Owner
Glen McLean
Kilometres travelled
25,000 - 50,000 km
Did you buy this car new or used?
Used
If used, what year did you buy it used?
2024
How much did you pay? (including all on-road costs)
$82,000
What were your needs when you bought this car? Has it fulfilled those needs?
I have a boat, three dogs and like camping, light off-roading and big high vehicles. No electric or hybrid vehicle fitted these needs at the time.
What were your initial thoughts about the car? Tell us why it appealed to you.
I test drove every vehicle that could tow 3,000kg braked and up on a car license. This included the new Chinese makes like the Tank 500, GWM and BYD offerings. I test drove the new Prado and Hilux. I left the Everest till last as I had a 2015 Ford Ranger XLT for 270,000kms beforehand.
The Everest is grunty, handles well, has good brakes, aircon, multimedia and a kick butt stereo by B&O. It has excellent hot, cold and comfortable seats. It tows well and has a great reversing camera.
What have you discovered since owning the car?
My mates want to steal it off me. The 21 inch wheels are too big and I’ll be going 18 inch when the tyres bald out at about 40k kms. I love the vehicle. It’s everything I hoped it would be. It’s pretty comfortable and hangs on well on gravel roads. The 4x4 system works very well. With traction control turned off, it does outstanding 4x4 donuts on grass. It sits at 140kph solidly.
What do you like/dislike about the car?
I don’t care for the sunroof. I’d prefer 18” wheels. Lack of height adjustment on the seatbelts is a big frustration. The beeps as the adaptive cruise control when it loses touch with the car in front is annoying. The plastic off-gassing greases up the windscreen and the only thing that cleans it off is high quality computer screen cleaner.
Any other comments on the car?
After spending some time looking for a sub $90k vehicle that is comfortable, grunty and can tow over 3,000kg, the options are few. For accessories, online content, Ford dealership support and the noticeable balance between quality, affordability and ruggedness, I don’t find anything better. I’m not a brand specific redneck. I was just after the best vehicle for my needs.
Reliability
5
Features/technology
5
Performance/economy
3
Value for money
4
Overall rating
4
Lastly, would you buy this vehicle again?
Yes
Why would/wouldn't you buy it again?
Because there’s nothing better at this price point. I keep up to date with what’s available in the market, I don’t see anything I’d trust to replace the Everest yet.
