Just about to purchase a 2023 platinum max - quick question

[mrasmussen]

I drove the truck and it runs great — engine sounds strong and overall, it feels like the right one for us. The only hesitation I have is the issue with the running boards. While driving, they stayed stuck open and wouldn’t retract.
When I spoke with the salesperson yesterday, he mentioned their mechanics quoted around $4,000 to replace the boards, and that the sales manager is pushing back because of the cost.
My concern is whether the running boards could be temporarily patched or “bandaid‑fixed” just long enough to appear functional. Is there anything specific I should look for to make sure the repair is done correctly and not just a short‑term workaround?

44k miles, here is the link to the truck https://www.fordrochester.com/inven...ax-platinum-4wd-4-door-suv-1fmjk1m8xpea01282/

 

[Fastcar]

I'd be more concerned about the price and mileage than the running boards. Anyway, since your in the snow and road salt that could play a big issue with them. Maybe a quick clean up on the connections or the switch that activates them.

 

[mrasmussen]

From what I can tell, the price seems to be in the right range. I only managed to get $500 off, which isn’t much, but the truck itself made a strong impression. I currently drive a 2018 F‑150 with the 3.5, so I’m familiar with this engine. The Expedition’s motor actually sounds noticeably better than mine — no knock, no odd noises, just clean and smooth.

I’m also very familiar with power running boards since I have to clean and lube mine every year. On this Expedition, the hinges looked extremely clean, so I don’t think buildup or corrosion is the issue. Even when I tried to help the boards retract with my foot after closing the door, they wouldn’t budge.

So now I’m trying to decide whether this is still a good deal. It’s a one‑owner vehicle, serviced locally, and overall in great shape. I asked Copilot earlier and it said the price was fair, but I know AI isn’t perfect.

The good news is I’m not locked in — no deposit, no signed agreement. I’m waiting to see what the dealer ultimately says about the running boards before making a final decision.

 

[mx10166]

You can get the running board to retract again.

1.) power wash all the dirt and grime from the running board joints.
2.) spray all the joints with parts cleaner to really clean them up.
3.) spray all the joints with PB blaster penetrating oil and then help the running boards retract by lifting them while it tries to cycle. Repeat until things get freed up. Let it really soak in for a period of time. This step is important to free up the bushings that get corroded. (make sure the power board are not shut off in the vehicle settings in the dash)
4.) spray all joints with white lithium grease and cycle the boards to work it in. This will keep things lubricated and provide a barrier for dust and grime to enter into the joints too.

I live off a gravel road and also in a snow climate....this process works well. Repeat process as necessary over time.

 

[duneslider]

Are the running boards trying to move and just faulting out and reverting to open, or are they not even trying to move? When mine get all gunked up they will start to move and move part way then reverse but if these aren't budging at all then the problem is bigger than just dirty and either the motor is bad, or the wiring is bad. I have heard of both happening but that isn't the common issue.

 

[mrasmussen]

They made a clunk noise and didn't move. On my F150, they were stuck at one point, because the hinges get all junked up, that isn't the case on this truck. The hinges were super clean.

I just talked to the salesmen, and he said they just fully replaced the running boards and did all of the software updates (I requested that).

One of the selling points is this truck has the 2nd row bench which is a bit harder to find. I think it's a decent deal, as long as the truck isn't garbage. I might have it in the driveway today or tomorrow.

 

[Rob6805]

Seems like the dealer came through for you. I'd go for it.

 

[Fastcar]

From what I can tell, the price seems to be in the right range. I only managed to get $500 off, which isn’t much, but the truck itself made a strong impression. I currently drive a 2018 F‑150 with the 3.5, so I’m familiar with this engine. The Expedition’s motor actually sounds noticeably better than mine — no knock, no odd noises, just clean and smooth.

I’m also very familiar with power running boards since I have to clean and lube mine every year. On this Expedition, the hinges looked extremely clean, so I don’t think buildup or corrosion is the issue. Even when I tried to help the boards retract with my foot after closing the door, they wouldn’t budge.

So now I’m trying to decide whether this is still a good deal. It’s a one‑owner vehicle, serviced locally, and overall in great shape. I asked Copilot earlier and it said the price was fair, but I know AI isn’t perfect.

The good news is I’m not locked in — no deposit, no signed agreement. I’m waiting to see what the dealer ultimately says about the running boards before making a final decision.

The MSRP was $86K new, they depreciated it $27K. That truck is 3 years old with 44K miles. The dealer shows two different gear ratios and they want 4K to fix the running boards. Kinda shows what kind of dealer your working with. I'd be running away from that. You could probably buy a new truck no miles and a warranty for close to the payment your going to hit with. Figure used % rate against new% rate. But, it's your money.

 

[mrasmussen]

I'm guessing they are going to push some warranty? From what I've read in the past, saying NO is usually the best option?

 

[duneslider]

Check with one of the online ford warranty dealers, I think when I priced mine out it was flood ford that had the best deal. You could get a quote from them and then ask the dealer to match it. Some might, some won't.

 

[mrasmussen]

AI said to tell the dealer to get lost when it comes to purchasing an ESP

From AI - said tell the dealer the below and they will know they can't scam you.

“I’m only interested in a Ford Protect Used PremiumCARE plan.
Can you print the Ford Protect price sheet for my VIN?”

For your 2023 Expedition with ~45k miles, a fair price for Ford Protect Used PremiumCARE is:

• 5yr/75k: $1,600–$2,000
• 6yr/100k: $1,900–$2,400
• 7yr/100k: $2,100–$2,700
• 8yr/125k: $2,300–$3,200

The smart move
Buy the truck.
Then shop Ford Protect pricing from:

• Granger
• Zeigler
• Lombard
• Flood

You’ll save hundreds to thousands compared to buying it in the finance office

 

[Jamo]

I just looked at a '24 MAX Limited yesterday and the driver's side running board would not retract. Obviously, they will fix, but... I'm close to pulling the trigger, the downside is the RB's (which I have on my 2014 EL LTD, and seized years ago), 22's, and the BFS (big darn screen) in the dash. It's beautiful otherwise. Black w/tan interior, 28,000 miles, $58,800. Actually, the screen wasn't as bad in person as from online looks. I have a deal pending...out the door at $56K (cash), to include my 2014 and all NYS Sale Tax (.0875 here) & dealer fees. I have to let them know Monday...
How are those 22's on snow? I might swap them out for 20's with more aggressive tires. They do look good though.
Good luck with yours, Mr Ras...

 

[mrasmussen]

Just got the truck yesterday, so far no issues. The dealer we purchased from replaced the tires with some continental all seasons, not the tires I would have selected, but I'll wear those out and replace.

Not sure if the numbers above are accurate for ESP warranties, but shop around instead of taking the dealer's price (if you're looking to get an additional warranty)

 

[BoringTilltheEnd]

I just looked at a '24 MAX Limited yesterday and the driver's side running board would not retract. Obviously, they will fix, but... I'm close to pulling the trigger, the downside is the RB's (which I have on my 2014 EL LTD, and seized years ago), 22's, and the BFS (big darn screen) in the dash. It's beautiful otherwise. Black w/tan interior, 28,000 miles, $58,800. Actually, the screen wasn't as bad in person as from online looks. I have a deal pending...out the door at $56K (cash), to include my 2014 and all NYS Sale Tax (.0875 here) & dealer fees. I have to let them know Monday...
How are those 22's on snow? I might swap them out for 20's with more aggressive tires. They do look good though.
Good luck with yours, Mr Ras...

I have a '23 Limited in the snowbelt of NE Ohio. Tires: Stock 22 inch were horrible. Before this winter I replaced with Michelin CrossClimate 2 and have been happy. I thought about going to 20s as well because the ride is firm with the 22s - I have to keep the tires properly inflated, meaning 1-2psi off and I can notice a difference in ride. They are a bit noiser and mpg took a slight hit (less than .5 mpg). Not yet had a running board problem but I have the Weathertech splashguards and twice a year (once during winter) I extend the boards at a spray wash place and rinse the mechanism. Then I spray with lubricant liberally.

 

[Jamo]

Well, I bought the '24 I was looking at yesterday. I went in to have another look, and took it for a ride. Sure is smooth compared to my '14 EL LTD. I asked if they would consider boosting my trade by $1000, since I was upfront with $55K out the door price. I said I'd put a deposit down right now if they did that. They did! I'm happy, they're happy, and I'll have it early next week.
Let's hope it's as good my my '14...

 

[Jamo]

Couple pics...

 

[Trainmaster]

Congratulations. Generally,you will love the truck. I have a fairly new 23 that's been fantastic.

 

[Fastcar]

Good luck with it. Our 2024 with 20K has been trouble free. Seems that the earlier issues have been eliminated.

 

[TonyR0206]

I drove the truck and it runs great — engine sounds strong and overall, it feels like the right one for us. The only hesitation I have is the issue with the running boards. While driving, they stayed stuck open and wouldn’t retract.
When I spoke with the salesperson yesterday, he mentioned their mechanics quoted around $4,000 to replace the boards, and that the sales manager is pushing back because of the cost.
My concern is whether the running boards could be temporarily patched or “bandaid‑fixed” just long enough to appear functional. Is there anything specific I should look for to make sure the repair is done correctly and not just a short‑term workaround?

44k miles, here is the link to the truck https://www.fordrochester.com/inven...ax-platinum-4wd-4-door-suv-1fmjk1m8xpea01282/

Mind you, this is just with my personal experience with my ‘22: during the winter, especially when it’s very cold, the running boards don’t work very well. We’ve had a very harsh, cold winter…so they either don’t go down or they don’t retract. Once the weather warms up, they work just fine. I do my best to clean and lube the joints a few times during the spring/summer/fall months.

 

[Rob6805]

Mind you, this is just with my personal experience with my ‘22: during the winter, especially when it’s very cold, the running boards don’t work very well. We’ve had a very harsh, cold winter…so they either don’t go down or they don’t retract. Once the weather warms up, they work just fine. I do my best to clean and lube the joints a few times during the spring/summer/fall months.

Bingo with the power running boards.. They stink in the winter and I too keep them cleaned and lubed on our 21. Good news is that I have a heated garage I can pull it into to melt the snow and ice..
Going to replace it with a new Tremor, probably a 27 and hope Ford has the new "Digital Experience" straightened out. Can't wait for the fixed running boards..