2008 limited help needed

[Steelhorse]

Hey everyone,

I need a little advice. We're in the market for a new family vehicle and the expedition is high on that list. I just looked at a 2008 limited and it is in very good condition and has 90k miles on it. I have a couple concerns and questions

1) it has had the steering rack replaced a couple of times, the Owner says that it begins leaking pretty heavy and he takes it in and they replace the rack. I've done some searches and haven't found much about it but is this a common issue?

2) it was manufactured in 4/08, and has brown spark plug boots....plugs have yet to be changed, do I need to worry about breaking plugs off if I buy this and change them?

3) any other issues or things I need to look at, for, or be concerned with.

4) he's asking 17k for it, keeps thorough records of all maintenance and seems to be pretty meticulous about upkeep.... As I said it is in very nice shape..... Do you think it is worth it?

Thanks for the help!

 

[01yellerCobra]

1) I haven't heard anything either. Could just be bad luck on parts.

2) Those are the good plugs. No worries about breaking.

3) The only thing I can think of is the paint bubbling on the hood and hatch. There's always the usual used car things. Rust, fluid color, mechanical stuff operating normally.

4) No clue. That's less then I paid for my XLT, but mine had less miles and I went with an EL.

 

[metaldrgn]

1. Is there a lift on it? That can cause parts to wear prematurely. Other than that it could be brand related or something else. Keep track of the warranty if you have to replace it again.

2. I would talk him down in price or have him just replace them before buying it. I've heard shops can charge over $600 to change them! I would get an estimate and take it off the price.

3. Take a walk around the vehicle and look for dings and dents and anything out of the norm. There may be things that he forgot or doesn't know about and if you find anything wrong that's more you can use to negotiate with the price. Also check under for rust and damage.

4. Check the bluebook value (kbb.com). That's what it's there for. Is this a private party sale? If he's using NADA values you will be over paying. That's for retail.

 

[Steelhorse]

Thanks Yeller and Metaldrgn...

I crawled all over and under this thing yesterday evening looking for any flaw I could find and they were few (dings and chips really) everything worked as it should...has every option imaginable except the sunroof and 4x4.

now to reply to your questions:

1) no there is not a lift, it is bone stock... it is still under a warranty for almost a year on the rack

2) I'll hit him pretty good on price I think we'll probably settle somewhere around 16K which would cover me if I have to buy the tool for extraction but I'm thinking this has the good plugs

3) Except for a tiny ding or two and a couple of small road chips there are no issues currently...no sign of the bubbling paint yet. Luckily this is and has always been in Dallas, TX....things don't really rust here. I crawled under just to make sure and it was clean.

4) yes it is private party and he's asking right at KBB "very good" pricing. I think I can get him down at least to 16K and will try to go 15K but don't really want to low ball too far


Well I'm still looking for some wisdom if anyone has any to share. I have until tomorrow to decide before it goes up for sale officially because he is out of town today. right now I'm leaning towards making an offer and joining the club, which will make the MRS happy too...

 

[Bedrck47]

Question I would ask is how long has it been for sale. If its newly listed he may not want to lower it to much. If its been for sale for a while he may be willing. Then cash always talks. But who carries that much cash.

Then again a good solid offer and he may accept it just so he doesn't have to go thru the BS of it officially going up for sale.

 

[DetroitDarin]

I paid 11,500 for a 2006 with 88k miles. Just sayin'.

 

[Steelhorse]

I paid 11,500 for a 2006 with 88k miles. Just sayin'.

Sounds like a good deal... I wonder if being in MI has a little to do with better pricing (salt etc...)


edit - looked at CL Detroit and pricing is really pretty similar. I think you may have lucked out on yours

 

[montecarlo31]

I paid 11,500 for a 2006 with 88k miles. Just sayin'.

You also purchased a different model expedition, that 06 and previous body style resale value tanked when the 07s came out with the revised design and 6 speed auto. That's like a 1st gen price compared to your price.

 

[ltharley]

Check for rust on the radiator support. check this forum for pics of the problem. seems common. Mine has it and I need to treat with some rust converter or ?