beat the Hemi V8.
Ford Fleet know the new PI's have to be priced right or they will loose market share.
Just wait this Spring when the PI Ride and Drive's come around to your area, you will be pleasantly surprised.
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I priced out a limited and it seems that xplan is about $700 over invoice. Being that one should be able to negotiate to invoice price, take invoice, pay the higher fees and then get the $500 rebate from the horse membership. You'd be better paying invoice, paying the higher fees and then getting the $500 rebate then getting xplan with lower fees (paying more for xplan then invoice) and not getting the $500 rebate.
When you priced the Limited what options did you include?
Im just comparing pricing.....
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Do they just fold in half or do they actually release and continue to fold up so the person can get out on there own? I know woth the bench, you pull the lever nd they fold, then pull again and they release and fold up. Im sold if they fold and release up on there own.
Two little issues I found
1. You have to first release the 2nd row seat headrest before activating Powerfold
2. If the front seats are extended back when the second row seat tumbles forward it can hit the front seat back before tumbling all the way forward.
Minor issues but be aware.
Try it at a dealer first to see if its a big deal to you.
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I've been using a version of this on my jailbroken Iphone 4 for months. it works okay but drains the battery like crazy and the phone will run pretty dang hot as it does with any streaming. I sure as heck wouldn't want to be streaming video to 2 ipads off AT&T's 3G network from my phone. There's no telling how much AT&T is going to charge to use that MiFi anyway. I think I'd rather add Clear 4G for another 20 bucks a month and have a dedicated USB stick.
Again very points, your right. My data plan is unlimited so that makes it a little better.
4G for $20 month = how much data?
Thats a screaming deal if its 2GB or more.
rscalzo.........my kids would start laughing so hard if I gave them crayons. That only worked for kids of our generation. These new kids (like mine) complain when they are getting slow download speeds. LOL
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An even better solution than getting 3G ipads is getting regular wifi Ipads and using a 4g USB dongle in the center console. Cheaper anyway when you consider you can connect the Wifi to 5 devices.
The next iOS 4.3 update from Apple has this MiFi.....which does the same as your suggestion but using your iPhone
http://telecominformatics.com/2011/01/19/apple-introduces-iphone-ios-4-3-features-wifi-tethering/
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Anyone get one with the 2nd row buckets with center console? No one has one in my area and trying to see what it looks like.
Thanks
If you have kids its awesome.......the console is a nice separation making it harder to land a punch or receive one form your sister.
Also if you're doing any type of screen system in the back its a very big storage console for the headphones and other electronics.
Getting into the 3rd row seats for an adult isn't easy but its reasonable, for the kids its easy.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to loose that bench seat extra spot but I guess its a trade off.
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It is thanks
You can tell its Canadian by the MSRP being about $6000 higher!
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An even better solution than getting 3G ipads is getting regular wifi Ipads and using a 4g USB dongle in the center console. Cheaper anyway when you consider you can connect the Wifi to 5 devices.
Your absolutely right that is a better solution.
I like that idea better but I was concerned about the USB Stick modem not getting good coverage down there in the console USB port.......Do you have it working now?
How do you find the coverage?
Im dying to try that but as usual up here in Canada we are a year behind the USA and they only have 4G in a small test market in Toronto.
We have HSPA 3.5+ here so we can get up to 6MBPS from a USB stick modem.
The next iPhone iOS4.3 upgrade has a "MiFi" option for you to create a small network off your iPhone data plan but who knows when that release is out.
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Look at this for an example of just how cheap you can do this modification.
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I haven't I saw video on life of people doing it. Has to be done thru bluetooth. Then you sync devices together. Didn't take long. I am going to do either the seat post install or going to create a mount for the center console. I am just getting one ipad since my kids are 1 and 3!
Why wait for the IPAD 2?
It's only a month away and there are significant hardware upgrades.
Camera, faster, more memory, better battery, possibly 4G ready.
Even if you don't want the iPad2 I'm sure you will see a price drop on the original so you can save some $$$$
11 Explorer Trailer Tow Package
in Explorer, Mountaineer, Sport Trac Forum
Posted
If the Trailer Tow Package has a 26mm radiator and oil cooler as per the brochure, what does the non TTP have?
Does the non TTP Limited have anything more then the base or XLT?
I ask because I notice when you choose the Limited the alternator gets bumped up to a heavy duty 200AMP version and the battery CCA is higher as well.