Do you trust your first gen?

[JabroniBro]

I'm possibly picking up a '99 XLT 4x4 with the 5.4 and 139k miles today or next week. I'm selling a car I financed because the allure of going back to no payments is too strong. I need a rig that is reliable enough to commute 40miles a day four times a week, haul a couple kids and a dog over mountain passes, and get up maintained logging roads to trail heads to hike and kayak. I'm relatively mechanically inclined, having come from a lifted '96 Cherokee and enjoy working on cars but I can't afford to have my car give up on me on my way to work, etc.

So the question is, do you trust your first gen Expedition to do what you ask of it without constantly worrying about it breaking down?

 

[Ulver]

Yes. I've driven my 2001 4.6l with 250k 45 minutes to and from work for the past 8 months and I've had no issues other than a misfire and a blown tire. I've done much maintenance on it however, from the previous owner just not doing ANYTHING good to it. So I'm sure my contribution to fixing things has helped out a lot. If you keep proper care and stay on top of your maintenance schedule then I think it'll last you a while.

 

[Plati]

I don't have a first Gen, have a 2003 with 180K. No I don't really trust it. I drove it on a 6K trip in 2015 and said "never again". I only drive it local now. Bought a 2014EL for trips.

At that age … all the vacuum lines and hoses are subject to fail. The parking brake is ridiculous. Hubs have gone bad, batteries, 3rd alternator, brake lines, EGR sensor, rear diff leaks, window regulators, rear wiper sticks & drains battery, doors don't say closed in winter, liftgate window hinges, serpentine belt idler pulley, fuel filters, lower steering shaft, high pressure steering hose, various wiring fails, thumping problem, suspension link … I pay about $800 year past few years in parts & repairs and I consider myself lucky!

In other words its a 16 year old vehicle. Gotta be able to work on it yourself or forget it!
Love that BEAST thought. The 5.4 is running strong, only uses 1/2 quart in 5K miles.
You do what you can, buy what you can afford I guess.

 

[ChrisOIFdoc]

5 1/2 years....220,000 miles....no major repairs

 

[Plati]

5 1/2 years....220,000 miles....no major repairs

I cant say I've had any major repairs either … 16 years & 181,000 miles
just a series of smallish $500 or less repair jobs

xcept for the drivetrain warranty work during the first year

 

[ExplorerTom]

Currently on a weekend trip on the mountains with the family. 2000 5.4 that rolled 258k miles yesterday.

It also serves as the main family hauler around town on the weekends.

I commute in it daily- probably 30 miles daily with any of the other running around that I need to do.

It’s also been driven to each coast fairly recently.

And I like to drive into the mountains well off the beaten path (where a tow would cost $1000) to camp and get away.

So yeah, I trust it.

 

[mustpaike]

No matter how much i would like to say yes. I still have to say no. My 1997 5.4 EB has left me on the road the most times out of all the cars I have owned. Just recently I had a rod in the shifter column break, leaving me stranded with the truck in reverse at 11PM on a Thursday night. Last summer I had 3 brake line leaks, ending with a complete brake failure mid drive. Never mind having the frontmost frame attachment points on the body completely rust away.

Still love it, despite all the repairs and grief.

Strangely my 1997 MarkVIII has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, despite having 260k miles on the clock.

 

[Yager]

I'd drive mine anywhere. With my 10 month old in there without a worry in the world. 161k and going strong. Does 120 mile commute everyday 5 days a week at 85 plus. Gets wheeled pretty hard on the weekends. Keep up on maintenance and listen to the old gal now and then and u should be fine. My previous rig was a 2000 f150 with the same drivetrain. Did 360k on her with regular trips from Florida to Michigan pulling my car trailer for a few years. There good trucks. Treat em right and they will keep on going.

 

[00XTL]

100% trust my 2000 xlt 5.4. Just rolled 374,000. Take it everywhere i can. I live on the east coast and I'm planning a cross country trip. My parents bought it used at 17,000 on it and it has never broken down or been on a tow truck once. Once i turned 18 they gave it to me. I cant tell you how many times we have pushed it above and beyond its limits and it always perform perfectly. All im saying is that its almost 20 years old has 374,000 miles on it and i don't worry a bit when i floor it.

 

[MrsHarper]

I have a 2004 Eddie Bauer's 5.4 with over 200K. Got it at 160K when our other ride threw a rod on a cross country trip. Bought it in Utah. It has a towing edition and I've no doubt did many mountain and off road adventures. Sadly I'm getting a van today. I'm not the main mechanic in my house, and we just have other priorities lately. But I'm going to something newer/less miles, and still no payment. No payment is my favorite too. I drive my expedition about 30 miles sometimes more most days with at least 1 to 3 over 230 mile trips a month to the city. Sadly I do little off road these days minus an occasional trip to the farm. My muddy drive way has been fun a few times and will definitely be stuck in the van verse my sweet expedition.

My expedition left me stranded at least once with 2 kids and baby; thankfully I was taught to be somewhat prepared for things like this to happen and I luckily was in a decent place. And I forget what was wrong but it was a fix my husband did with ease. The Ujoint got fixed over a year ago. It just wasn't driving right, and I had my trusted mechanic shop take a look; I had to make him drive it twice at high speeds before he felt it. It has been a process to learn what the previous owner left worn and what wear and tear we've done. It did fantastic getting us where we were going and home on the cross country trip when we bought it. We just changed the alternator in the last year. Overall, it has just been minor things. I've been working on an electrical issue when I can trying to diagnose it's symptoms and learn how to read the charts. I have a rear air conditioner fan that has been needing fixed for years now. It just needs the spark plugs looked at and likely changed. I've been studying up on that for a few months here in this forum; its actually what made me finally stop and find this forum. I was getting excited to see who wanted to have me aid in the work.

If you are able and willing to put in the work even with minor stuff, and occasionally maybe pay someone else for some repair, go for it! And this forum is awesome! I've been Pretty silent, but I've learned a lot here and have the books. I love my expedition. I personally am up for trying a cross country trip! It sounds like it will fit your lifestyle! Just prepare for what the previous owner has not fixed.

 

[John S]

I'm possibly picking up a '99 XLT 4x4 with the 5.4 and 139k miles today or next week. I'm selling a car I financed because the allure of going back to no payments is too strong. I need a rig that is reliable enough to commute 40miles a day four times a week, haul a couple kids and a dog over mountain passes, and get up maintained logging roads to trail heads to hike and kayak. I'm relatively mechanically inclined, having come from a lifted '96 Cherokee and enjoy working on cars but I can't afford to have my car give up on me on my way to work, etc.

So the question is, do you trust your first gen Expedition to do what you ask of it without constantly worrying about it breaking down?

 

[John S]

Yes! Have 2000 Expy 5.4L, 208,500 miles, original owner. Only major issue in 19years was a cracked intake manifold. Repaired and runs as strong as ever. Make the purchase, dump the payments!

 

[Craig Lasnier]

I Absolutely trust mine! 116,000. and going strong. I trust this more than any of the newer ones. Just maintain it and stay a head of the rust.

 

[Bruce Mitchell]

I got mine ('99 EB 5.4L) just over three years ago with 215K on it (now over a quarter-million). Had to have one spark plug heli-coiled, replaced radiator, new brakes all around, some hoses & lines replaced, new serpentine belt, just replaced front control arms w/4-wheel alignment. New battery. Heater core flush. New tires. I don't consider any of those unusual on a 20-year-old vehicle. I keep it washed and waxed (lotsa road salt up here in The Northwoods) and do LOF @ 3/3K-ish. Stay on top of little things before they get big. Yeah, I trust the Red Mother.

Regular maintenance and the occasional repair is still hella cheaper than a car payment.

Yeah, I trust the Red Mother.

 

[tilliepeople]

I think the key word here is "maintenance"
I picked up a 2001 with 180000 miles
PO insisted he had all the maintenance done .Turned out he did nothing .
Trans went 2 weeks later with not a drop of fluid .This was my fault as i left on a vacation right after I bought it and my granddaughter was driving it without fluid.
Replaced most of the steering components ,air bags , brake lines ect.
Still love to drive it but it was a very expensive lesson .

 

[lonestarjeff]

That's really low mileage for a first gen. My 2000 xlt has about the same. I can't speak to the 4x4 system since mine is 4x2, but if the previous owner didn't abuse the truck you should have many trouble free miles ahead of you. I've had mine since '05 with normal maintenance plus an alternator & some door lock actuators. Hard to guess what the previous owner of yours did or didn't do, though.

 

[rjdelp7]

A 99 1st gen, will nickle and dime you. A 40 mile a day commute will cost you $75-80 /week in gas. These get around 12-14mpg. I own a 2000 with 108K. I drive 5 miles to work and only use it in the winter. I have a backup/second car. Last year I drove it 2,100mi. In one year I replaced a tierod and both upper ball joints(replace myself). My rear axle seal went($220). The year before I replaced the rear lower trailing arms, serpentine belt and a brake line(limped it home). The year before a power steering line went, battery died, front wheel bearing and lower ball joints. A exhaust manifold cracked and the other side had broken bolts. I replaced a rotted muffler. The ABS pump motor went. The year before that transmission lines, AC compressor/line/evaporator and brakes all around(new calipers/rotors). I am pretty sure I have a partially blocked Catalytic converter. Does this sound fun? Its not. I totally would not trust my 1st gen. In fact this will be the last winter, I own it. My next vehicle most likely won't be a Ford. In my opinion, Fords are good until 75,000mi. After that, they nickle and dime you. Don't do it.

 

[Plati]

….. In my opinion, Fords are good until 75,000mi. After that, they nickle and dime you....

My 2014EL with 93,000 miles … other than the usual required maintenance
(oil & filter, air filter, brakes, tires, wiper blades, battery, plugs)
… here is all the maintenance I've had to do --> NONE.

I have put about $300 worth of Fluid Film & Krown Oil Treatment into it.

 

[Trainmaster]

Had a 2000 with 260K miles. Only problem that stranded me was a blown out spark plug. Got rid of it when it began weeping oil from a head gasket. As they say above, maintenance is key. And fix stuff before it gets too bad. Keep up with the car and it will keep on going. Loved that truck. Used it as an investigator/accident responder for the first seven years.

 

[All gen owner]

Our home is in Texas but my son goes to college in Wyoming so our 2002 XLT 4x4 with 144000 miles has been driven 14 hours to Wyoming then spends the winter there and driven back to Texas in the spring. We bought it new and have always done the scheduled maintenance so I feel that it is still reliable and I trust to get my son around in the mountains to go skiing and making a few trips to Denver. I did install the heli-coils on all cylinders since I know that is the weak spot.