We bought a used 1996 Explorer XLT a little over a year ago for our daughter after the birth of our first grandchild, to put her in a safer and more reliable vehicle. At the time, it had 188,000 (one family - original owners) miles. Since then, there have been very minor problems, and the regular maintenance as expenses.
Then, in the last two weeks, while commuting on or near I-75 in Atlanta rush hour traffic, she was rear-ended TWICE. Both times she was stopped, and the grandson was not in the vehicle. The first one slightly bent the rear bumper, and totalled the other car due to front end-radiator damage. The second time the bumber was bent a little more, no other damage.
Say what you want about the Explorer, but to us, this is one great vehicle and you be be sure that it will be with her until it completely dies.
Stay safe out there!
John