need a new rig, Expi or F150.....and why?!

[robuilt]

i know this may be a biased questions, posting on an Expi site and all but i still value everyones opinion.


So I've been doing research on a new rig. I don't want to spend more than 8 grand. I'm stickin with a 97-02/03 Expedition or F150. I think the body style is modern enough to not look like an old rig, and old enough to still enjoy out at the beach or mudpit.

In a nutshell I've broken down my choice to two choices. The truck would have to be a V8, 4x4, Extended/Crewcab (if F150). I want an auto tranny as it will be my daily driver.

Now I have two kids, and maybe a 3rd in a year or two. My wife has her own Expi but when the kids want to ride with me, I want them to be comfortable.

Now other than being my daily driver, I also enjoy building up my vehicles. I've modified EVERY vehicle I've ever owned since I was 17. Its who I am. This vehicle will have a 6" lift (or so) and run on a minimum 35" tire (most likely bfg all terrains). I enjoy using the 4wd on all my vehicles. The action I can expect this truck to see would be occassional backwoods mud trails and weekend trips out to South Padre Island (for some sand fun). This type of fun would probably be 10 times a year but never see hardcore wheeling action. It won't be a mall crawler though

I have a ranger right now and never really use the bed. Ill be keeping it though as a backup vehicle. As for towing, eventually, I'd like to get a bay fishing boat and/or a pop up travel trailer to take to the island.

I've priced similar trucks in my area. Most have between 100k to 130k miles, all 4x4, all 4.6 or 5.4 trucks. The F150s are around the 8000 range (top of my budget) while Expeditions are going for almost half that, 4000-5000.

Now please share your input and opinions. I have thick skin so don't take things personally

Which should I go for? F150 or Expedition and more importantly why?!?!

 

[panda24619]

expedition. just make sure basic care was done. 5.4 engine.
but if you want something thats GREAT at off road find a 5.4 f150 with the manual transfer case. rare but its more reliable. ive had some little problems with my truck not wanting to go into 4wd. but all i did is turn the truck off and back on.
comfy i would do expedition. NON AIR SUSPENSION. one problem will usually end up with more. and besides she already rides like a caddy... almost. haha

tons more i can go on and on about, but its also super easy to put 35s on.

 

[tallsville]

if you dont need the bed to haul stuff, then i would go with the expy if it is half the price in your area. both are great vehicles and both are easily modded.

 

[robuilt]

yeah, as i posted in another thread on another site (but im glad i finally found an Expi-Specific site), ive always been a ford truck man but part of me says Expi because I have NEVER seen a well built, purpose built, non-mall crawler lifted Expi down here.

I love the look of the urban assault/weekend warrior expi look. Lifted with black cragar soft 8 rims, grill guard, nerf bars, safari roof rack and mounted kc lights. I think It looks mean! I've gone through tons of pics in various site galleries and love that look!

 

[rburch]

Its like comparing apples to apples. The only thing you have to decide is if you need the bed room or the cargo room. If you got a crew cab F150 you would have a little more room in the bed than with the Expy with the seats folded and nowhere to put the kids on your trips.

I tend to lean more to the Expy side since they get around better without adding weight in the back. Both will go every place the other will.

 

[alaskanexpy]

if your keeping your ranger IMO one pickup is enough. i have my f-250 then 4 other SUV's. i feel the bed is a huge waste 99% of the time.

i vote expy...much more family friendly and still cool as hell to mod

 

[robuilt]

yeah thats pretty much where im at .

 

[alaskanexpy]

it makes sense to me i'm glad somebody else can agree lol

i drive my bronco,explorer(once shes fixed), expedition, excursion rather then the pickup..when i drive the f-250 theres a reason for it lol

 

[robuilt]

now there is a great example of the weekend warrior look i want!

 

[panda24619]

SOL's! its sick but its a 3rd gen!

 

[tallsville]

sols expy the definition of mall crawler

 

[panda24619]

sols expy the definition of mall crawler

quoted cause its true!

 

[robuilt]

well if it was used away from the pavement then it would be a great weekend warrior but you get my point, lol. i love the look

 

[Lane24]

My vote for Expy too. Everyone in town has a lifted F150. Very few lifted SUV's other than the little blazers and such. Mine stands out, and gets more reaction. Plus it's a tank in the snow and mud. Lots of weight = lots of traction.

 

[Thermo]

If you are lookign at a new truck, like others have pointed out, if you need the bed, then you should go with a crew cab pickup. But, if you just need a people hauler, then the Expy is going to be the better bet.

ALong these lines, if you are willing to pick up a truck that is already done up, let me know. I have a 97 Expy that I am selling that has a 4" lift and 37" mud tires on it. I have mine for sale. I am looking to get $5000. It has been modified to correct the engineering flaw in the 5.4L (spark plugs blowing out). I have also ported/polished the intake/heads. I'm sure if you talk to the guys here, they will have a lot to say about my truck.

Just something to ponder. You can see a lot of pictures of the truck by going to http://www.fordtruckworld.com/thermo.

 

[sgtowing]

I vote Expy.

 

[robuilt]

If you are lookign at a new truck, like others have pointed out, if you need the bed, then you should go with a crew cab pickup. But, if you just need a people hauler, then the Expy is going to be the better bet.

ALong these lines, if you are willing to pick up a truck that is already done up, let me know. I have a 97 Expy that I am selling that has a 4" lift and 37" mud tires on it. I have mine for sale. I am looking to get $5000. It has been modified to correct the engineering flaw in the 5.4L (spark plugs blowing out). I have also ported/polished the intake/heads. I'm sure if you talk to the guys here, they will have a lot to say about my truck.

Just something to ponder. You can see a lot of pictures of the truck by going to http://www.fordtruckworld.com/thermo.

im seriously considering it. Im waiting on the status of a new job in the oil fields. I will be ready with cash in hand to buy a vehicle in Jan/Feb next year.

i wont waste your time if im truely interested once i have $100 bills in my hand.

 

[Thermo]

robuilt, the only "issue" I would see at this time is that I don't have the truck with active plates on it. So, you would somehow need to get temp tags to get it back to Texas. I'm not sure how that would really work. I tend to take it out for quick drives around the block to keep things moving and whatnot, but I am taking a chance every time I do that. I tend to do that late at night when traffic is minimal and then I do it on rarely travelled roads. Driving it all the way back to Texas on expired plates may be a bit risky. Granted, I could see what I could do about getting plates on it too.

 

[GAINMOB]

i wish...it would be mine...momma aint trying to hear it when she picked out a $7K platinum 4ct ring...

 

[SourMashII]

^ thats next on my agenda as well, before the Centurion ges a dime.