Expedition always last to get anything.

[Phillip White]

So, what is the deal with the Expedition getting nothing at all until its went through all of their other product line? I own a 2017 and was hesitant to buy it since, after some research, I found that there has been very little change with it since the second generation (2006). I carried on though and made the purchase as I needed the room as I have up to 5 Mental Health clients that we care for in our home and since I have loved Ford since I was young enough to drive ( some 40 years now ). I paid a great amount for it - the Limited MAX and still owe about 69K after just over a year when the 2018's pop out with all this luxury and re-branded sound and new look. Well... I wanted it. It's about time I thought that the Expedition gets some luxury for the price you pay for them. I set up the deal and was browsing one last time through the Platinum trim when I noticed that the 120v inverter they include is ONLY 150 watts! I stopped everything. Until I seen this I heard that the 2018's were getting a proper 400 watt inverter like the rest of Ford's product line has and is what I needed because my GT70 laptop needs more than the 150 watts supplied by more current 2017 model so I was excited that I won't have that issue with the 2018's. Nope, Ford has done it again. Shorted us Expo owners in yet another year. Don't get me wrong - I do like some of the new features offered in the 2018 - you know - the ones that a lot of their other product lines already had ( I actually walked all over the store checking out all the other vehicles and they all had 400 watts ) but, seriously? Cheaping out on an inverter? I wanted to scream! Honestly... With all the cash they are saving on material to build these things (lighter) you would think they could afford us the luxury of keeping their high-priced line up-to-date? Nope. So, again, stopped the deal. I will not pay 86K for something they added a few 10 dollar features to if they aren't even going to pay attention to what people need yet continue to charge the big money for. Anyone know what this is about? Why the Expedition is always the last to get anything? Why it's never kept current with tech? I am very sad faced just now.

 

[Trainmaster]

I'm just speculating here, but I'd suppose Ford doesn't have to stay in the forefront with bells and whistles to sell these cars. The opposite would be true in their pickups where competition across a full range of price markets is fierce. The Expedition buyer only has one other choice, that being GM. They are generally older (average age in their 50's) and have a higher incomes. That demographic has always been less attracted to bells and whistles and may actually shun the latest technology.

On another hand, the Expedition's development has always trailed on the coattails of the Ford light trucks and nearly always has been hashed together from successful truck designs and parts. Despite what some may view as a liability, the trucks have very limited competition and sell strongly.

For what may be the first time for Expedition, Ford appears to be heralding its latest WiFi technology with the 2018. Perhaps they are hearing more from people like you these days who seek a more updated design.

 

[Phillip White]

I traded in the 2014 F150 Platinum for the 2017 Expedition and I so wish I hadn't of had to but, again, needed the space. The F150 was so spacious and just as powerful as the Expedition. Conversely, the Expedition is much smaller in width thereby making the seats a lot smaller which is, for the most part, very uncomfortable in comparison but overall I respect the Expedition in that they have done well with space and putting in the EcoBoost engine.

I have read and understood everything you have replied with and thank you for your opinion - much appreciated! I guess I wish Ford would just be more forthcoming in what they release to the public with respect to why they make these decisions - and if they make enough sense - somewhat like your reply does - then I might be able to understand and swallow my attitude and go ahead and buy one just the same. I suppose I am looking for some justification on spending even more money on something that doesn't seem to be evolving that much. There are some things I do like about the 2018 though... I like the Denali look around the wheels. I think it's also higher which I also like. I don't much care about knowing if I am crossing over the line while driving since if I am doing that I probably shouldn't be driving. Anyway - rambling I am. Again, I thank you for your reply!

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

So, what is the deal with the Expedition getting nothing at all until its went through all of their other product line? I own a 2017 and was hesitant to buy it since, after some research, I found that there has been very little change with it since the second generation (2006). I carried on though and made the purchase as I needed the room as I have up to 5 Mental Health clients that we care for in our home and since I have loved Ford since I was young enough to drive ( some 40 years now ). I paid a great amount for it - the Limited MAX and still owe about 69K after just over a year when the 2018's pop out with all this luxury and re-branded sound and new look. Well... I wanted it. It's about time I thought that the Expedition gets some luxury for the price you pay for them. I set up the deal and was browsing one last time through the Platinum trim when I noticed that the 120v inverter they include is ONLY 150 watts! I stopped everything. Until I seen this I heard that the 2018's were getting a proper 400 watt inverter like the rest of Ford's product line has and is what I needed because my GT70 laptop needs more than the 150 watts supplied by more current 2017 model so I was excited that I won't have that issue with the 2018's. Nope, Ford has done it again. Shorted us Expo owners in yet another year. Don't get me wrong - I do like some of the new features offered in the 2018 - you know - the ones that a lot of their other product lines already had ( I actually walked all over the store checking out all the other vehicles and they all had 400 watts ) but, seriously? Cheaping out on an inverter? I wanted to scream! Honestly... With all the cash they are saving on material to build these things (lighter) you would think they could afford us the luxury of keeping their high-priced line up-to-date? Nope. So, again, stopped the deal. I will not pay 86K for something they added a few 10 dollar features to if they aren't even going to pay attention to what people need yet continue to charge the big money for. Anyone know what this is about? Why the Expedition is always the last to get anything? Why it's never kept current with tech? I am very sad faced just now.

Welcome to the Forum Phillip. I've thought about trading my 17 on an 18 but I have decided not to do it. I may reconsider it in about 5 years.

 

[mossback]

Overall I love my ‘17- it’s a fantastic vehicle all around. But I agree 100% about the 150W inverter outlet. It’s way, way too underpowered.

 

[Artie]

I hadn’t even thought to check this item but after you mentioned it I looked and sure enough, the trucks get the 400 watt one. I can only assume that Ford thinks the truck one would get used on job sites or whatever. Idk. What kind of stuff is the 150 watt good for? I only need to charge my phone or tablet in the car so having a inverter is new to me.

 

[Phillip White]

Well, 400 watts is just enough for light-weight tools. On the job site they would need much more than 400 watts for normal use tools. I have thought about most reasons why they wouldn't have included the 400 watts and could not come up with anything reasonable. If the dealer can offer me a sweat deal on a 2018 with a trade-in on my 2017 with its negative equity I will go for it just cause I do like how the 2018 looks overall but the payments on it will need to be about the same as I am paying now otherwise no extra effort (money down or over-budgeting) will be made since Ford doesn't seem to put in the extra effort. To put in a 400 watt or better is actually pretty cheap ( pure sign wave ) but the thing that stops me from doing that is it would look like crap mounted aftermarket.

Oh, and thank you all for the warm welcome to the forums!

 

[aggiegrad05]

I hadn’t even thought to check this item but after you mentioned it I looked and sure enough, the trucks get the 400 watt one. I can only assume that Ford thinks the truck one would get used on job sites or whatever. Idk. What kind of stuff is the 150 watt good for? I only need to charge my phone or tablet in the car so having a inverter is new to me.

Here’s a page I found with some example of what devices require what wattage. It seems like everything I’ll ever plug in will be fine. It’s not like I’ll be microwaving a burrito while ironing a shirt in my back seat. Haha

http://gpelectric.com/company/how-determine-what-size-inverter-use


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Phillip White]

Here’s a page I found with some example of what devices require what wattage. It seems like everything I’ll ever plug in will be fine. It’s not like I’ll be microwaving a burrito while ironing a shirt in my back seat. Haha

http://gpelectric.com/company/how-determine-what-size-inverter-use


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Unfortunately 150 watts doesn't power my laptop - which is the only thing I use that socket for. The laptop requires 160 watts. If I had decent Internet out here in the rural area I wouldn't have to bring my laptop into town to download the latest updates for my family's games

 

[Artie]

Unfortunately 150 watts doesn't power my laptop - which is the only thing I use that socket for. The laptop requires 160 watts. If I had decent Internet out here in the rural area I wouldn't have to bring my laptop into town to download the latest updates for my family's games

I just checked my laptop and it’s 180 Watts! I am surprised it’s that high. As for the inverter it’s self I’m curious as to the actual difference in dimensions and if switching it with the F150 part is a possibility. I don’t think this one feature will be an issue for me but it would be nice to have a higher wattage option should I use my laptop in the car.

 

[gtnator]

Well, 400 watts is just enough for light-weight tools. On the job site they would need much more than 400 watts for normal use tools. I have thought about most reasons why they wouldn't have included the 400 watts and could not come up with anything reasonable. If the dealer can offer me a sweat deal on a 2018 with a trade-in on my 2017 with its negative equity I will go for it just cause I do like how the 2018 looks overall but the payments on it will need to be about the same as I am paying now otherwise no extra effort (money down or over-budgeting) will be made since Ford doesn't seem to put in the extra effort. To put in a 400 watt or better is actually pretty cheap ( pure sign wave ) but the thing that stops me from doing that is it would look like crap mounted aftermarket.

Oh, and thank you all for the warm welcome to the forums!

Yup, I would trade in a 2017 for a 2018 in a heartbeat! The 2017 was mostly designed and developed in the late 1990's and only "refreshed" (not redesigned) in the mid 2000's, so really its a very, very old vehicle based on everything Ford knew and understood about vehicle design some 20 years ago. It's a great vehicle, just an old designed vehicle.

So really, if you trade in a 2017 for a 2018, you can think of it like you're trading in a 20 year old vehicle for a brand spanking new one, lol. Think of it that way if it helps make the decision easier.

 

[MiddKid]

Unfortunately 150 watts doesn't power my laptop - which is the only thing I use that socket for. The laptop requires 160 watts. If I had decent Internet out here in the rural area I wouldn't have to bring my laptop into town to download the latest updates for my family's games

Bummer. My 15in MacBook Pro uses 87W while my wife's 13in MacBook Pro uses 61W. Arguably we can both charge at the same time!

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I just checked my laptop and it’s 180 Watts! I am surprised it’s that high. As for the inverter it’s self I’m curious as to the actual difference in dimensions and if switching it with the F150 part is a possibility. I don’t think this one feature will be an issue for me but it would be nice to have a higher wattage option should I use my laptop in the car.

My guess is that it would be fairly easy to change it out. I have a 400 W inverter that I bought for when we traveled with our kids to PA a few years ago. They are all in their 20s now but they had a laptop plugged in and they were charging a few handheld games during the 8 hour road trip. So if you need more you can always take portable inverter with you and plug it into the accessory outlet.

 

[Artie]

My guess is that it would be fairly easy to change it out. I have a 400 W inverter that I bought for when we traveled with our kids to PA a few years ago. They are all in their 20s now but they had a laptop plugged in and they were charging a few handheld games during the 8 hour road trip. So if you need more you can always take portable inverter with you and plug it into the accessory outlet.

Yeah I’m with you on this,for most buyers I think there is a work around but I’d prefer a hidden unit just so I don’t have to hassle with it. Idk, I’m still not too concerned.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Yeah I’m with you on this,for most buyers I think there is a work around but I’d prefer a hidden unit just so I don’t have to hassle with it. Idk, I’m still not too concerned.

My guess it is hidden under the console and easily swapped out with the larger one, except for the cost. It's probably an afternoon project or have the dealer do it as part of the purchase.

 

[Artie]

My guess it is hidden under the console and easily swapped out with the larger one, except for the cost. It's probably an afternoon project or have the dealer do it as part of the purchase.

I may ask my salesman about this just out of curiosity.

 

[JExpedition07]

Yup, I would trade in a 2017 for a 2018 in a heartbeat! The 2017 was mostly designed and developed in the late 1990's and only "refreshed" (not redesigned) in the mid 2000's, so really its a very, very old vehicle based on everything Ford knew and understood about vehicle design some 20 years ago. It's a great vehicle, just an old designed vehicle.

So really, if you trade in a 2017 for a 2018, you can think of it like you're trading in a 20 year old vehicle for a brand spanking new one, lol. Think of it that way if it helps make the decision easier.

Idk I’m disliking the 18’ the more I see it, thought I liked it at first but now that I see some around I’m thinking they are ugly, especially the rear. My truck looks so much more masculine and strong next to the 18’. Old is gold, ford ran this design and it worked great, we will see how the new 18’ holds up, new doesn’t mean better. A 97 expy was built better than my 07 and my 07 probably built better than the new one.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

...new doesn’t mean better. A 97 expy was built better than my 07 and my 07 probably built better than the new one.

The reality is that things built 50 years ago were built better than things built today. Back then, they were built to be repaired, they were built stronger and heavier. In each succeeding decade, things have been cost reduced - meaning make them cheaper, make them disposable, when it breaks we just dispose of it and get a new one. Vehicles are one of the few remaining things built that can be repaired and even some components on them can only be replaced. But my point is that a 20 year old or a 10 year old vehicle may have started out as having been better built but 10-20 years of wear and tear eventually brings them to an end of life condition. They have to be replaced and we replace them with a newer vehicle. Some people are perfectly happy buying a used vehicle (and hoping that the previous owners didn't abuse them) others have the money and are more comfortable knowing that they have a brand new vehicle and will do everything possible to make sure that it is properly cared for.

I'm not trying to start an argument, because I'm really not, but this is Ford's new design, it is probably going to be around for a long time and they probably have facelifts and updates already planned for the next 10 years, if you don't like it you don't have to buy it. It is clear that Ford isn't going to please everybody. I don't have a problem with the truck looking masculine or not, it doesn't define me but that's just me. I like the new look the more I see it the more I like it. I have yet to drive one but as soon as one shows up on my local dealer's lot, I am going to take it for a short test drive.

 

[JExpedition07]

The reality is that things built 50 years ago were built better than things built today. Back then, they were built to be repaired, they were built stronger and heavier. In each succeeding decade, things have been cost reduced - meaning make them cheaper, make them disposable, when it breaks we just dispose of it and get a new one. Vehicles are one of the few remaining things built that can be repaired and even some components on them can only be replaced. But my point is that a 20 year old or a 10 year old vehicle may have started out as having been better built but 10-20 years of wear and tear eventually brings them to an end of life condition. They have to be replaced and we replace them with a newer vehicle. Some people are perfectly happy buying a used vehicle (and hoping that the previous owners didn't abuse them) others have the money and are more comfortable knowing that they have a brand new vehicle and will do everything possible to make sure that it is properly cared for.

I'm not trying to start an argument, because I'm really not, but this is Ford's new design, it is probably going to be around for a long time and they probably have facelifts and updates already planned for the next 10 years, if you don't like it you don't have to buy it. It is clear that Ford isn't going to please everybody. I don't have a problem with the truck looking masculine or not, it doesn't define me but that's just me. I like the new look the more I see it the more I like it. I have yet to drive one but as soon as one shows up on my local dealer's lot, I am going to take it for a short test drive.

I agree with many of your points I’m just very unhappy with the new pricing strategy. Maybe it’s fords attempt to slowly kill these trucks and move us all to more compact SUVs. A $20,000 jump from Explorer to Expedition is unprecedented, i talk to so many people who bought new Fords in the last few years who say they can no longer afford to buy new from them these days and ford and others have shoved these people into the used market and lose sales due to it. At their current prices by rule of thumb to buy a base Expedition one should make at LEAST $250,000 annually and more for higher trim. If someone buys an Expedition and they don’t make that benchmark they are overbuying, I think there is a lot of that going on in the market. I can say if prices remain where they are I will never purchase a new version of this vehicle in my lifetime, because odds are I will never bring in a quarter of a million dollars annually.

 

[JExpedition07]

Miscalculation on my part for a base one should make $200,000 annually not 250.