Is a 1999 Ford Explorer a good first car?

I'm 16 and I've been looking for a car. In 2011, my dad bought a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD. He had it until the summer of 2012. I loved that car. I would like to buy one exactly like his old one. Is it a good car? I need the 4WD in the snow. It's the perfect size for me.

I don't know much about car engines and stuff. But I've had a few friends with explorers. Good vehicles. They are roomy and if you go camping or off roading even better. Although with a bigger vehicle then a car it will take more gas and therefore cost more to fill it. With my car a 2005 ford focus and where I live Oregon. Gas is about $3.73, cheapest place right now to fill my car it's about 11.5 gallons I believe and it costs about 45$ right now. With the explorer my estimate would be 20$-$30 more then that to fill. But if you have a job or your parents will help you not that big a deal. I would love a bit bigger vehicle. As long as it runs good and has good tires it is a good vehicle. Have fun and be safe! Please don't drink and drive or text and drive and I don't know where you live but having some kind of road side assistance is helpful. Like AAA will fix a flat and tow your car up to like 100 miles for the package I have. Just extra security on the road. Just an idea.
Also 1999 vehicles don't always have CD players in them which I wanted in my car. But you can always put one in. So yeah. Have fun!

Yes, they are good vehicles. My son has a 1996 Explorer Limited. Just remember it's not going to get real good gas mileage, so it will be somewhat expensive to operate. You'll be looking at about 15-20 miles per gallon.

Its old but i guess so

First off you can't by until 18 or get insurance. Hopefully dad can buy as trade in average is 500.00 with 4wd and 155,000 miles. Retail is 800-1000. Any loan will not happen.

1996-2003 were a bad few years for Explorer as a whole. First the 4wd is AWD and if 2 door is a sport which cost more than the full size as is a real 4wd. The other issues were quality, very fast depreciation, and a lot of recalls besides bad gas mileage

Also I know you are young but be prepared to own till it dies an is mechanically sound now as has very little KBB value in fair condition besides not being able to finance due to years and miles by any bank.

It'd be better to go with a Ford Kuga - http://www.fleetavenue.com.au/ford-kuga.php