Looking for info about expeditions

[joezek]

Hi, I'm shopping for a 2003 and newer expedition. I'm doing some research to figure out the differences between the model years, pros and cons etc.

A few things I'm comparing are the engines and mpg. I've heard that the bigger 5.4L engine gets better mpg than the 4.6L.

What are the towing capacities?

Are there any common problems with each model year/engine/etc?

Any info is greatly appreciated. I hope to be an expedition owner soon, and be on the forum more often.

JOE

 

[joezek]

From reading the EPA government website, the 5.4L gets worse mileage as expected. However, in the real world, maybe its different than the EPA tests.

I'm driving a 98 Eddie Bauer Explorer for the last 10 years. It's got the 4.0 SOHC v-6 engine. This is the engine designed by a German company and installed in the explorer as the high output V-6, with almost the same power as the V-8 that was offered. I get approx 20 mpg on the highway, and 17 average city/highway according the the trip computer. The only problem is towing on the highway. I tow a pretty large pop up camper that's a lot wider than the truck. Above 50 mph the truck loses all power and mileage.

I'm looking at Expeditions because they're wider, probably the same width as our pop up camper. This would streamline the airflow and make highway towing much nicer.

The only weak point on the SOHC V-6 is the 3 timing chains, one of them behind the engine. They have a known tensioner problem. Does either engine offered on the Expedition have a problem like that?

 

[ELVATO]

Here's a list I made for someone wanting to switch from an F150 to an Expedition. Should be helpful for you as well. The only real issues with the engine would be the bold.

For that price range, you shouldn't have any trouble getting something you like. If you're going to be towing, I'd get the 5.4 for the extra grunt. Also make sure the required trailer harness is in the back.

Things to check for:
1. Clicking/thumping from rear AC actuators. Turn on rear AC and switch between floor and roof, as well as between hot and cold. If there is clicking, one of the actuators has broken gears. Easy fix (though can be time consuming, depending on which one it is.) Might be good bargaining point.

2. Just like the F150s, the lighted window switches like to go out. They should come on as soon as the key is turned (kinnda hard to see in the daytime, so cup your hand over them.) Isn't a huge problem, more an appearance one. Again, another possible bargaining point.

3. Not sure if it's applicable with all years, or just 03's, but check the rear tailgate, especially around the plate area. There might be paint bubbling. Something about the aluminum oxidizing, something like that. Cosmetic, another bargaining point.

4. Check operation of the power mirror switch. I know of a couple where either some or all of the directions don't work. Mine, for example, doesn't wanna drive the mirrors down. The switch is only 15 dollars from Tasca, and is an easy fix, but not everyone knows that. Another bargaining point.

5. For higher mileage Expys with the 3V 5.4L, ask to see if the plugs have been changed. I'm pretty sure it's the same hassle as the F150 5.4L engine.

6. Check the headlights for spider webbing. Might need to turn on the headlights to see them (not sure if you can see it in the day, but you can see them at night, when the lights are on.) Seems it's heat cracks. My old ones had them, and the replacement ones I got off ebay have a couple small ones, though they aren't very noticeable. Hopefully running HIDs helps slows the process.

7. I know you said 04-06, but if you were to look at consider an 03, pull the fuse cover off and check the PCM relay (R203, the one next to fuses 22 and 36.) Check for burning at one of the prongs. The early 03s had a problem with the fuse box frying the PCM relay which can result in no-start conditions or the engine dying while driving (ask me how I know...)

Other than that, just push every button, turn every dial, and make sure everything works like it should. Check the tires for improper wear, check the engine for noises on a cold start up. Take a look under the Expy to make sure nothing is out of place. Check the fluids and their color/smell. If it's 4x4, make sure it works. Make sure the windows go up and down as they should. Check the power pedals. Check the rear wiper. Make sure all locks work, as well as the remote and keyless entry.

Hmm... I know I'm forgetting some stuff, but that's all I can remember for now. I'll post up if I remember something else.

 

[05EBExpy]

not sure about the 03's but an 05 5.4 has the 3v 300 hp motor, towing is 8900 for 4x4. ou want to check the cam phaser for noise, injectors also, some sound like a diesal, if seats are heated and cooled make sure both work. the exhuast manifold on passenger side is also known to leak. that's about al i can think of.

 

[ELVATO]

Oh yea, the problem with the F150s having the injectors stuck open. Can't remember which years the recall affected. I'll look it up in a bit.

 

[corvettej]

Don't forget about the Clad fading and the brake dust on the 03's.

 

[joezek]

All very good info thanks. I looked at an 03 4wd, muffler was ripped off, running boards bent up, mirror snapped off, carpet flooded with mud and hardened into cement, idled rough, wouldn't start w/o a jump box, door locks broken-- JUNK POS. the dealers best " cash steal" was $14000. What a rip off. Today I'm lookin at a 03 Eddie bauer 5.4L for $8,000 private seller.

 

[joezek]

Just looked at a beautiful 2003 EB edition, 2 wheel drive. It was in real nice shape. Problems found were: the front bumper paint is screwed up from love bugs, needs to be repainted/or clearcoated. The switch is broken on the drivers door, so 3 windows aren't working. Someone switched out the Eddie Bauer wheels for XLT wheels, I don't really care about that. The middle seat is missing on the second row of seats. A few of the buttons stick or don't work on the steering wheel for a/c control. Tires are getting close to worn out, probably 6 months.

The guy's asking $8,500, all the dealers want at least $14,000 for the same exact vehicle. Title is clean, no wrecks. Chassis is perfect, no corrosion anywhere- looks new. Personally I think it's an incredible deal, a rare find for the price. The only 03 or newer that I've found with similar prices are XLT models with no options, and are beat up badly.

 

[ELVATO]

The front bumper, just repaint. Not sure how much that would be.

Are you sure it's broken? Might just need to be cleaned. Which windows don't work?

The middle seat is replacable. Not sure on cost.

Same for the steering wheel switches, might just need to be cleaned.

How is it on maintanence? Have you looked in other areas for an Expy, say Miami or Orlando?

 

[corvettej]

I think some eddie bauer had captain seats so there won't be a middle seat because it was design like that with a walk-through aisle to the 3rd row of seats. Sometime the windows button get dirt or lint trapped in the switch, just pop the panel up and check it out it just be working

 

[joezek]

He said his mechanic told him the switch contacts are "messed up" inside the driver door switch. I'll disassemble it and see whats wrong, possibly clean or solder it.

I thought all of the Eddie bauer had captains chairs in the second row, but still a third seat in between them which was removable and slides forward/aft? I just figured it's in someones garage from a previous owner.

I'll try contact cleaner on the steering wheel switches.

I just need a pint of the base and clear, and I'm good to go on spraying the front bumper. I'll put a few extra coats of clear on there too.

I did look all over the state for other eddie bauer expeditions, nothing else for under $12K. Two actually were the same price, but both had rebuilt titles.... This one is not wrecked, clean title. So I think I found a great deal, looks that way to me so far.

 

[ELVATO]

This is what mine looks like:

All three 2nd row seats fold down flat. The second one does, indeed, slide a little bit forward.

Then there are others that are kinnda like this (this is a Navi interior):

In that picture, there is a second center console for the second row. I've see some where there is no center console, and is just a passage way to get to the 3rd row seats, kinnda like this (this is with the seats folded down):

Unless they recarpeted, you would see the holes left by the center seat if they took it out. On the other hand, I guess you could technically add the center seat. You'd just have to find the holes and cut the carpet....

 

[joezek]

I'm creating a folder like I always do for my cars/trucks. I'm looking for a brochure that would have been available at the dealership for the 2003 models. Do you know where I can download one on the internet? I like knowing what all the options and colors were, and the brochure is a nice thing to have.

I've found plenty of sites with basic specs and features, but not a step by step package information for what you get with each installed package.

 

[joezek]

Just in case any one is interested, I found this brochure online in PDF format. It's the 2003 Ford Expedition dealership brochure.

Page 6 has the seating options, one option is a 7 passenger seating arrangement which looks like what mine has. The 2nd row has only 2 chairs, guess that was an Eddie Bauer option too?

http://www.woodfam.com/ryan/expedition/2003_Ford_Expedition.pdf

Also found this awesome build sheet like you use when ordering a brand new vehicle....but for the 2003 model expedition

http://www.auto123.com/en/ford/expedition/2003/build?carid=1031801602

 

[corvettej]

I guess I was partially right on the walk-through aisle.

 

[joezek]

Yeah the rear second row seats had an option for Eddie Bauer, for captains chairs. That option was $380 and results in 7 passenger seating.

 

[GAINMOB]

1 word...EBAY