how many miles are too many?

[russ]

Hello everyone, i am about to purchase an expedition and would like to know what "too many miles " would be for this type of truck. i am looking at 97-99 models, 5.6 L. i've found quite a few for around $7k-9k, but may have 130k - 160k miles. i plan to tow a small enclosed trailer, maybe 8x5, and am unfamiliar with american V-8 motors. any other info i need to know, please advise and i thank you all in advance for your help. i am in north carolina if anyone knows of any deals around this area.

 

[monsta]

The miles are on the 5.4L are not near as important as the maintenance log.

If a truck with that many miles does not come with good maintenance history walk away.

Usually today's engines can go many many miles but it is the stuff that hangs off the engine that starts to give problems.

Not to sway you away from the Expy but od you really NEED a big SUV to tow your 5x8 trailer?

 

[White Knight]

Well, I hope 160k miles isn't too much, because I just bought (I pick it up next week) a 5.4 4x4 1997 XLT with that many miles for $6,000. It needs nothing, except a fix on the remote door opener. I'm hoping for the best.

Originally posted by monsta

If a truck with that many miles does not come with good maintenance history walk away.

But how can you tell?

 

[russ]

Originally posted by monsta
Not to sway you away from the Expy but od you really NEED a big SUV to tow your 5x8 trailer?

Thanks for the input. It is primarily going to be used for business purposes, but I also have a wife and 2 kids and I tend to take business partners along on trips fairly often. I chose the Expy over the suburban because of it's 3rd row flexibility. I'm trying to keep from getting a truck to tow, and a minivan for the space. With your comments, i'm thinking i should stay as close to or under 100k miles as my budget will allow. Thanks again for the help.

 

[russ]

Originally posted by White Knight
But how can you tell?

 

[monsta]

Originally posted by White Knight But how can you tell? [/B]

Well if it's a private seller, just ask to see the receipts or log. You see, I log everything I do to my trucks.

I know others don't but if it can be reproduced you probably can be rest assured that you're buying from an **** retentive owner like me.

If you're buying from a lot, check out the owner's manual. Most of them have the maint. log.

Best bet is to take it to an independant shop for an inspection. Usually around $60, it is money well spent.

I chose the Expy over the suburban because of it's 3rd row flexibility.

The Expy and Suburban of those years both have a lift out 3rd seat. Only thing "better" about the 'burb is that you don't have to remove it if you wanna haul something more than 5 bags of groceries.

I'm trying to keep from getting a truck to tow, and a minivan for the space.

I know what you mean...I just didn't follow it!

I have an Expy, an 04 F150 and a mini-van.