Buying a 3rd gen, what year is best?

[jack61]

Buying a used 3rd Gen with under 60,000k miles so likely going to be around 2014 or newer. I’m looking to tow, think these offer the best value and my ultimate need is reliability. What would you buy? Could care less about gas mileage, features ect, just reliability on the open road with two little ones.

Any thoughts appreciated!

 

[2014greyford665]

2009-2014

A more powerful engine increased towing capacity and newer more powerful transmission (6R80)

Also 2015-2017, they have really powerful engines and enhanced 6R80 transmission, however, you really don't know how their owners really treated those EcoBoost engines (a lot of them may treat them as if they are naturally-aspirated engines), so you should be really careful when looking for one, and make sure to check it really well and check its maintenance record.

 

[Jamo]

I bought my '14 EL LTD 4 years ago with 80,000 miles. It's been good to me, I keep up with oil changes and such as recommended. I bought the extended warranty, mid level from Ford, 4 year/36,000 miles. Each visit cost $100 regardless of how many fixes and I told them next time they see it will be on a flatbed.
Cost me $1800 and I have broken even on the investment. I had front hubs go, a couple window motors, rear A/C, and a few other minor things. Peace of mind with all the electronics in my LTD, and I'm happy I did it. Bummer is, it runs out in March...

 

[bloodhound]

I have a '14 Limited since new, now with 74k on it. I do all the maintenance, it has had zero issues. The regular oil changes are the key with the 5.4, though mileage-wise I am a ways off from that. But my '09 Limited I sold with well over 100K on it, never had any issues, and I know it is still going strong today.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Bought 2011, 2014 and 2017. Still have the 2011 (60K mi) and 2017 (44K mi). Essentially the 15-17 are Generation 3.5 with many, many improvements and changes over the 11-14. They have more power, get better mileage and tow better with the TT 3.5 engine. Newer trucks have integrated TBC on models equipped with HD Trailer Tow and upgraded Sync and Navigation (if equipped). Transmission programming on the newer trucks is much better as well.

Ford did cheapen up the front suspension components and my 17 makes more front suspension noise on rough pavement than the 11. The 15-17 power steering is a different design with much more assist, welcome in tight spaces but not on the open road, especially with a trailer.

All in all, with everything being equal, I would buy a 2017 over 2010-2016 but with any vehicle you are considering, vehicle history and maintenance records are key along with the knowledge it had regular oil changes at low mile intervals, which is super important on both the 5.4 V8 and 3.5 V6.

 

[gtoaddict]

With our purchase of our latest '23 Limited Stealth, we are on #4 Expedition. the past 3 have been great still have the '14 with 5.4L currently with 188500, not worth much to anybody but us. been a great ride with no major repairs, always serviced by me, towed a car trailer a few times a year since new. Still running strong for now while the '23 Stays out of the snow and salt.

 

[chuck s]

All you're gonna get here is samples of one (1). Here's mine. My single 2007 ran for 180,000 miles before I sold it to buy the 2017 and both were (and are) literally trouble free. I only own an Expedition to tow our small travel trailer a few weekends a year. The rest of time it's just a large station wagon. The 2017 is a better truck for towing than the 2007 due to the wonderful 3.5EB engine -- both have 6-speed transmissions.

-- Chuck

 

[tacoduck]

I’ve owned 2 of the 15-17 trucks, and I think they are a pretty darn good value. I’ve heard not nice things about the 5.4, but many here have had no problems.

The 3.5 is not without warts, but mine has been great. Tons of torque on demand. I also prefer the exterior styling to the 4th gen.

 

[BlackBetty]

I’ve got a 2016 EL. However, I’d recommend the 2017 just for the engine improvements alone. Mainly the move towards Direct and Port injection. Ford should’ve done this setup from the start!!!

 

[chuck s]

2017 are still just just DI (unlike the F150).

-- Chucj

 

[BlackBetty]

I’ve owned 2 of the 15-17 trucks, and I think they are a pretty darn good value. I’ve heard not nice things about the 5.4, but many here have had no problems.

The 3.5 is not without warts, but mine has been great. Tons of torque on demand. I also prefer the exterior styling to the 4th gen.

On the 5.4, yes has it’s issues. The old Eddie Bauer I gave my daughter has approximately 305-306k miles on it. But it’s tired. Sluggish. And slurps gas. Honestly, I’d say that’s great for that many miles. Can’t compare the two in power (though a slightly unfair comparison due to the hard life the 5.4 is living now).

Having driven that truck when it was in it’s prime I’d still give the EcoBoost the win on power and fuel efficiency. The 5.4 was never big on power in that truck in my opinion. Towed decently, but never breaking any speed records with it.

I’d have to image now most of those early model 5.4’s have got some miles on them. I see so many in the junkyards!!! That’s where I get most of my parts for it.

 

[Ed Fogle]

2009-2014

A more powerful engine increased towing capacity and newer more powerful transmission (6R80)

Also 2015-2017, they have really powerful engines and enhanced 6R80 transmission, however, you really don't know how their owners really treated those EcoBoost engines (a lot of them may treat them as if they are naturally-aspirated engines), so you should be really careful when looking for one, and make sure to check it really well and check its maintenance record.

I have a’17 4WD. I’ve never seen anything about operating turbo‘d engine cars differently than NA ones but can believe you should. Where can I learn more about best practices for turbo cars?

 

[drbr0b0tnik]

I love my 15 Limited. I don’t do any towing, just hauling around 3 kiddos. Bought it used with 70k back in 2020. Just under 103k now, and haven’t had any major issues.

My only experience with the 5.4 was my dads 2001 F150. For what it’s worth, he’s had no major issues. With well over 200k, he loaded his 2010 mustang on a trailer and drove from Arizona to Virginia.

 

[Michael Shepherd]

Also 2015-2017, they have really powerful engines and enhanced 6R80 transmission, however, you really don't know how their owners really treated those EcoBoost engines (a lot of them may treat them as if they are naturally-aspirated engines)

Can you elaborate a bit on what exactly that means? Not trying to be pedantic, just asking as the owner of a 2017 Ltd with an EB engine and would like to ensure that I do not inadvertently fall into that category.

 

[mbtech2003]

I’ve got a 2010 5.4. Did timing chains at 84k miles due to chain tensioners going out. Now has 140. Trouble free. Still has original phasers. Gonna upgrade to bilstein shocks as originals are spent. Don’t rule out the 5.4. Gets 14 around town and 18-19 highway.

 

[rollinstone]

Bought my 2014 with tow package with about 35k on it in 2016. Only major fix was replacing front brakes last year at about 73K. Sweet tow vehicle. Got the damn galvanic metal problem on the tailgate, though.

 

[Herby]

Whatever 3rd generation you purchase, make sure oil changes were performed in a timely manner. For the ones with the 5.4 Triton, be prepared to perform a timing job. This is one of the most common repairs to be performed.

 

[Goldnpaw]

I have owned 2001, 2005, 2014 and now 2017. I was fearful of walking away from the v8, but the v6 twin turbo ecoboost is sporty as heck….purrs at high speeds….I would easily say 2017 over my 2014. I have had no issues with any of my Expeditions. Now looking at 2023 stealth…but only if they have the nice red I always get.

 

[rollinstone]

I have owned 2001, 2005, 2014 and now 2017. I was fearful of walking away from the v8, but the v6 twin turbo ecoboost is sporty as heck….purrs at high speeds….I would easily say 2017 over my 2014. I have had no issues with any of my Expeditions. Now looking at 2023 stealth…but only if they have the nice red I always get.

Curious how the V6 Ecoboost tows 5000-6000 lbs? Does it do as good as the V8?

 

[sjwelds]

Curious how the V6 Ecoboost tows 5000-6000 lbs? Does it do as good as the V8?

Should do better. More power and torque.

We love our 2012 but it will likely be the last one we own with the V8.