2007 Expedition, Review and what to look for

[JHolden]

I am new to this Forum, and was hoping to get some help from you guys. I have a 2004 Expy. However I a going to look at a 2007 later in the week. its priced low at $3k with 216k miles.

Seems like a good deal to me, just the usual missing paint off the tailgate.

Can you guys tell me what sort of thing goes wrong with the 07's? is it the same Triton that's in my 2004?

Thanks

 

[deweysmith]

Yes and no. It doesn't have 2-piece spark plugs. I don't think it has the kinda updated timing/phaser system though.

 

[Bedrck47]

The 04 has the 2V engine The 07 has the 3V engine Both are considered Triton engines

 

[gixer2000]

Yes and no. It doesn't have 2-piece spark plugs. I don't think it has the kinda updated timing/phaser system though.

07 does have the 2 piece spark plugs and that didnt stop till mid 2008.

I would check the rocker panels for rust, request a plug change if its at a dealer if not talk them down if they haven't been done recently, give it a good listen at startup and idle for timing chain/phaser noise. If you ever plan to lift it make sure it doesn't have rear load leveling (air bags) because then it becomes a pain

 

[JExpedition07]

They are good trucks, but my 07 is always on an IV of sorts and getting an infusion of cash from my wallet to keep it rolling. Just like any older vehicle it’s parts or payment as they say. Still way cheaper than a payment on a new one. Grand a year or grand a month lol. But gixer has the right idea, if your budget is lower you may have to do some repairs yourself. As long as you don’t hear a heavy diesel like tick or a clatter on startup your good to go! Buy and use Motorcraft filters and change your oil religiously on the 3 valve Triton, great motors but be sure to take care.

 

[Adieu]

Look for little shit like broken buttons, malfunctioning adjustments or controls, etc... and bargain down for each.

As to major stuff, at $3k the two main questions assuming the motor's good are:

1) is the suspension shot (air) or on its last legs (coilovers; joints and bushes for both)

2) are the wheels straight and tires with plenty of life?



Because if major suspension work, tires, and wheels are needed, that can quickly add up to another $3k unless you're a DIYer (suspension) and a bargain hunter (wheels and tires)... and even then, you could easily spend a grand or more

 

[JHolden]

Thanks guys for the responses, I am going to check it out tomorrow.

 

[chart75]

I would echo the spark plug change since they can be tough to remove.

The radiators can leak at the front right.

The top heater hose on the passenger side can crack and leak antifreeze into the plug holes causing the coils to rust and require replacement.

I would recommend a PPI to check the suspension as mentioned above.

I know it's winter but it doesn't hurt to check out the AC.

 

[deweysmith]

True, those top heater hoses for the rear heater core over the block really really like to weep or leak slowly, check for that or evidence of dripping onto the head below.

 

[rjdelp7]

Nickle and Dime time. That age and mileage, will keep you busy, frustrated or your mechanic happy. The 4.6l, is the better of the engines.

 

[chart75]

Nickle and Dime time. That age and mileage, will keep you busy, frustrated or your mechanic happy. The 4.6l, is the better of the engines.

Not sure about that. My wife's 07 is sitting at ~198K. We've done the normal tires, brakes, coils, plugs and fluid changes and it's been pretty dependable. We did replace the AC Compressor (spent the 1st 77K miles in Florida) along with the AC/Heat control board, the radiator around 130K (along top heater hose shortly thereafter), had to re-flash the tranny once, did coilovers around 140K and recently (last 2K miles) had to replace the tailgate struts and lift bar. Had to replace one tie rod or track rod last year because the right front tire was wearing unevenly. I did replace the headlight bulbs for brighter ones and one interior door pull (plastic was chipped and sharp enough to cut someone). One of the middle row seats has a split leather seam (most likely from a car seat) but it still rides and looks pretty good. The navigation stopped working a long time ago but the maps were out of date and it's easier to use a phone so we never had that fixed.

 

[JHolden]

Thanks guys. This was a fleet vehicle so anything it needed it got. It’s been well looked after.

I hope it’s got a few good years ahead of it.

 

[1955moose]

Like the other poster suggested, get a full vehicle inspection first. Little stuff you can deal with, but that's high mileage. You don't want to spend 2-5k on repairs, and still have a worn out suv. If you can request the repair records, also make sure the title doesn't have salvage on it, means its been in a major accident. Just because it was a city vehicle doesn't mean squat if you've got a frugal shop foreman stretching out repairs. Seen them do it.


Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[Trainmaster]

The fleet vehicles are usually pretty good, but as Moose said, some don't get treated right. I bought a police Crown Vic once with the original factory oil filter and 100K miles.

Nobody mentioned the exhaust manifolds and converters. Listen for exhaust leaks. Here in the east they sometimes cry out at about 210K. The big pain, as everyone here said is the plugs -- a beast to change especially if it hasn't been done in awhile.

When I was a young guy, I always bought high mileage fleet cars. They gave them away for pennies and I didn't mind the second job of working on them all the time. Now I try to get lower mileage, or newer stuff. My '08 had 80K on it when I bought it last year for $11,000, a police commissioner's upgraded XLT. In a year it's only needed that heater hose, so I've enjoyed adding some nice factory upgrades.

It's "parts or payments," which was so wisely said above... And don't forget the blood, aches and pains that goes along with all those new parts..

 

[Triplet Dad]

I disagree about the plugs being really difficult to change. I am mechanically inclined, but not with regards to working on vehicles. If you have the proper ratchet extensions, an air compressor, and the Lisle removal tool it's not bad to get the plugs out. I broke 6 out of 8 of mine and got it down to about 15 minutes to replace a broken one.

 

[JExpedition07]

I disagree about the plugs being really difficult to change. I am mechanically inclined, but not with regards to working on vehicles. If you have the proper ratchet extensions, an air compressor, and the Lisle removal tool it's not bad to get the plugs out. I broke 6 out of 8 of mine and got it down to about 15 minutes to replace a broken one.

Yeah its not that big of a deal as long as you take your time and use your head.... and the right tools.

 

[1955moose]

I've always found its better to get a low mileage vehicle as well. Trying to fix all the worn out items on a high mileage vehicle just doesn't make sense. Your going to put in more in cost of vehicle, plus repairs/parts, then what do you have a high mileage wonky riding/ running vehicle, with squeaks/ rattles, that's waiting for a motor/ trans/rear end. No, spend a little more up front, its the smart move!

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk