Big Wheels, Diminishing Price
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday March 17, 2000
David Berthon hits the hills in search of a $6,510 Ford Explorer discount.
Ford's US-built Explorer has been driven into new discount territory by growing competition in the mid-size four-wheel drive market.
Fury Ford at Lidcombe is selling the basic Explorer XL for $33,990 plus on-road costs - $6,510 below its recommended retail price. This is the same price the early series was discounted to in 1997 not long after its arrival.
Equipment levels are high for its class - dual airbags, air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, power steering, traction control, cruise control, alloy wheels, central locking and power windows and mirrors.
However, like so many of Ford's American-sourced models, the Explorer generally seems unsuited to Australian conditions.
Lacking both the fit and finish and suspension refinement of the Japanese competition, it has struggled to find a niche in the burgeoning four-wheel drive market.
Launched here in 1996, the US top-seller was refined about two years ago with
styling updates and a more controlled suspension. But it is now showing its age
and lags well behind the best players in the all-terrain market.
The entry 4.0-litre V6 Explorer XL is limited by the lack of an automatic while the better-equipped XLT and top-line limited models only come with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Explorer also falls from favour for being only a five-seater. Mitsubishi's Pajero, the current best-seller in the class, has seven seats while Toyota's Prado has eight. The Explorer's seats are generally uncomfortable, as is the driving position.
The constant four-wheel drive Explorer seems best suited to on-road cruising
with the two upmarket automatic models proving to have more car-like appeal.
Despite being the slower sellers, the XLT and Limited can be purchased with the same $6,500 discount as the XL - the XLT is normally listed at $48,500 and the flagship Limited at $60,000.
Ford sold 1,800 Explorers last year, well down on the 3,509 that hit Australian roads in 1998. The maker will introduce a smaller four-wheel drive called the Escape early next year.
Based on the same platform as Mazda's Tribute, due about the same time, it will
have a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 engines.
DRIVE A BARGAIN
1999 Holden Statesman WH V8 sedan
$55,990 drive-away
Camden Holden
5.7-litre V8, four-speed automatic, dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, climate control air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, power steering, power windows and mirrors, six-CD player, trip computer, full power equipment. Save about $4,500 on normal on-road price.
1999 MGF roadster
Cash rebate, minimum $2,730 (varies depending on model)
MG Garage, Sydney Rebate is geared to estimated savings on current price tag after the introduction of GST.
Offer ends May 31, or while stock lasts.
2000 Toyota Prado GXL eight-seat 4WD wagon
$44,599 plus dealer delivery and government statutory charges
Noble Toyota, Chullora
3.4-litre V6, four-speed automatic, air-conditioned, power steering, cruise control, CD player, central locking, power windows and mirrors, steering height adjust and split/fold rear seat. Save $5,261.
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald
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