Newbie Questions - Considering purchasing a 2015-2017 Expedition..

[LRNAD90]

So my wife’s truck was rear ended, and it is in the shop being repaired..

We have a ’17 Base XLT Expedition as a rental..
And she is digging the Interior Volume and size of the truck..
So now considering purchasing a 2015-2017 Expedition..

Been reading around the forums a bit..

Few Questions I can’t seem to find answers to, was hoping would be right off the top of the head for the veterans around here..


1) Any significant differences between the ’15, ’16 or ’17 models?

2) If I were to pick up an XLT, can an 8” SYNC3 unit be swapped in relatively easily to replace the standard little display?

3) Is there an options combination that gets you leather heated cooled seats/Sync 3 and keeps the base models’ two dial main instrument cluster?

4) What is the realistic MPG? Trip computer seems to be overly optimistic initially, showing 18-20 mpg around town, but as the fuel gauge drops, the MPG calculation falls off to the 15 mpg range eventually, even though driving is remaining essentially the same..

5) How much better are the Limited’s projector headlamps, cause the XLTs reflector headlamps suck, surprised to see the Limited doesn’t have HIDs either..

6) I know the core design hasn’t really changed since 2007, seems to be some conflicting information about whether roof strength was increased and if so beginning what model year?

7) Does the upgraded ‘Sony’ sound system sound any good? Again, the stock XLT System sucks..

8) Any special areas of concerns to look for when looking for a used Expedition? Do they tend to eat thought brakes, or bushings? Any issues to look out for with the ecoboost engine?


Anything else relevant any of the veterans want to add, my ears (and eyes) are open at this point. Trying to figure out if buying one of these beasts makes sense for us, thanks..

P.S - Yes, I have read though the what to look for Sticky as well..

 

[07xln]

1. Sync3 in 17
2. I have no idea
3. No
4. I'd say 15 is average for most people on here for around town. Im tuned so mine is closer to 13
5. A little better but not by much. Its the bulbs that are the problem. A simple bulb swap to an LED or and HID conversion will fix the problem dramatically with the projector
6. I have no idea
7. I have the Sony in my EL Limited and it sounds great to me. Im no audio file like others on here but it gets plenty loud and playing with the settings will get it a nice clean sound
8. Not getting started with this one. Every Ecoboost owner that chimes in will say the Ecoboost is great, including myself. Every 5.4 owner that chimes in will tell you the Ecoboost is shit and the Ecoboost owners don't know what theyre talking about. The horse has literally been beaten to death on that subject. Im over it

Good luck with whatever you purchase

 

[star-art]

1. RE: '15-'17 Changes: Minor changes in options, i.e. what's standard and what's optional equipment. Varies with trim level and year. As an example, CCD suspension became standard on Platinum models for 2017 but it was a standalone option before that. No 3rd-Gen Expedition was available with a Limited-Slip rear axle up to 2016 but it became an option for 2017.

2. RE: Sync3/8-inch Display: Yes but it's VERY expensive (almost $3000 if you want plug-'n-play). You're much better off getting an XLT with the 202A package. It comes with heated/cooled seats, 8-inch display, etc. Navigation and moonroof are separate, standalone options.

7. RE: Premium Sound: Get a truck with the Sony sound system -- if only for the fact it comes with a subwoofer and a center channel dash speaker. You can easily swap out speakers to make it sound even better. Adding the subwoofer after the fact is expensive because you have to replace the rear interior quarter trim panel (trucks without Prem. Sound don't have an opening or grille in that panel for the speaker). Also, the center channel area with non-Prem. Sound is molded over with a tray in the dash so adding a speaker there could be a huge PITA.

 

[coolzzy]

Find an xlt with the 202a package. That includes heated/cooled leather seats, sync 3,hd tow package with brake controller, backup cam, backup sensors, Sony sound system, power lift gate and remote start. I have a 17 EL XLT with this setup and my wife loves it.

The limited gets you power steps (one more thing to break), power fold mirrors, optional ccd suspension (only with the 22" wheels), front parking sensors, push button start and 20" tires. I wanted a limited but found a good deal on a certified pre owned xlt with 202a and no moonroof (hate those and they break or leak with age). The ford dealers buy the 17s at special Ford auctions, usually fleet vehicles nicely equipped with low miles, think airport shuttle.

 

[JExpedition07]

I’d say opt for the Sony sound system, the Audio system seemed to go downhill after 14’ for some reason, proabably switcherd oe suppliers.

 

[LokiWolf]

1. RE: '15-'17 Changes: Minor changes in options, i.e. what's standard and what's optional equipment. Varies with trim level and year. As an example, CCD suspension became standard on Platinum models for 2017 but it was a standalone option before that. No 3rd-Gen Expedition was available with a Limited-Slip rear axle up to 2016 but it became an option for 2017.

Nope. Not quite accurate. The Limited Slip I know was standard on US EL’s with the 3.73 and heavy tow package on the 15’s, because I owned one. It was not a separately selectable option.

CCD was not separate, but was packaged with the 22’s. You could not get them separate. The 22’s became standard in 2017 therefore so did CCD. In 15/16 if you selected 20’s on the Plat you could not select CCD. But once you selected 22’s you received CCD as part of the package.

 

[star-art]

You are correct, the option for CCD was packaged with 22-inch wheels. It was described in the 2015 & 2016 brochures as "22" polished aluminum wheels (includes continuously controlled damping [CCD] suspension)." This became standard equipment on Platinum models for 2017. Even though all 2017 Platinums came standard with the 22-inch wheels and CCD suspension, it was still possible to order one with self-leveling rear suspension. In that event, you could not get CCD and the truck came equipped with 20" polished aluminum wheels that were standard on 2015 Platinums instead. I saw quite a few of these when I was shopping for a new truck recently and I suspect they were fleet vehicles.

As for the Limited Slip, I am only going by what was stated in the factory brochures. For 2015/16, it said this:

 

[LokiWolf]

You are correct, the option for CCD was packaged with 22-inch wheels. It was described in the 2015 & 2016 brochures as "22" polished aluminum wheels (includes continuously controlled damping [CCD] suspension)." This became standard equipment on Platinum models for 2017. Even though all 2017 Platinums came standard with the 22-inch wheels and CCD suspension, it was still possible to order one with self-leveling rear suspension. In that event, you could not get CCD and the truck came equipped with 20" polished aluminum wheels that were standard on 2015 Platinums instead. I saw quite a few of these when I was shopping for a new truck recently and I suspect they were fleet vehicles.

As for the Limited Slip, I am only going by what was stated in the factory brochures. For 2015/16, it said this:

View attachment 25395

View attachment 25396

Brochures aren’t always accurate.

The 15/16’s did not have LS as a separate option, but was added when the 3.73 and Heavy Tow was selected. I confirmed this on the 15 we owned, and 2 16’s we looked at to replace the 15 when it was totaled. Now we own a 17 with LS.

 

[jeff kushner]

The difference between the '16 and '17 is the cluster of third row seat switches at the rear of the vehicle, that's it. OK, also maybe the USB port in the console?

I bought a '17 with everything...LTM on it except the CCD and rear dvd...because I'm single....

I just turned over 41K in 18 months into ownership. Original EVERYTHING other than 1 air filter and a few oil changes (don't scrimp on those). I've owned a couple of others and this truck is still pretty phenomenal in my eyes......no runs, no drips, no errors...nothing has broken despite that I treat it like a machine, not an idol.

Good luck,

jeff

 

[LRNAD90]

Thanks for the feedback (more is welcomed as well if anyone else has additional input). Guess I will be looking for a '17 XLT with the 202a option package and heated rear seats (Teenage Daughter's request)..

 

[Trainmaster]

I've spent time with both sound systems. The Audiophile system sounds good to me but I think the Sony one has a bit more clarity.

 

[coolzzy]

You can only get heated rear seats on limited and platinum trims. The 202a is heated and cooled front seats only, with rear hvac and radio controls on the back of the center console. I unbolted the center section of the 3 piece middle row to create Captains chairs. You could add heat pads to the rear seats easy enough though and tap power from the center console if it's switched. I had to cut some closed cell foam to fill the gaps in the carpet, then I ordered custom full carpet kit for an expy with rear Captains and besides the lack of armrests you can't tell it didn't come from the factory that way. Carpet kit was 220, the center seat removes with 7 bolts.

 

[Adieu]

Consider an older Gator if you want all the nifty lil options

 

[LRNAD90]

2. RE: Sync3/8-inch Display: Yes but it's VERY expensive (almost $3000 if you want plug-'n-play). You're much better off getting an XLT with the 202A package. It comes with heated/cooled seats, 8-inch display, etc. Navigation and moonroof are separate, standalone options.

I assume this is what you were referring to. It does look like a very nice plug and play option, but you are right, rather pricey..

https://www.infotainment.com/collec...-expedition-4-to-8-sync-3-touchscreen-upgrade

Consider an older Gator if you want all the nifty lil options

??

 

[John Christopher]

Lincoln Navigator

 

[LRNAD90]

Lincoln Navigator

Guess I should have figured that out...

 

[CaptOchs]

The 2018's went aluminum. XLT's ecoboost is 375 HP while Platinum trims bumped it up to 400 HP. Ford took it even further with the Navigator to 450 HP.

However, despite the HP increase, Navigator is rated for 8400 lbs tow capacity while Expedition is 9300 lbs (assuming tow package & 3:73 gears.)

I'm trying to keep my old girl going another couple years so I can pick up a used 2018. I bought a camper that is close to the 7000 mark. While my 2003 XLT is rated for it, I don't like being 1400 lbs away from max capacity. I live in WNY and the aluminum body interests me. Cars rust out so easily up here due to salt.

 

[coolzzy]

The prices spiked for the 18s as well, and I think they look too much like a suburban now. Don't rule out a 15-17 expy when the time comes, the ecoboost will pull that trailer with ease compared to your 03. The 17s have sync 3 and will be much cheaper than the new body style, although aluminum body might be worth it in your case. I live out west where they don't salt the roads and the dry climate keeps things from rusting if you are on the east coast that's a totally different story.

 

[shinysideup2]

Hi guys. Great info on this thread. I may be looking for a 2017 EL 4x4 Limited (or XLT with tow package) in the near future. I'll be towing travel trailers and doing some off-roading with my family, and possibly my extended family, so the Expedition seems like a good option.

My question: I see a lot of former rental/fleet Expeditions on the market. What should I be leery of in terms of rental use/abuse and the fact that I'll be pretty tough on the car, towing up to 8,000 lbs through mountains?

Also, what off-road tires are popular for the 20" wheels?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cmiles97]

I purchased a 17 XLT EL 4x4 non tow package that was either a rental or fleet, carfax doesn't specify. No problems with it at all. I got it with 29,000 miles on it. If it has less than 3 years and 36,000 miles, it's still eligible for Ford's factory extended warranty. I bought one for peace of mind.

Since large SUVs are pricey to rent chances are the folks that do rent them aren't going to trash them. Then again always inspect or take it by your trusted mechanic to inspect any used vehicle you are thinking of purchasing. Even non rental used vehicles can be abused by the previous owner.

As an FYI I got it for $34,000 plus tax, tag & registration. I'll take a chance on a rental for that kind of discount on a 1 year old vehicle.