How to shop for an Expedition
- Thread starter JUST4FUN
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davesexplorer
Full Access Members
Well for 03 and newer models some areas I would specifically check. (putting aside the obvious stuff to check, lights, radio etc) This is assuming you cant have a mechanic check it out for you.
-While driving
Take the truck up to as fast as you think you will ever drive it safely, note any shimmy, wobble, wandering etc. and have it tended to if possible.
Take lots of turns both ways and listen for any steering bind, noise etc.
Check the brakes, ABS work? Any wobble, grinding or other noise?
Engine noise, transmission slip?
Basically just be the biggest critic of the truck that you can, there's so much to look at I probably couldn't do it justice in a single post, and although not always feasable try and get a mechanic you know and trust to check the vehicle out with you.
-While driving
Take the truck up to as fast as you think you will ever drive it safely, note any shimmy, wobble, wandering etc. and have it tended to if possible.
Take lots of turns both ways and listen for any steering bind, noise etc.
Check the brakes, ABS work? Any wobble, grinding or other noise?
Engine noise, transmission slip?
Basically just be the biggest critic of the truck that you can, there's so much to look at I probably couldn't do it justice in a single post, and although not always feasable try and get a mechanic you know and trust to check the vehicle out with you.
98EXPY 5-0
Full Access Members
Push every button, turn every switch, make sure it all works, or you at least know if it doesn't to help you with making the deal.
Make sure the key works in all the doors (ask me how I know that one).
Check fender wells for bubbled paint or rust. Bottom inside edge of doors too.
Check that all the backseat controls work too.
Make sure that the VIN number on the title matches the car.
Make sure the key works in all the doors (ask me how I know that one).
Check fender wells for bubbled paint or rust. Bottom inside edge of doors too.
Check that all the backseat controls work too.
Make sure that the VIN number on the title matches the car.
ELVATO
Full Access Members
For 03 Expy's, make sure the rear A/C doesn't make a clicking sounds. Engage the rear A/C, and select between various temperatures, as well as switching between floor and roof vents. Happens cuz the gear teeth of the blend door motors break. Cheap fix, if you can find the gears in the junkyard.
Check for paint bubbles in the rear hatch. Appearance.
Check for signs of fading trim. Depends how much appearance matters to you. You can paint them with Krylon, or trim paint. One of these days, I'm going to try and sand and PTM mine.
Pull the PCM relay in the fuse box, and check for burning or melting, either on the relay, or the black plastic where the relay goes into. Early 03's had a fault in the fuse box that made it prone to burning the PCM relay. Once it burns, it'll kill the engine off the car while driving (ask me how I know.) Around a 200 dollar fix for a whole new fuse box.
Check headlights for heat cracks. Seems they like to do that. Purely cosmetic, though.
I'll try to think of more later on.
Check for paint bubbles in the rear hatch. Appearance.
Check for signs of fading trim. Depends how much appearance matters to you. You can paint them with Krylon, or trim paint. One of these days, I'm going to try and sand and PTM mine.
Pull the PCM relay in the fuse box, and check for burning or melting, either on the relay, or the black plastic where the relay goes into. Early 03's had a fault in the fuse box that made it prone to burning the PCM relay. Once it burns, it'll kill the engine off the car while driving (ask me how I know.) Around a 200 dollar fix for a whole new fuse box.
Check headlights for heat cracks. Seems they like to do that. Purely cosmetic, though.
I'll try to think of more later on.
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