Inventory Listing

Locally owned and locally maintained 2008 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD. Finished in Silver metallic with tan leather interior. Powered by the 4.0L V6 paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Options include leather interior, driver power seat, moonroof, fold-flat rear seats, third row seating for seven passengers, rear parking sensors, roof racks, running boards, tow package, adjustable brake pedal, AM/FM/CD, steering wheel audio controls, AC, cruise control, and much more. If you are looking for an affordable seven-passenger mid-size SUV, this is a great option. Not many cars in this price range, so don’t miss out- this will sell almost instantly! This ’08 Explorer comes with a three-owner clean carfax, no accidents, 14 service records, and a Clean California title.

SERVICED WITH BRAND-NEW:

• Front Brake Pads
• Hood Struts
• Windshield
• Rear Brake Pads
• Beam Wiper Blades
• Front Fog Light Lens Housing
• Smog

Essentials

• Model & Mileage: 2008 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD with the proven 4.0L V6 engine and just 127,106 miles—well below average for its age.
• Ownership History: Three owners total; most recent owner based in Arroyo Grande, prior ownership in the Los Angeles area.
• Maintenance Record: 14 full service records documenting regular oil changes, fluid services, and inspections—locally performed during current ownership.
• Title & Condition: Clean California title; no liens, salvage, or flood history.
• Exterior/Interior: Silver Gray Metallic paint (still shines beautifully) paired with tan leather seats in excellent condition.
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with 5-speed automatic transmission—smooth, efficient, and ideal for California highways and mild terrain.
• Seating Capacity: True 7-passenger configuration with second-row 60/40 split bench and fold-flat third row.
• NHTSA Safety Ratings: 5 stars frontal crash (driver & passenger), 5 stars side crash, 4 stars rollover.
• Key Features: Power driver seat with lumbar, keyless entry, cruise control, fog lamps, roof rails, privacy glass, alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input, and more—well above base trim.
• Value Proposition: Locally owned and maintained Arroyo Grande trade-in priced for immediate sale; strong residual value in the used midsize SUV market.

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

The 2008 Ford Explorer earned top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Overall Frontal Crash: 5 stars (5 stars driver, 5 stars passenger)
• Overall Side Crash: 5 stars (5 stars front seat, 5 stars rear seat)
• Rollover: 4 stars (excellent for a body-on-frame SUV of this era)

These ratings reflect the Explorer’s strong structure, standard side-curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control, and tire-pressure monitoring system—features that were cutting-edge when new and still provide excellent protection today.

History of the Fourth-Generation Explorer (2006–2010)

The fourth-generation Ford Explorer, produced from July 2005 through December 2010 at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, represented a major evolution for America’s best-selling SUV. Building on the third-generation platform but with a significantly stiffer new frame from Magna International, updated front and rear styling, and a redesigned one-piece liftgate, this generation shifted toward greater on-road refinement while retaining legendary truck-like toughness. Ford introduced independent rear suspension refinements, standard electronic stability control, and side-curtain airbags across the lineup—making it one of the safest midsize SUVs of its time. The 2006–2010 models were the last body-on-frame Explorers before the switch to unibody construction in 2011. This generation earned praise for balancing family comfort with real-world utility and was even nominated for North American Truck of the Year. Over 500,000 examples were built, cementing the Explorer’s reputation as the go-to vehicle for American families who wanted space, capability, and confidence on any road.

Fuel Economy, Horsepower & Torque Ratings

Powering this specific XLT is Ford’s reliable 4.0-liter SOHC V6, rated at 210 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm. That torque comes on strong at low rpm, making highway merging effortless and light towing a breeze (up to 3,500–5,300 lbs when properly equipped with the optional towing package). EPA estimates for this rear-wheel-drive configuration are 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / approximately 16–17 mpg combined on regular unleaded fuel—respectable numbers for a full-size, seven-passenger SUV of this era. Real-world owners consistently report 15–18 mpg mixed driving with the 5-speed automatic, especially on long highway trips where the engine cruises comfortably at 2,000–2,500 rpm. The 22.5-gallon fuel tank delivers a real-world range of 350–400 miles between fill-ups, perfect for road trips without constant stops.

Reliability, 7-Passenger Seating, XLT Features & Competition Comparison

The 4.0L V6 in fourth-generation Explorers has a well-earned reputation for longevity when maintained—and this example’s 14 service records tell the story. Common watch items (plastic thermostat housing, occasional radiator, and timing-chain guides on higher-mileage examples) are far less concerning at 127k miles with documented care. Many well-kept 4.0L Explorers routinely exceed 200,000–250,000 miles with nothing more than routine fluids and belts. The 5-speed automatic is smooth and durable with regular service, and the body-on-frame chassis shrugs off potholes and light off-road use better than many modern unibody crossovers.

This XLT is equipped with the popular 7-passenger seating package: the second-row 60/40 split bench slides and reclines for easy third-row access, and the third row folds completely flat into the floor for maximum cargo space (up to 85 cubic feet behind the first row). Families love the roomy, theater-style seating that keeps kids happy on long drives.

Compared to the base XL trim, the XLT adds significant comfort and convenience: power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless entry with keypad, cruise control, fog lamps, chrome accents, upgraded cloth or leather seating (this one has beautiful tan leather), alloy wheels, roof rails, privacy glass, and a more premium interior with better sound insulation. Optional leather, power driver seat with lumbar support, and upgraded audio were popular XLT choices that make this example feel far more upscale than entry-level models.

In 2008, the Explorer competed head-to-head with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer/GMC Envoy, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Nissan Pathfinder. It offered more interior volume and true three-row seating than the Grand Cherokee or 4Runner, smoother highway manners than the truck-based TrailBlazer, and better towing capacity than the unibody Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander of the era. While the 4Runner excelled in extreme off-road use, the Explorer delivered superior on-road comfort, refinement, and family versatility at a more accessible price point. Owners consistently chose it for its “best of both worlds” balance—truck capability without the harsh ride of pure off-roaders.

Why This Specific Explorer Is a Smart Buy Today

This vehicle spent time in Southern California under previous ownership before its third owner brought it to Arroyo Grande, where it has been meticulously maintained ever since. The Silver Gray Metallic paint still pops under California sunshine, and the tan leather shows only light, expected wear consistent with 127k careful miles. All power features work as they should, the A/C blows ice-cold, and the engine starts instantly with no unusual noises or smoke. Recent local service records confirm fresh fluids, brakes in excellent condition, and tires with plenty of life remaining.

At today’s used-SUV prices, a clean, low-mileage, three-row Explorer with this documented history is a rare find. You’re getting a proven family hauler that costs pennies to insure, is easy and inexpensive to service anywhere, and still turns heads with its classic good looks. Whether you’re upgrading from a sedan, downsizing from a larger truck, or simply want a reliable second vehicle for the kids’ sports teams and weekend adventures, this Explorer checks every box.

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