New to group need help please

[Gypsy55]

I Ann currently looking to buy a used Expedition. Which year between 1999 and 2005 are the most reliable, less recalls and overall best to buy? I had a 2000 ford excursion and the 4 years i had it was great! No major problems. Rode wonderful. Gas was the only huge problem. I am a single mother of four with three tall teenagers at home and need plenty of leg room. I'm not at all a minivan mom. I'm a truck girl! Since I loved my excursion so much, I want to stick with the family and get an expedition.
I've heard some years have had electrical problems which I'd like to avoid as much as possible. We also will be moving to Oregon within the next year and driving and using a small uhaul trailer up there. So reliability is extremely important. I work from home so I'm not worried about the gas mileage since i won't be driving it in traffic everyday but we do love to go camping. Any help would be fantastic and greatly appreciated. Also I am excited about finding this website for future topics on expeditions.

 

[Plati]

My guess would be 2003 at least (I have one) BUT ... not to be Negative Nancy, I think unless you (find a keeper and) can do a lot of repairs yourself ... and/or have a GREAT honest independent repair shop ... this is going to be an expensive vehicle to own with things breaking on a regular basis. I have repairs a few times a year and my average cost is $800/year and I consider myself fortunate. Bought it new so I know whats going on with it --- used will be a train of surprises. I also pick and choose what to actually repair and what to leave in a compromised state. Currently I leak power steering fluid from the rack, rear differential fluid from a side shaft, coolant from <unknown>, my front blower only runs on 2 speeds, parking brake is barely functional, rear blower disconnected due to thumping, got the door ajar problem so I leave interior lights off and live with beeping, rear wiper bushing is almost ready for rebuild, electric windows slower than molasses. Other than that its good for trips to grocery if I take my cell phone and have AAA. Some people have had better luck, some worse. Love my 2003 though.

 

[Aspen03]

All of those years have their particular quirks but are generally reliable vehicles. The 2005 however I'd shy away from it because it's the first year of the 3v motor which has extra concerns with the cam phasers unless you happen to come across a very well maintained example and the price is right and you understand what you're getting and can identify a potential problem before purchase.

I personally like the 2nd generation, specifically the 2003-2004 model years. A few key reasons are a better suspension design with a more car like ride, fold flat 2nd and 3rd row seats to create a floor of sorts in the back, less dated styling, a good array of options (heated and cooled seats, heated exterior mirrors, power folding 3rd row, F&R Heat/AC).

It's not perfect by any means, people have had issues with plugs occasionally being ejected in the 2v motors, they are known to have fuse box issues due to a leak that can occur and travel down the passenger side of the dash area, there is a good bit more electronics than the first gen so a greater potential of failure.

I'm pushing 233k on my 2003 which I purchased 2 years ago from someone who took exceptional care of it and have had a fairly trouble free experience. I've put no more than basic maintenance and a few upgrades into it since. They're getting more difficult to find if you are after something lower mile and keep in mind some parts are also becoming discontinued, a problem you'll have with any 15+ year old vehicle.

 

[Trainmaster]

With a truck that age, the specific vehicle and its previous service history will mean more than the year and model. Of course, look for a lower mileage truck that was carefully maintained. When you find one, research that model's peculiarities. Address them up front, and you'll have a good vehicle.

I had 260,000 miles on a 2000. They're all good if taken care of. Unfortunately, a 17 to 23 year old machine can require some costly repairs, regardless of its overall condition. But as they say, it's parts or payments.

 

[Ty Markle]

I second an 03. I've had mine for 12 years. Outside of the guy stripping my plugs it's been pretty reliable considering.

 

[Gypsy55]

Thank you for the information!! I am very grateful. This will definitely help in my search.

 

[Gypsy55]

I have read a bit about the issues with windshield leaking and going down into the fuse box and causing all crazy havoc with electronics in the truck. That would be something I would take care of right away so it doesn't happen. Better to spend the little bit of money for preventative maintenance. It seems it can be quite a nightmare if that were to happen.

 

[Gypsy55]

With a truck that age, the specific vehicle and its previous service history will mean more than the year and model. Of course, look for a lower mileage truck that was carefully maintained. When you find one, research that model's peculiarities. Address them up front, and you'll have a good vehicle.

I had 260,000 miles on a 2000. They're all good if taken care of. Unfortunately, a 17 to 23 year old machine can require some costly repairs, regardless of its overall condition. But as they say, it's parts or payments.

I agree... great advice to take care of in advance what could possibly go wrong in the future.