2000 Eddie Bauer or 2016 XLT - what would you buy?

[larkja]

I work 2 miles from work and drive, on average, around 7,000 miles/year. Currently test driving a 2016 XLT 4wd, cloth seats, 98,000 miles, pretty bare bones. This one's for sale from CarMax so I have 30 days or 1,500 miles to test her out. I have taken a couple trips and she seems very solid. Drives incredibly well; lots of power; very smooth; no weird noises, etc. Went to the mountains (300 mile trip) and averaged 18 mpg. Sale price $25,000.

Just found a local 2000 Eddie Bauer 4wd with 110,000 miles. All receipts from new. Transmission replaced 8,000 miles ago with a Jasper unit. Appears to have been garaged. Paint is nice and interior is very clean with minor wear on the seats. AC blows cold. New tires. No leaks, rattles, or strange engine noises. Asking price is $5,900. Seems a bit high, but that's the starting point. Private party sale.

We have three teenage boys so third seat is a must. The 3rd row in the 2016 is very useable and extra space for luggage. The 3rd row on the 2000 is a bench that folds up, so a lot of wasted space. Need a 4wd because we do go to the mountains in the winter.

So, what say you community? Stick with the 2016 or roll the dice with the 2000? Price is not an issue (paying cash either way). But with the 2000, I'll have an extra $20k+ in my pocket. Enough for repairs as needed.

Thanks

 

[zfifty]

Since Carmax has such a good reputation for their honesty, I would keep the 2016, as i am sure Carmax will guarantee it's reliability. In the meantime, please send me the number of the private party seller of the 2000. Thanks.

 

[zfifty]

Seriously I couldn't return the 2016 fast enough and buy the 2000 fast enough, if it is as you describe. The $20,000 saved could be very useful in the future. You do you.

 

[zfifty]

Seeing as I have 250,000 miles on my 2000, at your annual rate of driving, itt gives you another 20 years to reach that goal, on that 2000.

 

[Trainmaster]

The 2000 is a solid car. Just remember it's a 22 year old truck. Part availability and reliability won't be the same as new. If you can live with that, you'll certainly be in a better place financially. And if you don't mind a little work now an then, you'll be way ahead.

Just check for rust, especially around the side body mounts, radiator supports and brake lines above the fuel tank. And get tat price down; $5900 is ridiculous.

 

[larkja]

Thanks all

 

[zfifty]

Just so you know currently for that 2000 model Expedition in very good condition the Kelly Blue Book value is $3,100 to $5,100. If you maintain it you probably will be able to sell it in 5 years for what you pay for it today. Don't think that will be the same for the 2016 in 5 years. Of course the value is relative to what someone is willing to pay and how bad someone wants to get rid of it.

I have not had any problem obtaining parts for any of my first editions. Anything I have needed have been economical compared to newer vehicles and plentiful. That may not be the case in the future. They built tons of the first editions and used parts in my area are easily obtainable also. One thing I have heard is no longer obtainable new is the gas tank and related parts. Through the help of this forum there are fixes for just about everything. Either way is good, if good for you. Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[jparadee]

I recently gave away my 2000 Expy EB and it had over 300K on the odometer. Repairs on the 2000 may be more spendy than the 2016 unless you're into DIY. But the 5.4 or the 4.6 are tried and true. Go with the 2000, save the $$$.

 

[larkja]

Thanks all. Looked at it this afternoon and it was super clean. But I need the third row seat. I sat in it and my legs were cramped and my head hit the roof (and I'm only 5' 9"). So, not going to work for my teenagers. Bummer, because it was a nice rig.

 

[zfifty]

Thanks larkja for letting us know. Comfort is a priority to me too. Enjoy your new to you expedition and let the forum know of any other questions or advice you may have.

 

[larkja]

Thanks larkja for letting us know. Comfort is a priority to me too. Enjoy your new to you expedition and let the forum know of any other questions or advice you may have.

Thank you. Next upgrade will be a Thule or some sort of luggage carrier.

 

[Machete]

I’m 6’0 and my head comes nowhere near roof and I have a third row. You sure it’s an Expy?

That 2016 is a ecoboost engine. Do your reading. Why would you pay $20k more and in cash for a used truck w 100k miles?
You have a young family put that cash into something that pays you vs you paying it.

That 2000 EB will outlast virtually anything else you can buy.

 

[larkja]

I’m 6’0 and my head comes nowhere near roof and I have a third row. You sure it’s an Expy?

That 2016 is a ecoboost engine. Do your reading. Why would you pay $20k more and in cash for a used truck w 100k miles?
You have a young family put that cash into something that pays you vs you paying it.

That 2000 EB will outlast virtually anything else you can buy.

Yes, it's an Expy. At 6', strange your legs aren't cramped or head hits. I did a lot of research regarding the ecoboost, even had a 2014 f150 with the ecoboost. I really liked it and it gets reasonable gas mileage. Of course, YMMV.

Thanks

 

[ExplorerTom]

Recently (18 months) sold my 2000 EB for a 2014 XLT. The 2014 is similar to the 2016 except for the engine: 5.4 vs the 3.5.

My 2000 had 263k miles on it and was starting to nickel and dime me to death with repairs. I was always in the garage doing something to it. The 2000 was loud on the highway. Driving up mountain passes the engine would be screaming to maintain the speed limit- and if someone slowed me down, regaining speed wasn’t easy.

My 2014 is much more comfortable. Quiet on the highway. 2 more gears in the transmission allow for a better driving experience. I now fly up those some mountain passes with throttle to spare. The engine isn’t screaming at 4,000 rpms for 4-5 miles like it did in the 2000. The fold flat 3rd row is awesome.

The only 2 things I truly miss about the 2000 was that it was paid for and I like the exterior appearance of the 1st gen to any of the other gens. Everything else, I’ll take the 3rd gen- even changing spark plugs on my 2014 is such an easy task. Changing plugs on a 1st gen easily takes twice as long as there are way more tight fits.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

The 2000 probably has more years left in it than the 2016 (potential rust aside).

 

[Machete]

Recently (18 months) sold my 2000 EB for a 2014 XLT. The 2014 is similar to the 2016 except for the engine: 5.4 vs the 3.5.

My 2000 had 263k miles on it and was starting to nickel and dime me to death with repairs. I was always in the garage doing something to it. The 2000 was loud on the highway. Driving up mountain passes the engine would be screaming to maintain the speed limit- and if someone slowed me down, regaining speed wasn’t easy.

My 2014 is much more comfortable. Quiet on the highway. 2 more gears in the transmission allow for a better driving experience. I now fly up those some mountain passes with throttle to spare. The engine isn’t screaming at 4,000 rpms for 4-5 miles like it did in the 2000. The fold flat 3rd row is awesome.

The only 2 things I truly miss about the 2000 was that it was paid for and I like the exterior appearance of the 1st gen to any of the other gens. Everything else, I’ll take the 3rd gen- even changing spark plugs on my 2014 is such an easy task. Changing plugs on a 1st gen easily takes twice as long as there are way more tight fits.

This might be me in 50k-100k miles from now.

 

[larkja]

Well...you guys were right.

When I purchased the 2016, I scheduled an inspection with a local shop. They were booked so the first time I could get it in was yesterday. Here's what they discovered:
1. The intercooler and cross brace had been replaced.
2. The front bumper and hood had been repainted. The mechanic said the overspray was obvious, was even some masking tape still on the front tow hook.
3. Drive belt was glazed. Mechanic said this was due to a bad tensioner.
4. AC not blowing cold. Only around 58 degrees.
5. Front pads were good, but rotors looked worn.
6. Air filter was disgusting.
7. Chip out of the lower corner of the front differential cover.

There was obviously some damage to the front end. Perhaps hit something on the road, or off-roading and smacked a boulder. Who knows? Needless to say, if this vehicle had gone through a thorough inspection, some of this should have been flagged and disclosed.

The good thing: Took back to Carmax and within the hour, had a full refund for both the purchase, tax, etc. along with the extended service plan. So, while the product was not good, it appears they do stand behind their 30-day return policy.

I will be taking a look at the 2000 again on Monday and do plan on purchasing. If the test drive goes well, negotiated price is $5,000. I ran a Carfax and it appears solid. Aside from the first owner, the second owned the truck for 17 years and maintained it well. The third (who I am purchasing from), has only had it for 8 months and drove for less than 1,000 miles. He said it's too much of a gas guzzler. Here's a link to the Facebook ad - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/351872472907955/?ref=search&referral_code=marketplace_search&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:e8e649ec-74d9-4c87-99c6-f3554edd8601

Not a huge fan of the rims, but that's easily fixed. Oh yea, current owner has also replaced front headlights and rear signals with LED units. The only drawback I see with these is when in snow country, the heat won't melt the snow/ice on the lights. But, this might only be a couple times/year. Otherwise, the added visibility is definitely a benefit.

Thanks for all the suggestions/advice.

 

[Plati]

The 2000 looks really nice. In the right overall situation would be great.

I traded in a 1999 for a 2003 years ago to get the third row seat with more comfort for teenage kids. The independent rear suspension provides way more seating room. Far superior.

Still have the 2003 and it's nickel and diming me but at this point I just smile and spend the money. It makes a good beater. Would rather haul lumber, manure, junk, and rocks in that than in my 2014. Also nice to have a second vehickel.

 

[larkja]

I traded in a 1999 for a 2003 years ago to get the third row seat with more comfort for teenage kids.

That fold flat third row is great. I'm thinking I'll use the 2000 as my daily driver and mountain vehicle for now. Work is only two miles away so gas won't kill me. I'll keep looking for a 2nd or 3rd gen. Having a running vehicle right now gives me the flexibility NOT to jump into anything without doing my homework. Plus, our middle son will be getting his license soon, so the 2000 will be his to use. I'll feel much better about him in an Expy than a dinky econobox.

BTW, our first Expy was also a 2003. I donated it to charity at 200,000 miles (it was nickel and diming me too). Funny story, I saw the truck in our neighborhood six months ago. Stopped and talked to the guy. It now has 250,000 miles on it and he said it's running like a champ. Still has the tires I installed before I donated it.

 

[Plati]

I agree with jparadee ... if you own a 2000, you better be a DIY guy for a lot of repairs or it could get expensive. If you have to take it to a shop for all repairs, RUN AWAY.

and yes $5000 is on the high side. having owned a few Expys I would at least test the parking brake and make sure it works or use that as negotiating tool. some of those e-brake parts are no longer possible to get. if it has good tires brakes no fluid leaks and is solid all around maybe worth price (sorta). IMHO