Looking to buy an Expy

[hamiltonfighter]

Joined the forum a while ago when I was in the market. We ended up getting an awesome Excursion as a third (recreational) vehicle. The home A/C went out so we sold the Excursion to pay off some debt.

Well the current minivan just threw a tranny code this week, so I'm starting my search early for something new. I always liked the Expeditions, and hopefully will be successful at getting one this time.

I can't afford new, so I'm looking through various used car resources. What is your first impresson of this: 2005 Ford Expedition? Does the rust on the hitch mean anything? Do these engines last?

Should I be looking for lower mileage '03 & '04s? I know there was some power gain in '05, but besides that is there anything major different between '03 through '07?

 

[FordandPolaris]

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f41/what-look-when-buying-gen-2-expy-10742/index2.html

That link above will be worth a look through. I can't remember when they switched over to 3v motors (I think it was 05 or 06) but there are problems with replacing spark plugs and having the plugs break.

We did have a motor blow in my dad's 04 at 120k but it does need to be said that his oil changing practices are horrible.

Other things we have done with that truck include front suspension needing complete replacement at 160k. Otherwise the truck has been alright so far. The rust on the hitch is fine, check the inside bottoms of doors, and the tailgate for bubbling paint.

 

[stumpyjk]

How much are looking to spend? Where are you located?

 

[TactialMonkey]

Well my buddy actually got a 05' expy as a retired cop cruiser and it had 100,001 miles and sold for 7,000 hahahah the plugs were a sinch I had no issues taking them out and put some E3's in there and oh boy it got some pull back but look at retired cop and forest service ones they have a bull bar and spot light rougher suspension a center console delete which I got jealous and did its awesome having that room but the forest service has mud tires and the police have all terrain 20 ply or something crazy like that