Hi all! New member here! I really, REALLY want a KR. However, I just cannot justify the cost for what you get. I have owned 2 Ford Explorers, both EBs, a 1997 and a 2002. I was in a severe accident last year and lost the 1997. I loved the truck. I bought a used 2002 to replace it, and the truck is nice, but I want something different. It's just too dull (the interior--I love the ext).

A few things that bug me about the KR:
1. No navigation system option. For a top of the line vehicle these days I think this is unacceptable. I am terrible with directions and this would help me out a lot. Plus I love electronic toys. I know there are third party options, like the Pioneer, but that is another $1500-$2000 and I prefer the look of factory installed accessories. I've never modified any vehicle I've owned in any way.

2. I really don't like the flow-thru console in a pickup and would rather have the shifter on the wheel (though for an SUV or car I prefer it on the floor--go figure). I think the chrome shifter looks a little strange in the truck. I would like to have a bench seat. I see them in pictures (not for KR), but when I try to build one on the website I don't see an option for it, at least on the Lariat (I know it is not a choice on KR). I will not get anything but KR or Lariat.

3. You cannot have the moonroof (which is a must for me--I miss it from my 1997) and a rear seat DVD system. I plan on having the truck for at least 10 years and hopefully by then I will have started a family and I think this option would be useful. Could be fun on dates too.

I do, however, feel loyal to Ford. My 97 Explorer saved my life. I loved it and planned on having it for a long time to come. I want to trade in the 02 Explorer because I think it is not as good a vehicle as my old 1997. I feel like Ford took a big step backwards between these models. For example, my 1997 had the message center in the center console on the bottom. It was big and easy to read. My new one has a tiny 2 line bar that I can hardly see on the right hand side of the instrument panel. I don't like the third row seat or the seats themselves. Like I said I miss the moonroof. I know most of these are available, but I needed to get a new car ASAP after my wreck and I was depressed and not really myself and I settled for this vehicle because it was low mileage, very clean, and a decent deal. Maybe I just miss my old one.

I think the F-150 is the nicest looking pickup on the road and would love to have the KR, but I just cannot justify the cost. I can get the 2005 Grand Cherokee for the same $$$ and it has a better engine (I think), nav and rear DVD and moonroof. The Lexus RX330 doesn't cost much more either and you get probably a better made vehicle (and the nicest interior on the planet for my $$$, thought the exterior is iffy looking at best). I know they are not Pickups, but I am looking at "bang for the buck" here. I know the KR Expedition is coming out, and I will certainly look at it, but I think it will cost nearly $50,000 while the KR, Jeep, and Lexus are around $42,000. I also like the Infiniti FX35 though I think it costs a little more.

It just seems Ford is a little overpriced to me.

BTW, thanks for the great info here! I read the board everyday. BTW, Lenticular, thanks for the pics! I think the Dk stone color looks great! I wanted Dark Copper, but Stone is nice! (I'd have to see it in person of course).

Can anyone convince me to get the KR even though it doesn't have everything I want? Like I said, exterior, I give it an A+. Interior gets a C. (based on pictures)

My grades for the others:
2005 Jeep: Exterior: B+ Interior: B+
2005 Lexus RX330: Exterior: B- Interior: A+
FX35: Exterior: A Interior B

I refuse to buy anything Chevy and GMC. I am neutral on Dodge. I love Ford, but I just want more options. I want to buy American, but I have to think of the pocketbook, too.

Thanks!

 

Hello fortworth... welcome to f150online.com!

First and foremost, you need to look at what is going to suit your lifestyle the most and what, ultimately, will make you happy that falls within your price range.

I think your cry that there's too little for too much $ will fall, generally, on deaf ears here as we are a huge group of enthusiasts that love our trucks dearly. Sure, we'd all like to spend less money but, I'll speak for myself here when I say I got what I paid for. I'd dare go on to say that the majority of us are very glad that we spent a little extra money for our interior/exterior options that came with the KR package. Why else would one venture here and follow along with the banter?

Now, to clarify only one thing that I read within your post that I saw to be incorrect....

The F-150 DOES have an available moon roof. My 2001 KR has a moon roof and, like you, I'm not sure I could own another vehicle without it. It's an approximate $800+ option. Further, you can add the option for a power rear sliding glass (which I have as a personal installed option and I LoVe it).

Outside of that, it seems like you're weighing and assessing various options which any smart consumer would do. Further, I think you're dead on with the KR Expy. It's going to be pricey but, again, I think Ford plans on selling several (one of our members has one on order already -- he just picked up his 2005 KR F-150 a couple of days ago as well...). It's all in what you want, how much you're willing to spend, and, like I said early in this post, ultimately what's best for you.

Best of luck with your decision and if we can be of any assistance, please let us know. I think you know, though, that you're going to receive a biased opinion generally speaking...

RP

 

Hello Fort Worth
I am also living in the Great state of Texas.

First things first. Hurry over to the Dallas Fair Grounds and enjoy our wonderful state fair. You can see every vehicle possible and even the King Ranch F-150 and Expedition in all their glory. I am willing to bet that the Moonroof will be an option on the EXPY.

As far as navigation you could go spend 42,000 for a similarly socked truck with the Titan and I will still have better seats.

Some people just aren't King Ranch people. For me I wouldn't care if I didn't have power windows or cruise control, or If I didn't have keyless entry or a 6 disc cd changer. I am still proud that I can sit in butter soft Castano leather seating and No matter what vehicle you buy you'll still be jealous.

See you at the Fair

Tony

 

I have a 2003 Black KR 4x4 and I will drive the thing until it absolutely falls apart. It's the last of the old body style, which allowed me to save $11,000 off the sticker price (no I'm not kidding). If you don't like the 2004-2005 set up, find you a good 2003 model with low miles. You'll save some $$ on cost while enjoying the ride of your life! That's my 2 cents. Hope you will join us!!

 

I just ordered my KR last week and I was thinking of saving some $$$ by going for the rebate and getting an '04 but after actually getting in and taking a drive in the I was sold and figured how often am I going to actually use the navigation system.

I made the mistake back in 2002 and didn't go KR went XLT trying to save some $$$ and it didn't make sense to trade in '03. I will say I will miss the old body style but I feel my Dark Copper KR is (will be) a nice looking truck and a portable navigation system that I can let my wife use or maybe even take on the jetskis is money better spent.

Enjoy the truck (it is a truck you are looking for?) you get.

 

Hey Fort Worth -

I went through the same thing...

I ended up buying a 2001 KR Super Crew 4x4 Estate Green. It came with a 3" lift. It only had 30k miles on it and the previous owner loaded it up. DVD in the front, navagational system, cd changer, moon roof. We bought a portable dvd player with two monitors for the back seats. We got the buckets and put seat covers on them. Our son loves it!! So does my husband when we travel. He plays x-box on one screen. while our son watches movies on the other. It still leaves me plenty of options for the front. We only paid 22k for the whole thing (which included a 4yr/125k warranty). We are VERY satisfied with it. We too will drive it until it dies.

The best part is.....I haven't met a person who isn't impressed with the seats and the look of the truck.

Best of luck with your decision.