Buying A 2003 EB

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Jayson Wonder

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Hello All,

This is a post with information about the vehicle I am pretty much ready to buy. I went to look at it and test drive it this afternoon and made a list of my findings. Hoping that persons here with knowlege of the 2nd Gen's might be able to share thier knowlege and thoughts prior to me pulling the trigger or walking away.

2003 Expedition EB
168k km's
5.4L engine
asking $10,888 CAD

The Good:
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- Good solid brakes, new front pads, etc, stops on a dime

- Motor seems solid and to be running smooth and according to the diagnostics no issues with misses, etc. Can't verify when spark plugs were last changed but the diagnostic show that it was running rough prior to the replacement of a coil pack on #5 cylinder.

- Good tires

- Body & paint seem to be decent, small scrape on rear bumper

- Interior is decent shape, no tears in leather or anything

- Cruise control works

- 4WD / AWD working

- Fairly low km's for the year I think

The Bad
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- Lot's of electrical issues fom what I can tell, not sure if they are simple fixes / fuses or relays but I am somewhat concerned:
- No fog / lower running lights
- Rear view mirror not recieving power, won't light up when turn to auto
- Power pedals not working
- Passenger heated / cooling seat not working
- Rear wiper not working at all
- No back up alarm sensor working
- Rear heater seems to always stay on if front is on (not sure if this is normal)
- Read drivers side window goes down but not up from driver controls, works from read door control though.
- Rear defroster works on only 6 of 9 lines
- Strange black button under drivers steering wheel, looks like maybe an aftermarket system of some sort although there appears to be no other alarm than the factory one installed so I am a bit concerned with what it is and if it might be a cause for the electrical problems

- Missing a headrest for the 2nd row drivers side captains chair

- Water seemed to be comming in on front passenger side in between sunroof and door frame. Can't tell if this is a leak or excessive condensation build up as the truck is not driven every day. Seemed like a fair bit of water though and the floor below it was a bit damp. Could be that the sunroof was left open just not sure

- Smelled a bit musty but I think the previous owners must have had a dog or else this smell is related to some water collecting in carpets

Overall the car ran quite smooth and suspension and steering seemed tight. I like the truck but am a bit worried about the long list of my complaint items. I know it is a 2003 so I cannot expect it to be like new but I would personally like to fix these things, some sooner that later and do not want to have to spend a fortune as soon as I take it home.

If anyone here has any tips, experiences or suggetions about the issues please let me know. I thought the price was reasonable prior to checking it out. The used dealer is not really intrested in negotiating the price down any further so it leaves me in a tight position.

Sorry for the long post, any input is appreciated!
 

barberjb

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For what it's worth, I just got a 62k miles (100k) 2004 Exp EB 5.4L with lots of bells and whistles and in pretty good shape for $12k US. You have a long list of items you know are a problem, and it has a lot of kms on it. I would keep your options open. You could stand to do a lot better than that, IMO. See what else is in your area for comparison.
 

Stoned06

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+2...I would be leery of all the electrical issues. I would wait until something with fewer issues comes along......unless you like to work on your vehicles.
 
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Jayson Wonder

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Yeah, I think what you all are advising makes sense. I really do not want to spend a lot of money or a lot of time trying to fix something up right now. Too costly and time consuming. I and kinda anxious to get one but perhaps holding out is the right move at this time.
 

GAINMOB

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if youre dead set on it...have him get the work done at the dealership and keep the papers as proof work was done if anything goes wrong...i wouldnt buy it as is...TOO much wrong
 
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Jayson Wonder

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Hey,

Yeah,it is a very small used dealer. I do not think they even have a repair bay on site. He does not want to negotiate as he says he is at rock bottom price now.

I'll just have to let him know that unless he can fix it all, I will have to pass.

I am hungry to buy ASAP as I am moving across the country and wanted to take a truck with me as the condition of them on the west coast is far superior, well body and underneath at least.
 

dougmcp

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The truck above would be a pretty good truck but it's a long way from you and it would require some upgrading to make it Canada legal. Who knows what it will sell for as it is an auction vehicle at $3K with the reserve not met yet.

Vancouver Island is not a particular good place to buy Expeditions as the selection is relatively poor.

Here's an 01 EB in Vancouver with 146Km for less than $9K: http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2001-Ford-Expedition-Eddie-Bauer-W0QQAdIdZ340847063

One in Chilliwack with 299K km for $6500: http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-v...-bauer-special-edition-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ340828834

An 03 Black XLT with 245K km for $6500: http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2003-Ford-Expedition-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ337517261

An 01 EB in Surrey with 200K km for $5000: http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2001-Ford-Expedition-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ337442234

Bottom line is I think you need to take your time and find the right deal.
 
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Jayson Wonder

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Here is a 2002 with 111k and its a one owner and I bought my 2000 from this guy and have been extremely happy... don't know if this would appeal to you....but thought i would through it out there...also being a California truck..NO RUST

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002...0917009?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item4cfced2f11

Looks like a decent truck for sure, it is far from me and I am kinda looking for a 2nd gen with EB trim package if possible.

Thanks for the post, very nice to be able to compare vehicles and the price look to be right!
 
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Jayson Wonder

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The truck above would be a pretty good truck but it's a long way from you and it would require some upgrading to make it Canada legal. Who knows what it will sell for as it is an auction vehicle at $3K with the reserve not met yet.

Vancouver Island is not a particular good place to buy Expeditions as the selection is relatively poor.

Here's an 01 EB in Vancouver with 146Km for less than $9K: http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2001-Ford-Expedition-Eddie-Bauer-W0QQAdIdZ340847063

One in Chilliwack with 299K km for $6500: http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-v...-bauer-special-edition-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ340828834

An 03 Black XLT with 245K km for $6500: http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2003-Ford-Expedition-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ337517261

An 01 EB in Surrey with 200K km for $5000: http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2001-Ford-Expedition-SUV-W0QQAdIdZ337442234

Bottom line is I think you need to take your time and find the right deal.

Yes no doubt, taking my time may pay off in the long run. I will check out these ads, gonna really try hard to find a 2nd gen or up with EB trim and ideally 2nd row captains chairs instead of bench.

I think you are right about the limited selection on the island here. I am moving back to NS in about a month so I will have to broaden my search to at least the mainland as you say.

Thanks,
 

bundy

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Just purchased a 2004 EB fore $8000, had 150K, 1 owner, mint exterior, needed, brakes, tires, and misc small stuff say $2500 max. Looked at another EB for $12,000 CASH DEAl, had 108K miles, not much needed, say $1000 max, both 4X4 excellent exteriors and interiors, both in the Phoenix area.

I would keep looking!
 

barberjb

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I am hungry to buy ASAP

That's exactly when you SHOULDN"T buy a car, if you don't absolutely have to. That clouds your judgement and prevents you from getting your best deal. There are other cars out there - always tell yourself "I don't need to buy a car today." If you can pit a couple of dealers against one another and do negotiations online before yoe even get to the dealership, you can save a lot of time and money.

Buying a car is like going to the singles bar. You can't go in there blinded by desire, or you'll end up with the first pig you come across and you'll regret it. If you take your time, you might go home with a real beauty and she won't clean you out in the process.
 

ExpyKurt

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I would also walk away.

I have a 05 XLT Expy with 80K Miles on it for $10,000 and that's in Chicago area (everything is expensive), it's not an EB, but just goes to show, that if you take your time, and look long and hard enough, you could find something that will fit.

We looked for about 4 months, online, local papers, local dealers & word of mouth before we purchased ours. The list of problems you have is too much for that year, and price.

That's my 2 cents. :)
 

Kvou812

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I'd pass. I just bought my 03' Eddie Bauer 5.4 2WD from the original owner. He really kept up with the maintenance... I have all the maintenance receipts and the only things that are needed are the typical rear AC/heat motors and I need to think about changing the plugs and coolant before too long, everything else has already been done. I paid $10,900 and it has 72.5k miles on it!
 
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Jayson Wonder

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That's exactly when you SHOULDN"T buy a car, if you don't absolutely have to. That clouds your judgement and prevents you from getting your best deal. There are other cars out there - always tell yourself "I don't need to buy a car today." If you can pit a couple of dealers against one another and do negotiations online before yoe even get to the dealership, you can save a lot of time and money.

Buying a car is like going to the singles bar. You can't go in there blinded by desire, or you'll end up with the first pig you come across and you'll regret it. If you take your time, you might go home with a real beauty and she won't clean you out in the process.

Good advice!!
 
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Jayson Wonder

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Thanks for all the advice everyone. I ended up buying an 04 Navigator Ultimate in much better shape with everything working. I guess I will have to leave the forum now but I appreciate the great support you all gave me in my short time here.

Thanks,
 
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