How many miles is too many for a 99+

[Shadowless127]

How many miles is too many? Looking to get into a 99+ 5.4 and curious at what mileage you wouldnt consider buying it.


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[VexedEX]

I usually stop at 200k.... but depends on how well taken care of also.

 

[rex450se]

I just bought a 98 with 200k on it and with the service and maintenance records he had I didn't hesitate for the $3000. I just changed the oil on it and the under side is a hell of a lot cleaner than my '02 Ram with half as many miles. It also runs 10x's better. The previous owner of my truck didn't do any regular maintenance and I'm paying for it now. It all depends on how it was taken car of I think. I purchased an '89 Jeep Cherokee from a coworker that had 300k on it and ran like a top. When I bought it he gave me the Chilton's manual and a 3 ring binder with all records since it was new. If you know nothing of the history my truck is showing me that it can really be going down hill at 100k. If you know nothing about it I would have it really checked out by someone I trust before dropping too much on it. Just my .02.

Victor

 

[ToddL]

I can't speak to the 99 model, but my 02 just turned 300K. Unfortunately it is time for a new engine and trans. I cannot complain one bit about this, I have gotten my money worth from this vehicle.

 

[clok1966]

gotta agree with the "how well was it taken care of" statement. Most new cars of any make should be able to make 200,000 with mild care. Tech, oil, etc has improved so much in the last 20 years or so. there is something to be aid about design.. in the past there where simple flaws but even many older designs could make extended miles. Chryslers 318, Gm's 3800, Fords 300 straight 6. Nowdays take a trip to www.car-parts.com (its all the junkyards in one database, handy for 2nd hand parts).. take a look at the engine you are wondring about (ford 5.4 highest legit one is 350,000, but many for sail with 250,000 ish...).. if you do a search you will see many with high miles (200,000+ even 300,000+) most junkyards tend to skip putting miles on over 200,000... but some do. PERSONALLY i have had a 88 GM3800 with ZERO internal work ( just plugs, ignition, oil, and maybe a water pump or two with 340,000 (and it still ran great but I moved on). A 97 Dodge 3.3 with 200,000 and its a daily driver right now (my toy hauler, i fly RC planes). My friend drives an older ford 4x4 f150 (sorry not sure on year, 92?) with the 300 6 and its got 290,000 something.

but there is the RUB.. buying used, how do you know how its been treated? Even good service records cant tell you the guy liked to drive in low lock at 75 MPH? Did he pull a 40 foot camper at 90MPH in the MT's? MOST people dont abuse stuff to hard, but we all see that idiot that leave his 10 foot driveway at 50MPH slams on the brakes, shift to forward from reverse before its stopped.. who cares if he fixes every thing.. he is abusing the crap out of his truck.

I live up by the ND oil boom and buy and sell cars/trucks from craigslist/ebay/local papers for fun and to try make a dime here ands there.. (sadly like gambleing you win big or lose big, and the losers are far more common). I always figure if I pick something up.. if i cant dump it in a week for a few hundred less (if its got problems I didnt see) i wont buy it. It has to be a good deal.. at least 30-40% less then KBB.. so many people Look at KKB like they can get that amount no matter what. its a GUIDE not a fact.

I have looked at alot of cars/truck with 200,000 that ran great, its a gamble.. but depending on what you pay.. it can work out.

 

[98EXeb]

I just bought my 98 with 175 on it and runs like a champ!

 

[ecaps]

I can't comment on the 5.4L specifically, but the '99 4.6L Expy I bought had 183,*** miles on it when I got it about a month ago. It leaks no oil and overall the rig appears to have been taken care fairly well.

I suppose it could blow up tomorrow or run for another 100K miles, but that's the gamble you take with a used vehicle. Look it over the best you can and don't make an "impulse" buy.

 

[CARO'S98EB]

the 5.4 and 4.6 2v engines are near bulletproof if maintained. They can go 300k easy and then many only need the timing chains and guides to keep going. the trans and driveline are generally pretty robust also. Like many have said if it was maintained[oil changes, coolant, trans and diff service...] and not beat then 200k is not a problem if you can fix things yourself or it is just a part time ride.

 

[Idahokid]

This is my second post and really enjoying the site.I have a dealer in town with a 97 expy with 199k Eddie Bauer and it is very clean.Also has a 1998 with 214k and is just in great shape.He want $3999.00 for each one.If you cover the speedo and drove it,you would think it had half the miles on them.I have a hard time pulling the trigger on something with many miles.But I'm learning these expy's can last a long time.

 

[alaskanexpy]

my top buying anything used is 150k, no matter the records..ect. of course money dictates everything. but i buy as low mile as i can afford.

highest mile thing i own and is driven daily is my '98 explorer with 144k.

luckily my expedition only has 83k

 

[hovocop]

I bought my 98 3 months ago for 3k. I have put another 1k into it replacing rotors; brake pads; battery; spark plugs; one caliper; and oil change. it currently has 206k miles on it...................... a good rule of thumb for old cars like this is $100/ month.........I have 4k into it, I want it to last 40 months........ if I need to put more money into it, the length of time increases........... served me well with my mercedes....... we shall see how this ford does

 

[Exia]

Paid 1100 for my 2000 has 191k, just did a tune up, plugs, coils, oil, trans flush, DPFE sensor total in tune up 287.32. Runs and drives great interior is flawless, no rust. does have minor dings and dents but its 12 years old, and the owner lived in a city.

 

[01xlt4wd33]

mine is at 217k runnin strong and no major problems at all other than the usual filter housing leak 15 dollar fix and a manifold bolt broke usual stuff

 

[Idahokid]

I'm going to look at one tomorrow with 141,000. He is the first owner and the dealer did everything.Even the oil changes.It's a 1998 5.4

 

[shadow460]

177,000 and running well. Mine needs the oil filter hoses and possibly the cooler itself replaced. It's a DIY job, and the hose kit is under $100 online (not sure about the tiny little "cooler"). There's some small stuff wrong with it like a door that won't open from the inside (great for keeping tabs on kids) and the cassette deck is jammed.

 

[kristine29]

I have a 2005 expedition limited with 124,000 miles. At about 100,000 I did have to have the transmission rebuilt. 2nd Ford SUV that I had to rebuild the transmission. But the motor is solid!! I love my truck, yes it uses a lot of gas but rides great. AC has not worked in 2 years though. I was told would cost about $1,000 to fix because the problem is in the dash board. This summer I have to make the decision to either get the ac fixed....... or invest that money in another vehicle.

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

My '97 has 277k on it. no service records but I have worked with the PO for a year, he did keep the fluids changed but didn't take good cosmetic care of it. new brakes, new air bags, new front suspension parts ( mustve been at around 100k as they are all aged now). she drives fine and has no leaks to speak of. and I got mine for $400

the take away from this thread is simple. either you need the records or you need to know the previous owners driving habits and knowledge of maintenance skills. otherwise it's a gamble.