Decision Dilemma: Keeping or Parting Ways with Our 2019 Expedition Max – Seeking Insight and Opinions

Seeking input on whether to keep our 2019 Expedition Max with 44k miles. Acquired new in Nov. 2019 for $54k after an $11k discount and 0% financing $0 Down. It meets family needs as we have 5 kids but has a harsh ride, frequent interior issues, and poor reliability, including a several rebuilt rear ends, Cam Phaser tear down, and a full transmission rebuild.

Despite only owing $14k at 0%, the wife wants to replace it. Considering keeping it for myself but concerned about long-term reliability compared to my reliable Toyota history. Have had several with 200kmi+ with zero issues.

Interested in opinions, especially regarding long term reliability of the EcoBoost and 10 speed drivetrain?

Incidentally, she’s looking at a Toyota Sequoia but at $80k, even as a longtime Toyota guy, I just don’t see the value there.

Thank you for your input!

The 3rd row space in the new Sequoia is TERRIBLE! Unlike ford, they transferred the Solid axle straight from the Tundra to the Sequoia. Ford wins hands down just for that. The Expy can actually fit regular size adults in the 3rd row. Otherwise I would consider it myself.

I would keep it and save the $$. This gen of Ecoboost is great after the cam phaser update. I prefer it to newer ones since it doesn’t have the EGR system.

The 10 speed may fail again in 40k miles if you got the old version of the CDF drum. For longevity consider shifting manually, using sport mode, or changing shift calibration. Anyways, you may spend another $5k in transmission service instead of $80k to prevent it.

Plus, all manufacturers now use the same suppliers. Newer Toyotas are also having HVAC issues that require tearing the dash, drivetrain issues, etc. They are not built like the old ones.

Soliyou said:

I would keep it and save the $$. This gen of Ecoboost is great after the cam phaser update. I prefer it to newer ones since it doesn’t have the EGR system.

The 10 speed may fail again in 40k miles if you got the old version of the CDF drum. For longevity consider shifting manually, using sport mode, or changing shift calibration. Anyways, you may spend another $5k in transmission service instead of $80k to prevent it.

Plus, all manufacturers now use the same suppliers. Newer Toyotas are also having HVAC issues that require tearing the dash, drivetrain issues, etc. They are not built like the old ones.

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Spot on!

BlakeMAX2019 said:

Seeking input on whether to keep our 2019 Expedition Max with 44k miles. Acquired new in Nov. 2019 for $54k after an $11k discount and 0% financing $0 Down. It meets family needs as we have 5 kids but has a harsh ride, frequent interior issues, and poor reliability, including a several rebuilt rear ends, Cam Phaser tear down, and a full transmission rebuild.

Despite only owing $14k at 0%, the wife wants to replace it. Considering keeping it for myself but concerned about long-term reliability compared to my reliable Toyota history. Have had several with 200kmi+ with zero issues.

Interested in opinions, especially regarding long term reliability of the EcoBoost and 10 speed drivetrain?

Click to expand...

If I were you, I would purchase Ford ESP and keep the vehicle. Your vehicle is a great deal financially. From the design of the wheels, it seems yours is King Ranch. Nowadays, my 2024 XLT Max costed me a little over 70K with 6k off MSRP. I had to purchase it coz I did need a hauler for six people.

Theoretically if you’ve had the trans and phasers done, then you’re left with a perception of unreliability and some interior issues you mention. The new Toyotas, given having a perception of reliability, are still a question mark. As mentioned above, if the 3rd row is used even ever so often, I’d get an extended warranty and keep the expedition, 80k at current rates is NOT cheap, you’ve got a much better deal financially as you sit currently. But, you’ll just have to weigh yall’s perception vs potential reality

Mediamonkey11 said:

Theoretically if you’ve had the trans and phasers done, then you’re left with a perception of unreliability and some interior issues you mention. The new Toyotas, given having a perception of reliability, are still a question mark. As mentioned above, if the 3rd row is used even ever so often, I’d get an extended warranty and keep the expedition, 80k at current rates is NOT cheap, you’ve got a much better deal financially as you sit currently. But, you’ll just have to weigh yall’s perception vs potential reality

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I actually tried the third row on a new generation Sequoia, and then realized it fits my 6 years old only. My 10 years old would feel uncomfortable on the bench. if anyone tows frequently, new sequoia is not a good choice because of the short wheelbase and soft suspension. I suggest anyone wants to tow with it purchasing the sport package to make the suspension a little more stiff

Hellwig said:

If I were you, I would purchase Ford ESP and keep the vehicle. Your vehicle is a great deal financially. From the design of the wheels, it seems yours is King Ranch. Nowadays, my 2024 XLT Max costed me a little over 70K with 6k off MSRP. I had to purchase it coz I did need a hauler for six people.

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His is an xlt with 20 in wheels. You can tell by wheels and taillight design.

As far as replacing it, it depends on what you need. Tbh, If looking for reliability, your best bet would be nissan. Newer Toyota have just as many issues as Ford, and gm, and all three have less than jeep. I dnt hear about people having issues with nissan. Our armada needed the airbags replaced, but was fine after that. It seems the main problem isn't the reliability, but the service not wanting to work on them. There's good amount of people who have expys with high mileage and no problems.

If the ride is a problem, maybe swap for 18s and a thicker tire. Your not getting a better ride with the same level of room unless you go new jeep or gm, and you'd have to get the fully optioned models with the air suspension as well. The nissan or Toyota ride worse than what you have holistically. They also do not have the room as the gms or jeep.

If you can swing it, maybe a telluride, palisade, or grand highlander may be good as they have good amount room for the size.

LokiWolf said:

The 3rd row space in the new Sequoia is TERRIBLE! Unlike ford, they transferred the Solid axle straight from the Tundra to the Sequoia. Ford wins hands down just for that. The Expy can actually fit regular size adults in the 3rd row. Otherwise I would consider it myself.

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100% agree plus it doesn’t fold flat.

Soliyou said:

I would keep it and save the $$. This gen of Ecoboost is great after the cam phaser update. I prefer it to newer ones since it doesn’t have the EGR system.

The 10 speed may fail again in 40k miles if you got the old version of the CDF drum. For longevity consider shifting manually, using sport mode, or changing shift calibration. Anyways, you may spend another $5k in transmission service instead of $80k to prevent it.

Plus, all manufacturers now use the same suppliers. Newer Toyotas are also having HVAC issues that require tearing the dash, drivetrain issues, etc. They are not built like the old ones.

Click to expand...

Appreciate the input, yeah not sure what tranny it has. According to the first rebuild, it was a $9k fix, warped pieces, metal shavings etc…all at 30kmi. I’ve heard of the Toyotas having issues as well…I think every car companies don’t plan on people keeping cars long anyways so no need to make them last?