Opinions Please 2006 Expedition Limited

Hi All!

So I have an opportunity to buy a 2006 Expedition Limited 4WD. It has 250K miles and is almost loaded with every option including the tow package. It needs a transmission otherwise the engine purrs like a kitten no CEL. Recent maintenance includes new battery, new starter, fairly new tires, new timing chain, new flywheel, recent brakes all around and an oil change. Luckily my buddy owns a trans shop so I can get the rebuild done for under a grand. The engine has never spit a spark plug I believe the 2006 is the 3V. If I invest a total of $2K into the vehicle do you guys think I could get another 100K out of the engine?

I would be more concerned about all the electronics rather than the transmission. Electronic components in cars only guarantee a 10 year lifetime, this car is well past that and the electronics start to fail and can be impossible to replace. I have a 2008, so far the stereo system died, the satellite radio receiver failed, the TPMS system has failed, and other electronics are slowly diving. you might well get another 100k out of the engine/transmission but I would be concerned for all the electronics that control the engine and transmission!! Ford no longer supports these older vehicles so aftermarket parts will be your only option. Something to keep in mind. Love my 08 expedition

Gary Waugh said:

I would be more concerned about all the electronics rather than the transmission. Electronic components in cars only guarantee a 10 year
ifetime, this car is well past that and the electronics start to fail and can be impossible to replace. I have a 2008, so far the stereo system died, the satellite radio receiver failed, the TPMS system has failed, and other electronics are slowly diving. you might well get another 100k out of the engine/transmission but I would be concerned for all the electronics that control the engine and transmission!!

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Interesting. I've owned many Fords from the panther platform including Crown Vics and Town Cars and have had an SVT Lightning and a few Mustangs and never had any issues with the electronics. Is this a common issue on the Expeditions? The Expedition doesn't move has no forward gears but the interior is mint, there is minimal rust for the salt we see in the midwest and the engine fires up and purrs like a kitten. Plus the previous maintenance that was done I feel like I would be a fool to pass this up at that price. But definitely appreciate the input that's why I am here to learn from you all who have actually owned and driven these long term.

Gary, I am going to disagree with you on your comment. Computers have come a long way, and arguably all of those failures you experienced are not very critical components of the vehicle. I have never once had a PCM or GEM break on me on a Ford. Now, my Jaguar on the other hand..... that thing is a nightmare.

Chicago, can you get the receipt from the timing chain job? What components did they use, who did the work, and did they do phasors/solenoids? In my experience the 2/4Vs are much more strong than the 3V especially everything being the same maintenance wise

In Chicago, I would be more concerned about RUST than the engine. It had to have good maintenance to have made it to 250K & running smooth (being a 3V 5.4)

I got 278.*** miles on my 03 4x4 and I take it trail riding and mud bogging. 5.4 2V

I would agree with agree with both Gary and Rip. First, electronics. They may work now and well into the future. However, that is the downfall. Most of the electronics don't generate enough interest for aftermarket suppliers to build replacements and Ford will purge their stock inventory after 8-10 years. So, if it fails, you might not be able to find a replacement.

As for rust, put it on the rack and check the rocker panels, they rust from the inside out and look good until they disintegrate. Also, the cross members under the floor pan do not always drain and the "box beam" construction holds water and rust. Give a good look at the radiator support, it rusts where it attaches to the frame. They aren't that expensive and can be replaced if you take off the front bumper cover and front quarter panels, but you need a little welding skill to get the new one attached. Finally, there are a couple of panels sandwiched together behind the rear wheels that will rust. They catch water and stuff off the rear wheels.

Hope that helps, but definitely check for rust before you decide.

2000 XLT here it’s a 2V. First motor made it to about 270K. It was going strong but I let a mechanic change the plugs and it threw one out a few K later. Put a rebuilt in and did all my own work on it since. No electronic problems ever but look close where the windshield is know to leak down on the box (GEM or EEC I forgot) above drivers left foot.

Also check out the heat front and back for hot air and no leaks underneath since it’s that time of year.

I think $2k put into it is a good deal. If it would last 1yr or more you'd have done well.
I also agree with the potential for electronics issues, but this is true of any modern vehicle. If you have problems finding parts might be tough and junkyards may be the only option. None the less they are nice vehicles to ride in are very versatile and are quite reliable in my experience.

I had to replace the BCM in my wife's 2002 Dale Earnhardt edition Monte Carlo. The original owner didn't drive it much partially due to the keyless entry issues. We bought it in 2020 with 5,900 miles despite being nearly new it had a faulty module.

Gary Waugh said:

I would be more concerned about all the electronics rather than the transmission. Electronic components in cars only guarantee a 10 year lifetime, this car is well past that and the electronics start to fail and can be impossible to replace. I have a 2008, so far the stereo system died, the satellite radio receiver failed, the TPMS system has failed, and other electronics are slowly diving. you might well get another 100k out of the engine/transmission but I would be concerned for all the electronics that control the engine and transmission!! Ford no longer supports these older vehicles so aftermarket parts will be your only option. Something to keep in mind. Love my 08 expedition

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I have an '06 Eddie Bauer 230,000 have not had one problem with the truck other than the transmission going out no electronics know anything no AC no problems whatsoever had to go through there and put the timing chain set up in there the adjusters the phasers things like that typical but I can't say it's been a great vehicle it's all about how you take care of them how you drive them and where you drive them