Freshen Her Up

[soldatlamour]

I've got a 2000 XLT which has been sitting idle in my driveway for about 1.5yrs since I picked up an FJ.

My love affair for the FJ has run its course, so I thought I'd get an F-150. But, then again I thought I'd just plow some money into the Expy and save from having car note for another 4-5 years.

I'm probably right-side up on the FJ by $3-4K. I can add a few $k to that.

So, if you were going to try and get another 5yrs out of this 2000 Expy (with 240k mi), what would you do?

Motor and Tranny are fine, but could there me some basic motor work that I should do (replace rings, etc ... I'm not a Motörhead, so I'm just a sponge waiting to soak up all knowledge thrown my way).

I was thinking more along the lines of making it a better ride : suspensions, front end, etc. get new carpeting/upholstery?

Thanks for your comments

 

[Flexpedition]

FJ resale is such that I'd maybe consider holding on to it. Tuck it away in the garage, occasional weekend driver, keeping the mileage and wear/tear low. Their retained value is north of 90%, better than any other vehicle on the road, and that number is only growing. I thought our Jeep Wrangler had a ridiculous 75'ish percent resale.

If you are trying to save some money and get more life out of a 240K mile 17-year-old Expedition, I'd do exactly nothing to it. Gas, oil, belts, brakes, and tires only when needed and fix anything major when and only when it breaks. There will be zero return on your money for a new interior or rebuilt engine.

Probably not the most popular answer on a Expedition owners forum, but if its not broken, don't try to fix it. The words investment and vehicle often don't even belong in the same conversation, especially one involving a mass produced domestic SUV.

 

[soldatlamour]

Sounds like greatness advice. Thank you!

 

[ExplorerTom]

As far as the Expedition: fix what you need to and drive it.

Depending on age and condition, the shocks may need to be replaced, the steering components may need to be replaced. If it's running fine, no need to do anything other than basic maintenance.

 

[GalaxyPilot]

I'd agree, basic stuff. Oil, filters, fluids, etc

 

[rjdelp7]

Any vehicle will nickel and dime you, with that mileage and age. Repair shops, will cost you big dollars. Fixing it in the driveway, is never fun. The only way, I would do it, is with a back up vehicle. I have owned my 2000 Expy for 9 yrs. My mechanic, warned me a few years ago. I have changed ball joints, tierods, exhaust manifolds, muffler, wheel bearings, brakes, tires, power steering line, transmission lines, AC compressor and lines, rear diff cover, two batteries, dip stick tube, shocks, front CV shaft, emergency brake cables, serpentine belt, idler pulley and spark plugs and coils. I have been lucky, so far, but I also own 2 other cars. I probably put $3000 in it, over the years.

 

[soldatlamour]

Thank you - I think for a daily driver I'm going to get a 4yr old F150. You make very good points about reliability

 

[John Christopher]

I'm curious how many miles you put on the truck since you bought it. Did it start to nickel and dime
you in the last 3 years? I have an 03 Expy EB and it's been really good with minimal repairs. Current miles is 113500. I have been looking for another SUV but I'm reluctant to get rid of mine.
Do you think I should keep it for another year or two?

When looking at all the work done on your truck I would think you do most of the repairs yourself.
There is no way it would happen at a mechanic in CT for that price. Thanks

 

[rjdelp7]

I purchased it with 78,000mi. , it now has 103k. The repairs, span over 9yrs. A good friend, with a shop, did much of the work, cheap. I did some work also. I did not mention I replaced running boards, both painted, rusty bumpers(with chrome), had the rockers and lowers touched up and driver seat leather re-done(prob another $2k, for all). I like the truck, like not having a payment, it looks and drives great. I am getting a new Expedition...one part at a time. Looking back, I probably could be driving a newer model, for what I spent. However, I do not like the look of the newer Expeditions.

 

[John Christopher]

I had to replace my rocker and have another area with a lot of rust and that is the radiator core support. Expy are know for this and its a pain to repair. The whole front end has to come off to replace it. The rest of the body is in very good condition though. I will probably keep it for at least another year.

I'm not sure about the 3.5 eco boost. I hear problems with carbon building up on the valves. Some people put a catch can on the truck but that will void the warranty.

When you consider the price of the new Expy the $5000 you put in the truck seems like a bargain.

 

[hammerg26]

I had to put about $1000 in the truck (chose to go to shop - time value of money and all) at the end of 2016... but have not had a car payment in three years... I hope I can continue that trend...
1999 with 167k.

 

[Adieu]

I'm not sure about the 3.5 eco boost. I hear problems with carbon building up on the valves. Some people put a catch can on the truck but that will void the warranty.

When you consider the price of the new Expy the $5000 you put in the truck seems like a bargain.

Modern street lebal turbo 6 cylinders with half-decent power ALL get fouled up w/ CBU... it's due to some questionable design choices pretty much mandated by CARB and the EPA (more sensible motor designs aren't compliant anymore)

 

[eluther3]

Don't fell like you need to replace the truck just because of the age. I have a 97 with almost 300K miles on it. Yes, I have had to put some money into the truck, the truck has been reilable and the maintenance costs have not been unreasonable. Even with a chronic CEL issue and I drive it on a regular basis. I am considering replacing the engine because I would have to pay big bucks for a new truck with the same towing features.

BTW - I may be have a different perspective than you because my wife drives a 2011 BMW with about 60K miles on it and it's already been in the shop for multiple major and minor repairs. Had this not been under a CPO warranty, I would have spent considerably more on repairs than I have for my old truck.

 

[John Christopher]

eluther3 I know what your saying about the durability of the truck. I've owned it for 7 years and it has been very good to me. It only left me stuck one time because of a rusted out break line. All the fluid leaked out and I had no breaks. I had to have it towed to my mechanic and repaired.

It happened at a boat launch ramp when retrieving a 21' boat. I called Boat US and they sent a flatbed. The truck was put on the flatbed with the boat towed behind. I was actually lucky that it happened there instead of driving at 65 mph. The tow was $430 but it didn't cost me anything except a tip to the driver. If you tow a boat they are great.

Your 97 with 300,000 miles says a lot. Thanks

 

[grantpa]

I'd agree with most everything said here-"if it ain't broke...."! I also have an '00 EB/4.6 with 177K in almost pristine (for it's age) condition. All power/elec works. I've had to replace COP's and boots, but plugs were in outstanding condition. If I were you, and you were NOT the last person to give it a tune-up, I'd pull the plugs, check their condition, APPLY ANTI-SIEZE, and torque 'em to 20-22lbs/ft. I'd also check those coils for arcing, cracks, the usual. Replace the boots while you're in there and call 'er good. Good luck!

 

[Adieu]

Don't fell like you need to replace the truck just because of the age. I have a 97 with almost 300K miles on it. Yes, I have had to put some money into the truck, the truck has been reilable and the maintenance costs have not been unreasonable. Even with a chronic CEL issue and I drive it on a regular basis. I am considering replacing the engine because I would have to pay big bucks for a new truck with the same towing features.

BTW - I may be have a different perspective than you because my wife drives a 2011 BMW with about 60K miles on it and it's already been in the shop for multiple major and minor repairs. Had this not been under a CPO warranty, I would have spent considerably more on repairs than I have for my old truck.

I got a 2011 bmw too....335d

164k mi on the bimmer
166k mi on the expy (mine's an '09 tho)

Gotta say the Ford seems a LOT more sturdy and reliable with that mileage... annoying little glitches like rear A/C blenders notwithstanding.

Doesn't overheat... doesn't burn oil...doesn't vibrate like a ****....

 

[1955moose]

Overall the first gens are the best as far as issues. The only biggie is the lack of spark plug threads. They have a drain able transmission/torque convertor, and other things the later ones don't. Their not as fast, not as trick, but overall the most reliable. I'd just do the oil/ trans services and other items as needed. The truck is paid for, enjoy it.


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