Expedition shopping, need input....

[tblue3cibm]

Hey guys, long time lurker here...I really appreciate all the info this forum

has to offer. I'm on a few other forums (E46fanatics, T4R, and Hayabusa.org

to name a few) I love the atmosphere here, you guys all seem knowledgeable

and willing to help. I'm currently serving a tour in Iraq and will be picking up

an early Second Gen Expy (03's to 06's are in my price range) or late First

Gen (00' and up) when I get home in the Spring. I want to spend less than 14

k. My only prerequisites are the truck must be 4wd (NYC winters) and have

less than 60k miles (I plan on owning for at least 10 years). I have a few

questions for you guys as you are the subject matter experts:

Am I asking for too much at that price point?

What years should I stay away from?

Should I limit my search to only Second Gen's?

What are some things to check for when doing a pre purchase inspection?

What are some must have mods?

What are some hidden costs of ownership with Expy's?

What's the range on a full tank of a Gen I/II?

How does the Expy stack up as a long hauler (1k plus mile road trips)

Anything else I missed?

Thanks in advance guys : )

 

[tallsville]

first off thank you for your service. i own a 03 4wd 2nd gen. but also owned a 97 2wd. as far as looking at 1st vs. 2nd gen, it depends on what you want to do to it. if you want to seriously lift the truck than go 1st gen. the 4wd in 2nd gen is pretty good. i have hit black ice in the mtns. and a4wd "turned on" front wheels and pulled me through it. as far as quick mods, do a gotts mod($13), exhaust, programmer, etc. Expy makes a great long hauler. comfortable ride with irs(independent rear suspension) on 2nd gen. can take lots of stuff with you if need be. and if you have a small child middle of second row moves all the way up to center console. Fuel range for me is about 18/gal. this all i can think of right now. im sure more will be along to help soon

 

[jacks3am]

i also thank you for your service, if i were you i would go with the second gen as its just newer, therefor, most likely having less miles. try not to get into the air ride suspensions all together. if it goes out, so does the speed senesitive steering system, which makes driving on the freeway a white knuckled ride. i like my 1st gen but its probally a better idea to go second

 

[tblue3cibm]

Thanks for the well wishes guys. Oh and thats a great point about the middle second row seat sliding up to the front console. My girl is actually due this week (another reason i like the Expy).

 

[Tigster]

If your putting a car seat in there look for one with the captains chairs in the middle row and not a bench. I have 2 car seats in mine and people can get into the 3rd row without a problem.

Other than that I opted for an 06 so I would have the 3v 5.4L, with the DVD player. You will need that later on

 

[tblue3cibm]

Is the 3v only available on 06' and up? what r the differences?

 

[jacks3am]

well im not sure when they were available, but theyre more eficient so it means more torque and hp, oh yeah, that check list you were talking about. make sure you get it on the freeway to see how the front end is, test all windows and electronic controls, test 4wd, test headlights, test heat and air, if there is seat covers on take them off as there may be damage on them. never go see a car at night, you will kick yourself for buying it without actually seeing the exterior well, i did it. look under it see if anything is loose or very rusted, and check the fluids. my personal opinion is try to get cloth seats, it wont be extremly hot or cold, and they wont crack like leather

 

[tallsville]

engine changed to 3v in 05. 2v stock is 260hp not sure what 3v was. think 300hp but not sure.

 

[Tigster]

3v is 300 hp 365 ft/lb

Oh as far as long trips (over 1000 miles) I drove to and from Florida to Colorado no problem. I even pulled a loaded trailer on the way back. It had no problem going up and down the mountains while pulling. I was getting 500 - 550 miles to the tank without the trailer on the freeway with cruise control at 75. (I have a 2006 5.4 L for comparisons)

 

[tblue3cibm]

thanks again for the input guys

 

[tblue3cibm]

anything else?

 

[treycool94]

i would go for the firs gen they are better to lift, comfurtable, and great on road trips if you go for the first gen go for the 97' 98' years they have 2wd, a4wd, 4h, 4l the outher 1st gens dont have that so they dont get as good mialage

 

[tmajikman]

But the 99-02 have the Performance Inhanced heads, which allowed the 5.4 to have 260 hp opposed to 230 hp, and the torque for the PI motors were around 345. I wish the 99-02 had just 2wd, but I really have no issues what so ever with the A4WD either, the mileage is not really much different and it is a safe system for rain and other slick sufaces, which only engages when rear wheel spin is noticed by the system

 

[Reconracer]

I've had great luck with my 05 XLT. Well within your price range. The only issues I've had with the vehicle is a leaky injector; truck was out of warranty but was covered by Ford on a TSB and new spark plugs. Stock rotors warped...I've had them turned when I replaced the pads. Over-all, I wouldn't consider those big issues. I'm on E46 as well, the expy is a vacation compared to the 328 .

Good luck, buy an Expedition, you won't regret it. Thanks for serving, I appreciate your sacrifice and commitment!

 

[tblue3cibm]

thanks guys

 

[Chrismdean09]

Which ever one you get just go with the basic radio system so it allows for easy up grade unless your want sync from a new expedition. My experience with the Expeditions that have GPS when you switch out the head unit you rin into difficulties