f150 or explorer

I am looking for a second vehicle to replace my Bronco II. I need to be
able to pull a small boat (2000 pounds) AND have a car that a family of
4 (2 small kids) can fit in on short trips. I have been looking at both
the 150 extended cab and the explorer. Again this is a second car so I
want to do this for under $5000. Which of these hold up better as they
get in the upper milage? any help would be great.

"Wayne Makowicki" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am looking for a second vehicle to replace my Bronco II. I need to be
> able to pull a small boat (2000 pounds) AND have a car that a family of
> 4 (2 small kids) can fit in on short trips. I have been looking at both
> the 150 extended cab and the explorer. Again this is a second car so I
> want to do this for under $5000. Which of these hold up better as they
> get in the upper milage? any help would be great.
>

I think the f150 is made a lot better than the explorer. This is based on
jdpower.com ratings. You may want to look at the diesel excursion. They are
really cheap (used) in Chicago land area.

<< I am looking for a second vehicle to replace my Bronco II. I need to
be able to pull a small boat (2000 pounds) AND have a car that a family
of 4 (2 small kids) can fit in on short trips. I have been looking at
both the 150 extended cab and the explorer. Again this is a second car
so I want to do this for under $5000. Which of these hold up better as
they get in the upper milage? any help would be great. >>
Wayne,
If you're looking for mileage, the Explorer is the better choice.
For safety and durabilty, the F-150 is the choice.
I'd suggest considering a full-sized late-model Bronco. You get the
safety & durability of the 1/2 ton truck platform with a shorter
wheelbase than a four-door Explorer. A good used XLT with most of the
bells & whistles should run close to what you want to spend. Depending
on the engine option (300-6, 302 V-8 or 351 V-8) the mileage you get
should be between 14-16 MPG. The towing you want to do will be no
problem with a Bronco.
Personally, I'd look for the 351 engine, whether you go with the Bronco
or the F-series.
I have an '89 Bronco with a 302 and a '94 Bronco with a 351. The larger
engine consistently gets a couple MPG better mileage than the smaller
302.
My 2 cents and good luck in your search.

Randy