2001 vs 2007 with same miles

[ShannonS]

I hope this is the correct forum spot to be posting this question. I'm in the market for an Expedition EB mainly to be used as a towing vehicle for a boat. If we put 10,000 miles on the vehicle a year, it would be a lot. So I'm conflicted on how much money I should spend. I definitely want something mechanically reliable, it's possible we could drive up to 400 miles one way once or twice a year. I want an expedition with around 100k miles or less. My problem is deciding whether I should spend $3-5k on a 2000-2001 with 100k miles or spending $10k more for a more current year with the same mileage.

Is it worth the extra money? Would they both, theoretically, be mechanically the same? Keep in mind all I really care about is it being a dependable car. I'm less concerned with exterior design or luxury upgrades.

 

[Yudaman]

I personally prefer the Gen 1 Expeditions for use as a truck. Gen 2 switched to independant rear suspension and became a glorified car. However, there are thousands of Gen 2 and 3 owners that tow on a regular basis.
If you are planning on using the rig for towing only, why not look into a Super Duty pickup or an Excursion?

 

[ShannonS]

Well it will be my get around town car as well when the hubby is at work. I would probably only drive it 2-3 times a week, and that's usually just a couple of miles up the street to the store. I want an SUV over a Pickup truck so when the grandparents come to visit we can all fit in one car with the baby comfortably.

 

[Yudaman]

With that being said, the choice is yours!
I prefer then Gen 1 Expy's (99-03). But then later gen's are great rigs too! All depends on what you find and what your budget is.
More importantly, post pics of your ride when you get it!

 

[01yellerCobra]

Don't forget the drive train upgrades in the later models. More power helps when towing.

Misspelling brought to you by Tapatalk

 

[RI-Matt]

If you can afford it I say go 3rd Gen.
The 3rd Gens have more power, more torque, and higher tow capacity, more fuel efficient, smoother ride, less truck-like feel. Plus the fold-flat 3rd row makes it more versatile in the passenger/cargo area.

I had a 02 Expy prior to my 08 and it was a night and day difference between the two. In my book the 08 scores higher in every category.

But the only way to fairly assess this is to go drive both and see which one you like better.


Matt

 

[BIGRED03]

I hope this is the correct forum spot to be posting this question. I'm in the market for an Expedition EB mainly to be used as a towing vehicle for a boat. If we put 10,000 miles on the vehicle a year, it would be a lot. So I'm conflicted on how much money I should spend. I definitely want something mechanically reliable, it's possible we could drive up to 400 miles one way once or twice a year. I want an expedition with around 100k miles or less. My problem is deciding whether I should spend $3-5k on a 2000-2001 with 100k miles or spending $10k more for a more current year with the same mileage.

Is it worth the extra money? Would they both, theoretically, be mechanically the same? Keep in mind all I really care about is it being a dependable car. I'm less concerned with exterior design or luxury upgrades.

Don't forget that Gen 3 have a 6 speed auto versus 4 and could be better fuel economy and drive ability. Parts more readily available. A truck ages not just with miles, thing corrode, become brittle and break more easily. The exception would be maybe if a vehicle was garaged rather than sitting in the outside sun and rain.

I left driving two previous Suburban's because of their straight axels. Now on my second Expedition it has them beat with ride qualities.

You want a dependable truck then get the latest with the least wear possible that fits your budget. It is out there somewhere shop the Auto/Truck Trader and CarMax to get an idea what is available and how pricing from year to year is going. A car can be shipped relatively cheap from across the country. You are lucky to be in the center of the country in that respect. Remember a southern or s western vehicle is a lot less likely to have rust issues. BTW how heavy is your boat? Just thinking, it is possible to find a 07 that was sold late in 08 or later that could have some power train warranty left to give you a period with some protection from Ford. That would certainly be a benefit.

 

[andrew_s]

I love my 3rd gen. I had extensive experience in the 1st and 2nd gens working for ford and while they are great Ill have to say the 6 speed (especially with 3.31 gears) gets great mileage and will haul great! I just used mine to tow hay across the farm to the barn and it was like nothing was back there. 200-225 60+ lbs bales + trailer and it did it without a single tire spinning. Wouldnt recommend towing this longer then a few acres as it well exceeds the tow rating, but we were too lazy to grab the super duty keys so the expedition did the job very well.