As much as it pains me, it's time to replace my beloved (and second) Blazer.
I haul lots of stuff - never had a human passenger in the back seat so the fold flat back seat option is IMPORTANT.
I have top of the line 4wdLS leather interior. I love the info display on the map lights.
Have been looking at 2008 Explorers (XLT and Eddie Bauer) and 2008 Honda PIlots 40K aprox miles.
These are the only 2 I have found where the back seats fold truly flat. Anyone know of any others that do?
(trailblazer/pathfinder/envoy/traverse/escape do not!)

 

First: Prepare to take HEAT!
- I'm a Ford guy in a Chevy GM area and with family full of GM retirees, so I know.
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Now, here's a thought:
If you've never had a human in the second row then...
... why do you care if the seats fold flat? Just take them out altogether, store them, and build a hinged carpeted platform as your first 'mod'.
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Remember for creature comforts, you're also looking at Mountaineers. Some 'civilians' may sell their mountaineer cheaper because others dont know they're an 'explorer PLUS' and wont bid.
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First thing to do is find an Explorer forum* and find out what the problems are with that series, like I did with my Bravada.
Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

Finger in the wind - wise you're probably looking at a good time to buy.. folks are getting scared because of fuel prices and prices are dropping. That is, unless you're looking for an Escape, Milan or Mazda Tribute... %$##%$

* I dont know if a Honda forum is a reliable source of info. Remember the only forum you can trust has lots of users and is 'technical', like Blazerforum.
Honda Pilot - Honda Pilot Forums
Also Honda owners tend to be even more self-justifying than even 'Chebby-lovers'.. there, I said it. So you're much more likely to get to the true facts, the bigger the forum is. Like this one.

Bottom line, though.. even if those Hondas are built in the US, I dont like sending the Profit money to Japan. Unless the badge and assy plant is a money loser for Corp HQ, then it's okay.


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not a bad idea

i wouldn't get rid of the truck just cause your back seat

I dont know its hard for me to let things go like that .

 

I will go back to the drawing board for evaluating my beloved Blazer replacement now that I have this idea. Thanks!
This will be a tough choice. Escape is still small and Explorer's mpg is not much better than the Blazer...
Honda Pilot was nice but too rich for my wallet.
I like having 4wd but have only used it once so maybe I should rethink that as a requirement also...
Y'all have been very helpful! Any more suggestions for models to consider will be greatly appreciated!