Bought a 2000 Expedition 4x4 within about a minute...now i'm nervous!

Matt Conti · Jul 7, 2020

The guy's phone was pinging off the hook from incoming messages - I guess because the price was right.
I felt I had to get it - for $1300 with 176k miles and the 5.4L. (And rust).

I clearly rushed into it, because it ran pretty bad - though it reminded me of my old Crown Vic, (which was brought back to good running by new coils). I also ordered some new Motorcraft plugs - so hoping this will help it get going. An oil change, new air filter, coming as well....but what else? Hoping I didn't just piss away $1300 - but i see these things with way more miles so maybe I'll get lucky.

The interior is literally as nice as new - and all original. So at least there's that...

Tacoswamper · Jul 7, 2020

The Ford 5.4l 2v is one of the most bulletproof engines that you can get. Assuming the trans is still in good shape, it should last you a long time. I would change everything that you just listed plus your fuel filter first and then if it still runs bad THEN look into changing your coil packs because they're not cheap. Are you getting any check engine lights?

VoxVeritatis · Jul 13, 2020

Pull codes - if any - and check for vacuum issues before spending another dime. At that age, and even if daily garaged, there will be vacuum issues unless those lines were already replaced.

Wal92tt · Jul 13, 2020

Check ALL the vacuum lines. There are a lot and some are out of sight. I guarantee there are leaking vacuum lines. Either find a schematic or just move line by line diligently.

rjdelp7 · Jul 13, 2020

MATT CONTI said:
The guy's phone was pinging off the hook from incoming messages - I guess because the price was right.
I felt I had to get it - for $1300 with 176k miles and the 5.4L. (And rust).

I clearly rushed into it, because it ran pretty bad - though it reminded me of my old Crown Vic, (which was brought back to good running by new coils). I also ordered some new Motorcraft plugs - so hoping this will help it get going. An oil change, new air filter, coming as well....but what else? Hoping I didn't just piss away $1300 - but i see these things with way more miles so maybe I'll get lucky.

The interior is literally as nice as new - and all original. So at least there's that...

Did it ever occur to you to buy or borrow a code reader? Do you have a flashing CEL? There is 4 catalytic converters. If there plugged it's toast. In my opinion a 20yr old, 176K rusty vehicle that 'runs poor' is only worth it's weight. That is about $600 in a scrap yard. How are the body mounts, rear trailing arms, rocker panels and the brake lines. If there rust up top, the bottom is a mess. Rust is a deal breaker for me.

ejfleming · Jul 13, 2020

At that age you will most likely have vacuum issues regardless of mileage. All the vacuum lines under the hood simply rot out after a while. I had to do them all on my 2004 about 3 years ago, so for a 2000 you are on borrowed time. The good news is you can buy just about everything as two assemblies from Ford. I'd start by pulling codes and see what you have going on but expect to have to replace the vacuum lines regardless.

Rob_V · Jul 13, 2020

The 2000 5.4 most likely has plastic intake manifold. Buy a code reader that will give you fuel trims. If you do some research on youtube you get to understand. (Scannerdanner) Mine was running rough without codes. But without codes it's a tough diagnosis. I have three 2 valve modular engines with upper 100k miles. It found be injectors also. Go to youtube fordtechmakuloco channel and look up some of his fixes for that engine.

and0r · Jul 13, 2020

MATT CONTI said:
The guy's phone was pinging off the hook from incoming messages - I guess because the price was right.
I felt I had to get it - for $1300 with 176k miles and the 5.4L. (And rust).

I clearly rushed into it, because it ran pretty bad - though it reminded me of my old Crown Vic, (which was brought back to good running by new coils). I also ordered some new Motorcraft plugs - so hoping this will help it get going. An oil change, new air filter, coming as well....but what else? Hoping I didn't just piss away $1300 - but i see these things with way more miles so maybe I'll get lucky.

The interior is literally as nice as new - and all original. So at least there's that...

listen, it does not matter how well a vehicle is made, how reliable it is. it can be a super stupid toyota hilux and it doesnt matter... if the previous owner did not properly maintain the vehicle, it is trash. you are throwing your money away
all it really needs is oil changes and tranny fluid changes, the rest is reasonable to replace or flush if needed
but if the previous owner failed to maintain these, then you just blew $1300 on scrap metal

history is everything
or understanding the nature and personality of people to trust if they tell you service has been done

Matt Conti · Jul 15, 2020

It was a company-owned/maintained vehicle for it's first 15 years, then the guy had his daughters drive it until recently. The manifolds are even quiet. It had a check engine light for a cylinder-misfire, but replaced all the plugs/coils and it's running right. Of course the rockers are rusty as shit - but it's spent 20 years in Michigan. The mechanic said it "Doesn't look too bad" underneath and suspension-wise. We'll see...

Matt Conti · Sep 18, 2020

Well, 2.5 months - sold for what i paid (minus the plugs/coils). Ran good while I had it, served it's work purpose, and now someone else gets a better running truck than I did. Now I'll take more time to find a second-gen (flat folding seat would be huge) - with less miles, and a little more curb appeal. My wife hated that rusty thing...i didn't ask the neighbors.

Bought a 2000 Expedition 4x4 within about a minute...now i'm nervous!

Matt Conti

Member

Tacoswamper

New Member

VoxVeritatis

Well-Known Member

Wal92tt

Well-Known Member

rjdelp7

2000 XLT

ejfleming

New Member

Rob_V

Member

and0r

Full Access Members

Matt Conti

Member

Matt Conti

Member

Similar threads

Latest posts

Staff online

Members online

Forum statistics

Share this page