‘Quality isn’t what it used to be’, US brand mechanic warns – new cars ‘plagued with high-tech problems’

A RETIRED car mechanic compared an old Ford Explorer and a new Ford Expedition in a savage YouTube review.

In the video titled This Brand of Car Used to be Great, But Now It Sucks, Scotty Kilmer explains why he recommends buying older Ford models.

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Kilmer Canal has over 6.2 million subscribers and its content offers tips, tricks, and reviews for customers interested in learning more about cars.

He has worked in the automobile industry for over 55 years.

On Youtube videoKilmer reviews a 2021 Ford Expedition that has been the subject of thousands of consumer complaints.

“The owner has had all kinds of problems with it since day one,” Kilmer said.

Consumers complained that vehicle warning lights would randomly turn on and off.

Another popular complaint was the loss of acceleration when drivers hit the gas after stopping.

Kilmer says that while he appreciates the fact that Ford vehicles are made in the USA, he has noticed that their quality “just isn’t what it used to be.”

After testing the Ford Expedition, he was able to resolve many consumer complaints by switching to the vehicle’s sport mode.

While the YouTuber addressed some consumer concerns about the Ford Expedition, he said it’s still not as reliable as the old Ford Explorer, which retails for just $1,500.

Some predictable complaints about Ford’s older model include faded paint, broken AC, and a huge dent on one side of the car.

However, Kilmer quickly explained that the large dent did not compromise the structure of the vehicle, so it would not affect the driving experience in any way.

After reviewing live data from the Ford Explorer, he said he didn’t see anything that would cause concern.

On test drive, the Ford Explorer had a “smooth ride” overall, with minor shudders when going over bumps, but Kilmer attributes this to the fact that it’s a used car.

According to consumer complaints, most drivers have had three main problems with the Ford Expedition: transmission failure, sporadic engine warning signs, and terrible paintwork.

Tips for buying a used car

When shopping for a used car, the experts at US News & World Report offer some tips before you hit the sales lot.

1. Set a realistic budget. Some cars are more expensive to insure and register than others, depending on the engine type, body style, weight and number of doors. Before you get ripped off by a slick salesman, it’s important to know what you can and can’t afford.
2. Researching which car best fits your lifestyle can save you a lot of time. Would a sedan work better for your garage or narrow street? Would a truck meet transportation or towing needs? Knowing what meets your needs can narrow down your options.
3. Look for certified pre-owned cars. Certified pre-owned cars are backed by the manufacturer and come with comprehensive warranties at affordable prices. Some manufacturers have better deals on CPO cars, so shop around carefully.
4. Not all financing options are created equal. Depending on where you intend to finance, if this is on the table, be very careful about who you finance. Your best option would be to get pre-approved by your bank before coming in to get an idea of ​​what rates are affordable and give the dealership an incentive to meet or beat those rates.
5. Consider a used car inspection. Depending on where you are purchasing a vehicle, you may choose to pay around $200 for a used car inspection to have major components examined by an expert.
6. Consider a vehicle history report. When things get close to signing, purchasing a VIN-based vehicle history report can help shed light on previous owners, maintenance records (if it was taken to a dealership), title status and more.

Source: US News and World Report

More than 1,500 claims were recorded on CarComplaints.com about the Ford Expedition.

Although the 2003 Ford Expedition had the most complaints overall, the 2004 model year was rated worst because it had higher repair costs and more problems with lower mileage.

CarComplaints ranked it 28th in overall reliability out of 42 Ford models with real engine and body issues.

“Would I pay 55,000 for this car? No, I wouldn’t pay,” Kilmer said. “I don’t think it has quality.”

“I would frankly expect a better driving experience for around $50,000. That kind of money I would expect more than what this is bringing in.”

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