Jumping from GM, what to look for?

[Jettix2]

Tired of fixing my wife's 2014 Escalade ESV.......6.2L with low miles, but the magnetic shocks, compressor, and constant electrical issues are driving me insane with only 53k miles on it.

Wife only wants an 18+ Expedition MAX with either Active-X or leather.

**the kicker is that I really want to find one with the Max Tow Package, so that we can tow a camper and separate the kiddos instead of having them ride 3 across in my 3/4 ton Ram**

I flat out refuse to pay $60k+ for a new one, and there's very few used 18s out there to start with (mostly rental fleet turn-ins,), and even fewer with Max Tow.

Aside from that, are there any big issue-areas that I should watch for?

I found a brand new, leftover 19 XLT MAX with Max Tow for about $50k as a worst-case scenario.........

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[MonkeyBrains]

If you can find one, go for the Limited with CCD suspension upgrade. Many/most Limiteds with the upgraded CCD and 360 cameras are equipped with the max tow package. I recommend the max tow package to anyone who will drive them a lot or pull trailers regularly. The upgraded radiator alone is worth it if you’re road tripping it through summer heat. And you get the enhanced trailer controls and 3.73 gearing.

Unfortunately, like you say, not many used ones to come by.

Not much to look out for, Ford has done a great job with them. Some reports here and there with issues, but overall seems to be a low rate of true issues or lemons that all manufacturers deal with. If buying used, it’s like any other used purchase. Proper due diligence and inspection on your part. And I’d be a little cautious of used ones right now. We’re at 2 years into the new model refresh of a high-demand vehicle. In my experience that means most used ones out there are going to be abused fleet and lease returns and a handful of lemons. Truly good ones will sell quick.

Early 2018 production models had a plastic oil pan. Many are worried about the longevity of that pan. I happen to own one manufactured in February ‘18 with that plastic pan. No issues yet, but I’m just coming up on 30K miles.

 

[Jettix2]

Thank you much for the info. CCD sounds much like the magna-ride our Escalade has, though better executed and a decade newer in technology

There's very few used 18+ Expys out there, as we knew, and everything that is is either a fleet turn in (which was likely maintained well but driven hard), or a lemon that someone else couldn't stand. I think I'd be most inclined to just buy a brand new XLT MAX and at least be able to get the tow package I want.

Thanks again!

Ben

 

[NukeLife]

I also had a pretty specific wishlist on a preowned. My advice is just to be patient and expand your search area.

It took me 9 months to find my Expy.
I had to drive 6 hours to a Ford dealership two states away.

My must haves were: 4X4 with heavy duty tow package, Platinum trim in the triple platinum white color with the white seats, and rear seat entertainment package with rear captains chairs. Preferably as a Certified Pre-Owned and absolutely no history as a fleet car or rental.

I found 3 in nine months (in a 600 mile radius). The third one I was able to snag before it got away.

I paid $30,000 less than the sticker price when new. And upgraded the CPO warranty (for an additional $1800) to a Premium ESP that keeps me covered into 2025 and through 135,000 miles.

Given the teething issues these newest 4th gens are experiencing I would not purchase a pre-owned without an Extended Service Plan.

My compliments to the previous owner of my Platy. It was pristine inside and out. Not a single door ding on it. Couldn’t tell it apart from the brand new one sitting beside it without turning on the ignition and seeing the odometer. Very well maintained.

 

[osteodoc08]

I’d also recommend the Limited with CCD suspension. I’ve got an 18 and has been a really good vehicle and have close to 60k miles now. Time will tell.

As a side note, wife had a 2013 Yukon Denali that dropped a rod through the 6.2L block at 53k miles. Factory maintained and puked all 6L oil on the dealer lot when the rod finally blew through the crank case. I had flat bedded it to the dealer because of knocking and when they started it up, it finally gave up.

 

[Saltwater Soul]

Sounds exactly like my search. Same everything but a Max and I didn't care about rear entertainment. Took a long time to find but I finally got one with only 21K and CPO. Even had new car smell and looked like no one had ever entered the interior. Dealer even put brand new tires on it to seal the deal.

I also had a pretty specific wishlist on a preowned. My advice is just to be patient and expand your search area.

It took me 9 months to find my Expy.
I had to drive 6 hours to a Ford dealership two states away.

My must haves were: 4X4 with heavy duty tow package, Platinum trim in the triple platinum white color with the white seats, and rear seat entertainment package with rear captains chairs. Preferably as a Certified Pre-Owned and absolutely no history as a fleet car or rental.

I found 3 in nine months (in a 600 mile radius). The third one I was able to snag before it got away.

I paid $30,000 less than the sticker price when new. And upgraded the CPO warranty (for an additional $1800) to a Premium ESP that keeps me covered into 2025 and through 135,000 miles.

Given the teething issues these newest 4th gens are experiencing I would not purchase a pre-owned without an Extended Service Plan.

My compliments to the previous owner of my Platy. It was pristine inside and out. Not a single door ding on it. Couldn’t tell it apart from the brand new one sitting beside it without turning on the ignition and seeing the odometer. Very well maintained.

 

[KenK]

If you are used to the magnetic suspension you will likely want the CCD. I have the regular suspension which is just a bit rougher ride but no future problems or expenses.
If you plan on towing anything significant go for the HD Tow package. BTW if you are looking for 4x4 you have to get either the HD Tow or FX4 off road packages to get the 4x4 Low Range transfer case, heavy duty radiator, and 3.73 gears.

 

[Calidad]

I just bought a new 19. One thing I found was the upper trims are not selling well at all. The Limiteds, FX and optioned XLTs have been selling pretty well. As a result I found I could work a far far far better deal on the Platinum vs the Limited. I took home a Platinum heavy tow package for $72,000. The MAXs are even harder to sell and can probably get even bigger discounts.

The loaded up Limiteds were also easier to get them to deal!! I bet you could get a loaded up Limited with tow pack for 62ish.

The XLT loaded up is hard to find very popular price point and value. Dealers didn’t seem interested in even discussing it unless you were paying sticker. That was my experience. Check out Truecar.com that really got the negotiations going.

 

[Lou Hamilton]

I just bought a new 19. One thing I found was the upper trims are not selling well at all. The Limiteds, FX and optioned XLTs have been selling pretty well. As a result I found I could work a far far far better deal on the Platinum vs the Limited. I took home a Platinum heavy tow package for $72,000. The MAXs are even harder to sell and can probably get even bigger discounts.

The loaded up Limiteds were also easier to get them to deal!! I bet you could get a loaded up Limited with tow pack for 62ish.

The XLT loaded up is hard to find very popular price point and value. Dealers didn’t seem interested in even discussing it unless you were paying sticker. That was my experience. Check out Truecar.com that really got the negotiations going.

I was able to pick up the 303A package for $64K and some change before taxes and title, blah, blah, blah. Sticker price was $78,644. Also got 0% financing which was nice... BTW, if you don't do the 0% financing, you can get another $2K off brining you down to the $62K range that Calidad mentioned.