FORD EXPLORER (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 92 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
92
Avg Mileage
72,400 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 2005 FORD EXPLORER reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 19 years old, 89% of FORD EXPLORERs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 92 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,400 miles.
How does the 2005 FORD EXPLORER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 FORD EXPLORER has 72,400 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
How much does a 2005 FORD EXPLORER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD EXPLORER by Year
Checking a specific FORD EXPLORER?
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About the 2005 FORD EXPLORER
The 2005 FORD EXPLORER is a performance with a 4600cc petrol engine. 92 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2005 cars for reliability.
With an average of 72,400 miles at 19 years old, FORD EXPLORER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 FORD EXPLORER Fuel Costs
The 4600cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 FORD EXPLORER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD EXPLORER Reliability Trend
Newer FORD EXPLORERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 FORD EXPLORER
At 19 years old, the FORD EXPLORER is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 92 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2005 FORD EXPLORER
The FORD EXPLORER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW X5 (2005) 77% pass rate (-12%) from 11,188 tests
- MERCEDES CLK (2004) 76% pass rate (-13%) from 8,352 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (2006) 80% pass rate (-9%) from 8,231 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2005) 82% pass rate (-7%) from 8,058 tests