Question about Canadian Import Expeditions

Michman7 · Dec 3, 2020

2018ExpyPlatinum said:
I've heard many dealer ordered captains chairs as another way to build profit. Mine has captains chairs and I would have preferred the bench too, but I'm ok with it. I also have the tow package. I think the tow package is the way to go. You get HD cooling, 3.73 gears (so it's a little quicker, but technically less fuel mileage) and a few other things I can't remember.

As far as buying a Canadian vehicle. I have mixed emotions. Some say it's the same car, others say it's not. I agree that the carfax can be incorrect due to no reporting, or delayed. I heard of a people who have purchased a Canadian car with a clean carfax and months later it shows an accident, or worse. I also understand due to the exchange rate, US dealers can buy a Canadian car pretty cheap, therefore make a much bigger profit.

I've been thinking of buying a CTS V as a weekend car. I see it's from Canada and I pretty much pass. I guess at 30 or 40k, I wouldn't worry, but at 60, 70 or 80K, I'm passing.

When I went searching for my my max the first dealer I went to tells me that captains are standard. We pull up sticker and i see the added charge for it. I question it and they say oh that’s nothing to worry about. Just a mistype. I build these things for a living. I firmly stood up thanked him for wasting my time and off to the next dealer. They gave me a better deal and ordered what I wanted

Lou Hamilton · Dec 4, 2020

Anerbe said:
It took 4 months to find my White Platinum Std, HD Tow, Bench 2nd, June 19 Build, looking daily. Few options fell thru, but was searching up to 8 hours away, willing to meet halfway.

Dealers mainly order captain second, then secondary HD Tow. Order of availability, most to least

1. Captains / No Tow
2. Bench / No Tow
3. Captains / Tow
4. Bench / Tow

I originally wanted the Stealth with a bench seat, but could not find one. There were a couple 4x2 ones in the south with bench, but no 4x4 with bench. Granted, I bought mine as the 2020’s were coming on the lot so there were probably slim pickings by that time.

That being said, I have not minded the captain’s chairs. I don’t have car seats and the dogs seem to like lying in that space on drives.

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Meeker · Dec 4, 2020

I'm encouraged to see that Americans are hesitant to buy the Canadian Expys. In 2018 when my Expy was written off, I tried to find a 2-4 year old Expy here to save some money, but I think I found only 4 within 500 km. I'd heard that they all get shipped south to make more money. So, if you guys stop buying them, maybe they'll stay here instead....

Or maybe they'll just ship to Saudi Arabia or something. I'll probably still be buying new next time...

Anerbe · Dec 5, 2020

Lghtspeedz said:
That is in line with what I’m seeing. All three of you added the tow package too. I’m assuming, based on what I said about my boat and trailer combo, you all think I am smart to hold out for that?

Thanks!

You’ve been Patient so far, I’d wait. Much better feeling than not getting an option you really want.
I’ve been close to giving up and buying bench with no tow, or getting the car shipped from far away for a few grand more sight unseen, but it felt right to see the car before taking ownership.

for daily duties, non tow is more than capable. I just preferred the better cooling and the rear diff, as I plan to do more family hauling / towing and will be taking the car up north during winter months to roads that are not plowed and maintained.

fell in love with non-open diffs back from my first car, a new 1997 expedition 5.4 with the 3.73 limited slip...that thing was a tank.

Besides a few company cars in between, every car I’ve had a true choice to purchase past that had a limited/locking diff:
- e46 M3
- Jeep GC Hemi / Quadradrive II
- B8.5 S4 with Rear Sports Diff
- E90 M3

Anerbe · Dec 5, 2020

Lou Hamilton said:
I originally wanted the Stealth with a bench seat, but could not find one. There were a couple 4x2 ones in the south with bench, but no 4x4 with bench. Granted, I bought mine as the 2020’s were coming on the lot so there were probably slim pickings by that time.

That being said, I have not minded the captain’s chairs. I don’t have car seats and the dogs seem to like lying in that space on drives.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I definitely like the captains chairs, having them in the 16 explorer I traded in for the expy. The ease of using the third row was great. It was the 3rd kid born a few months back, which I didn’t want one of my boys, 8 and 7, needing to go to the rear during every drive.

When going on long road trips, I wanted to fold fully the third row to use all the space, as well do 2-3 week rentals, and will be going to a new northern house this summer. The seats are wide enough to put the infant seat in the middle, and each older child on either side with plenty of room whether in a booster or not.

I was a bit worried if there was a padding/seat comfort difference between the bench and the captain chairs, as I’ve read somewhere else on this forum. I put two platinums side by side at the dealer, one with each option. I then Blindfolded the dealership sales associate and had him sit in each one after i switched around the cars on him. He lost track and couldn’t feel the difference. I couldn’t either. I’m not sure if the stitching/padding differs on the limited/Xlt trims between bench and captain, but platinum seats look and feel the same with identical stitching and bottom and side thickness dimensions

Lghtspeedz · Dec 5, 2020

Meeker said:
I'm encouraged to see that Americans are hesitant to buy the Canadian Expys. In 2018 when my Expy was written off, I tried to find a 2-4 year old Expy here to save some money, but I think I found only 4 within 500 km. I'd heard that they all get shipped south to make more money. So, if you guys stop buying them, maybe they'll stay here instead....

Or maybe they'll just ship to Saudi Arabia or something. I'll probably still be buying new next time...

It’s not the fact that the car was from Canada, per say, that I’m worried about. My concern is will the history report reflect the true condition and use of the vehicle. To me, it seems like there is a higher likelihood that buyback or accident history could be hidden. Keyword could.

Anerbe said:
You’ve been Patient so far, I’d wait. Much better feeling than not getting an option you really want.
I’ve been close to giving up and buying bench with no tow, or getting the car shipped from far away for a few grand more sight unseen, but it felt right to see the car before taking ownership.

for daily duties, non tow is more than capable. I just preferred the better cooling and the rear diff, as I plan to do more family hauling / towing and will be taking the car up north during winter months to roads that are not plowed and maintained.

fell in love with non-open diffs back from my first car, a new 1997 expedition 5.4 with the 3.73 limited slip...that thing was a tank.

Besides a few company cars in between, every car I’ve had a true choice to purchase past that had a limited/locking diff:
- e46 M3
- Jeep GC Hemi / Quadradrive II
- B8.5 S4 with Rear Sports Diff
- E90 M3

Yes, I am leaning towards continuing to wait. A local dealer has one 2019 that was built in October 2019. It has the bench seat and tow package. The owners wife is currently driving it, though it is for sale and Ford CPO. They say it’s 17k miles and at this point it’s probably a bit more. It came from Canada and it’s honestly expensive compared to other listings. I’m apprehensive because it seems overpriced and I’m slightly worried about the history. They also have a 2019 (May 19 build) with the second row bench but without tow package and just over 5k miles. I drove that one to continue to get familiar with the vehicle overall. It’s in mint condition, came from Canada too, and is also overpriced. That one worries me less, but I do think I’ll regret not having the tow package. I’ve driven both and it’s amazing how the 3.31 axle makes the car feel heavier in a bad way. I found a used 2020 with tow package and bench seating but it too came from Canada. All told I’ve seen four of these. It seems to be common, I’m just leery of missing a red flag in the vehicles history. I’m certain the captains chairs aren’t for me (had them, hated them) but I could see possibly ditching the tow package. I think at some point I’ll regret it, but maybe I’ll just be happy to have a highly capable vehicle.

I found one brand new 2020 that is 10 hours away. The price is low but I haven’t called yet to try to see how much of the included rebates I don’t qualify for. It’s a logistical nightmare, but could be worth it. Even if the price is $4k-$5k higher than listed it will still be cheaper than the used models I’m seeing.

I do know late 19 or 20 is the ideal years. The 21’s appear to be decontented a little and it seems the 22’s are going to have a giant touch screen for all controls. My MDX has most of its functions controlled through screens and one of the draw’s to the Expy is physical buttons. I guess we’ll see as I talk to these dealers more and get some additional feedback - especially if they give me a detailed explanation about the repatriation of those vehicles.

Thanks for the continued input!

MxRacer965 · Dec 6, 2020

I’m complete opposite. No way I’d ever want the bench. The captains chairs are great for getting into the 3rd row without having to mess with the seats. Plus with 2 dogs it’s a great spot for them to sit when they aren’t behind the 3rd row. Kids also put all kinds of stuff between them on road trips. Cooler, snacks, toys, etc. I’m way happy to give up one seat for all the extra utility and convenience.

Anthony DeVor · Dec 7, 2020

Lghtspeedz said:
Hello, I am in the market for an Expedition. I have been looking for used Platinum models. In an ideal world I would find a Platinum 4x4 w/ second row bench and the heavy duty tow package. This is an incredibly difficult combination to find. I was also trying to find something built after April 2019 to incorporate the cam phaser design change (I’ve been reading this forum for a while). I’d love to buy new but it’s hard to justify $70k (assuming discounts) on a vehicle. I’ve found a few used ones, some Ford certified, and while they are also expensive they’re closer to something I can stomach. The few I have found certified appear to be Canada import vehicles. So they were originally delivered in Canada, but are now for sale in the US by Ford dealers. The window sticker even says, not for sale in US market. I’m trying to get an explanation from the dealer but so far, I haven’t gotten one. There are several I’ve seen within 500 miles of me and it makes me weary to really seriously consider negotiating. Autocheck or Carfax (whichever the dealers use) claim the titles are clear and do not indicate salvage or buyback, but I’m not 100% certain it would pick that up from Canada. Has anyone seen this before? Am I right to be concerned?

I am fully aware the combination I seek is hard to find. I tow a 5,000 lb (weighed by scale) boat and trailer a few times per year and would likely venture away from the dock to other lakes more often if I had a more capable vehicle. I’ve read enough of this forum to know I’ll probably be happier with the tow package than without it, even though the standard vehicle is more than capable for my current towing needs. My preference for a second row bench is due to child car seats currently in the back for many years to come. I have always felt that a bench seat gives more flexibility and I hate the hole in the middle of the cargo area from captains chairs. Personal preference - I know many will disagree.

I do have a few out of state new vehicles that appear to be closer to my range but logistically they would be really difficult to pull off in the Covid era (it’s also not clear to me yet what discounts I will be eligible for and which ones not). My current MDX has been highly problematic and though it is half rebuilt under warranty, I’m very frustrated by it. Based on scale weight I’m within its capability, but I have no margin for error. I won’t tow the boat with my family in the car because I would be close to (but not over the GCWR). If my MDX was more reliable or more capable I’d overlook one of these things. I’ve read enough to know the Expedition might not be as reliable as my first Accord or TSX (they were oil change only), but I’m optimistic that a late build 2019 or slightly used 2020 Expy will have enough redesign gremlins worked out that it will be an improvement over what I have now. I also work five minutes from a Ford dealer and live ten minutes from another one. Service will be more convenient.

In advance, thanks for any advice you can offer.

The main difference between the Candian vehicles vs ones sold in the US are the engine block heater and mandatory DRL headlights, but that is all I am aware of. Hope that helps.

CaptOchs · Dec 9, 2020

Be careful of buying Canadian. I know Chrysler/Dodge/RAM vehicles do not transfer warranties between US and Canada. Meaning if you buy a Canadian vehicle knowingly (or unknowingly from a US dealer) they will deny warranty claims. Once registered in the US, you can't drive it back across the border to a Canadian dealership for warranty work either.

I am not sure if Ford has a similar policy. I don't know if I would trust a dealer that claims it doesn't. They maybe just feeding you misinformation to make the sale. I would make a call to Ford customer service and ask the question there. If they tell you warranty-wise there's no difference then great!

EngRWW33 · Dec 9, 2020

CaptOchs said:
Be careful of buying Canadian. I know Chrysler/Dodge/RAM vehicles do not transfer warranties between US and Canada. Meaning if you buy a Canadian vehicle knowingly (or unknowingly from a US dealer) they will deny warranty claims. Once registered in the US, you can't drive it back across the border to a Canadian dealership for warranty work either.

I am not sure if Ford has a similar policy. I don't know if I would trust a dealer that claims it doesn't. They maybe just feeding you misinformation to make the sale. I would make a call to Ford customer service and ask the question there. If they tell you warranty-wise there's no difference then great!

Our (my wife and I's) Expy is a Canadian vehicle purchased in the US (OH). There was no issue with the warranty through Ford. Only issue I've noticed to date (1.5 years) is the speedometer which shows km/h vs miles/h however we just tend to either calculate on the fly or use the digital display for speed.

Question about Canadian Import Expeditions

Michman7

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Lou Hamilton

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Meeker

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Anerbe

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Anerbe

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Lghtspeedz

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MxRacer965

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Anthony DeVor

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CaptOchs

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EngRWW33

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