Potential new '05 owner

[Oilers84]

Hi all. New to the forum here and thought maybe y'all could share some knowledge and experience.

I'm considering buying a 2005 Expedition (Limited version) with around 80,000 miles on it. I've gathered from browsing these forums that potential costly repairs could be caused by the spark plugs not having been changed, and transmissions not being properly maintained from the start.

Aside from plugs and tranny, are there any other neglect/maintenance issues that I should be aware of with these trucks? Little things like AC actuators and window switch lights don't bother me on a 13 year old truck and can be lived with, but motors and trannies can't be ignored.

Thanks for the insight. I'm excited to own one of these vehicles if everything checks out.

 

[Habbibie]

The cam phaser & chain tensioners issue is the most notorious problem with the early 5.4 3v (expedition years 2005-2006), the spark plugs are a nightmare... just an absolute nightmare!

 

[Oilers84]

The cam phaser & chain tensioners issue is the most notorious problem with the early 5.4 3v (expedition years 2005-2006), the spark plugs are a nightmare... just an absolute nightmare!

Are the cam phaser & tensioner issues inevitable for all 5.4L's from this year? Or are only some affected?

 

[Adieu]

Hi all. New to the forum here and thought maybe y'all could share some knowledge and experience.

I'm considering buying a 2005 Expedition (Limited version) with around 80,000 miles on it. I've gathered from browsing these forums that potential costly repairs could be caused by the spark plugs not having been changed, and transmissions not being properly maintained from the start.

Aside from plugs and tranny, are there any other neglect/maintenance issues that I should be aware of with these trucks? Little things like AC actuators and window switch lights don't bother me on a 13 year old truck and can be lived with, but motors and trannies can't be ignored.

Thanks for the insight. I'm excited to own one of these vehicles if everything checks out.

80k mi shouldn't have any problems

 

[Habbibie]

Are the cam phaser & tensioner issues inevitable for all 5.4L's from this year? Or are only some affected?

ALL of them.

 

[06 Eddie]

I just picked up an 06 EB in November 200K mile truck. Runs quiet, smooth, and strong. Anything can happen to a 12-13 year old vehicle regardless of miles. From experience I replaced my battery and alternator and found out I didn't need to as the power draw continued. Ended up being the rear window motor seized and was drawing power ever 25 seconds on the dot to try and finish it's cycle.

Second issue was the T fitting of my HVAC hoses that lead into the interior had a leak and dripped directly on to my passenger side ignition coils.

Otherwise like I said 200K and carfax does not show any replacement motors or trans and they sure do look original. We found an emissions failure on record and also saw a newer muffler so I'm guessing that was the issue. My air compressor seems to run a lot, not sure if that's normal or not but in general I think these vehicles come down to price. Mine is very clean inside and out and I paid $2500 private sale and put 1800 in and that was parts and mainly labor to chase down my electrical bug which was cured by pulling the rear window motor fuse. Side from that I put all new coils and a HVAC t hose and brakes/rotors and it runs like a champ.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

welcome.

low miles IMHO.

mine is a Gen 1 and had problems w/i the first year right off the lot as it was being unloaded off the truck brand new, so anything is possible.

if you start with the major systems and pare down to the absolutes as far as preventative and routine maintenance, ( hopefully) you'll have years of trouble-free operation.

expect to outlay some $ aside from purchase. if private sale, perhaps some wiggle room on final $, and if a dealership, perhaps some pre-purchase/final handshake nice-to-haves like oil/trans & filter change; tire rotation, etc. take a hard look at the ### point inspection paperwork.

good luck.

 

[Wegner44]

If you have the 4.6L engine, this one is solid. With only 80,000 miles, you found a rare one. If it's clean and doesn't blow blue smoke out the exhaust it might be worth taking a chance on it.

 

[jasonkelly]

I say go for it. I bought a 2005 Exp King Ranch last August that had 2 broken plugs in it, #7 had blown out and #8 was broken flush in the head. I went in thinking I might swap a 5.4L with 90,000 miles from a 2008 F150. I took it to my ford dealer (which I never do) and they were going to charge me $200 to rethread #7 and remove #8. That would’ve been awesome! When they got into it they discovered bent valves on #7. Previous owner let something fall into the head. It turned out to be the swap. I had never swapped an engine before but really it wasn’t horrible. Now I’ve got a nice ride with 191,000 on the clock and less than 100,000 on the engine. Reason I went with the 08 was the plug issue was resolved in that 5.4. Changed motor mounts and oil pans (oil pans for the oil sensor on the 05 but not on the 08). Bolted right up and in. I’m still running the original transmission. All this to say, spend the money to get the plugs taken out right and the engine should run over 200K. These trucks drive and tow so good.

 

[Habbibie]

If you have the 4.6L engine, this one is solid. With only 80,000 miles, you found a rare one. If it's clean and doesn't blow blue smoke out the exhaust it might be worth taking a chance on it.

The 2005 only has the 5.4L 3v engine, the 4.6L was last offered on an expedition in 2004

 

[rjdelp7]

2003-2006 were junk. The 5.4l has all kind of issues. A 4.6l might be different. Check the rear door for paint problems. 80K is when everything starts going. Nickel and dime time. 13 years old, $3500 would be all its probably worth.

 

[Tdh777]

I have an 03 eb with4.6. replaced a couple of coils and the driver window reg and the ac clutch due to being run thru mud weekly in an off roading area near the house. No other issues and never been left on the road side. Great vehicle and drives amazing as well as tows well. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy another. 107,000 mi when purchased. Pushing 160 now a year later.

 

[Hotrod]

I have owned a 2005 which I purchased with 42,000 miles on it and now has 140,000. I can say this has been a very good purchase for our family. We use the vehicle to tow a 21' boat as well as a travel trailer, and it's my daily driver. It's comfortable to drive, very easy to see your blind spots and the seats are very comfortable. Stereo is excellent and the cabin is quiet. I get 13 mpg around town and 18 on the highway. As for repair issues, I had the cam phasers replaced under the original warranty, it started making a loud clacking noise at start up so if you hear that then you have an idea of what it is. I had to replace a cracked throttle body, the spark plugs went at 90,000 miles and were very expensive to replace as this particular model 5.4 had issues with stuck plugs, although none of mine broke on removal. The dealer charged me $700 for what should be a $250 job due to the fact the job is labor intensive. I replaced some plug coils and the serpentine belt which is easy, and of course several brake jobs. The only interior item that has broke is the little door you can store a wallet in in the overhead console......Knock on wood that is it. I love this SUV, I had a Chevy Tahoe before this and the Chevy was a nightmare in comparison. Hope that helps.

 

[CAKD07]

Bought my '05 brand new in June 2005. Currently it has 260k and the major problem with it would be the plugs and coils. I highly suggest changing all plugs, coils, and boots together. Otherwise you'll chase your tail forever troubleshooting issues. I also had to replace the two blend doors (front/rear HVAC) and for some reason the clearcoat on the right side of the hood is now coming off. At 80K and 200K I replaced the CC units but was told I got lucky, they don't last that long anyway. Maybe I got lucky with my 5.4 but it's been a great ride and I'll keep it until I have to put it out of it's misery.

 

[JamesRG]

I bought a 2006 EB back in October 2016 with 90k miles on it. 12k miles later back in August 2017 the ticking started and check engine light came on as it started hesitating like it wanted to die while going 75mph on the freeway. The shop said it's the camshaft phasers going out and would be a minimum $4000 job to replace them. I sure wish I had researched these year models before purchasing one because I don't have that kind of cash laying around to get it fixed. On a positive note, it's still driving the same with the ticking and hesitation since August 2017 and hasn't left me on the side of the road yet. My average MPG has gone down from about 15 to 11 though.

 

[rjdelp7]

I bought a 2006 EB back in October 2016 with 90k miles on it. 12k miles later back in August 2017 the ticking started and check engine light came on as it started hesitating like it wanted to die while going 75mph on the freeway. The shop said it's the camshaft phasers going out and would be a minimum $4000 job to replace them. I sure wish I had researched these year models before purchasing one because I don't have that kind of cash laying around to get it fixed. On a positive note, it's still driving the same with the ticking and hesitation since August 2017 and hasn't left me on the side of the road yet. My average MPG has gone down from about 15 to 11 though.

Whoa! Get a second opinion. That sounds way too high.

 

[JamesRG]

Whoa! Get a second opinion. That sounds way too high.

This was from a trusted mechanic that our family has taken their vehicles to in Garland for 30 years. He said it's the labor of getting to the phasers because you have to take the engine apart. Another local mechanic here in Buda quoted this: "Timing chain job with cam phasers runs about $3500... if it needs actuators too, might be up to $4000. For $7600 we could replace the entire engine with a rebuilt with a 3 year 100000 mile warranty."

The nutkicker is I still owe $8000 on the car loan.

Anyone have good luck driving for a long time with camshaft phasers ticking like a time bomb and the engine hesitating? I'm at 5 months right now hoping to go at least another year.

 

[Habbibie]

I bought a 2006 EB back in October 2016 with 90k miles on it. 12k miles later back in August 2017 the ticking started and check engine light came on as it started hesitating like it wanted to die while going 75mph on the freeway. The shop said it's the camshaft phasers going out and would be a minimum $4000 job to replace them. I sure wish I had researched these year models before purchasing one because I don't have that kind of cash laying around to get it fixed. On a positive note, it's still driving the same with the ticking and hesitation since August 2017 and hasn't left me on the side of the road yet. My average MPG has gone down from about 15 to 11 though.

4k sounds about right actually, and I'm on the same boat as your buddy I wish I did My research but now I'm too deep $$$ to let it go and make a profit out of it.

All I can tell you is please have enough for a tow regardless of where you're at cause when eventually my original motor dried up and threw a rod I had to pay a whopping $518 for a tow cause it was off of a highway shoulder and only 2 companies in all of Illinois had the athority to pull cars off of the highway....

OP I hate to say this but it's the truth... AVOID EXPEDITIONS 2005-2006 at all costs they'e money pits and the average joe just isn't capable of facing it.

 

[JamesRG]

Oh I've got AAA so I'm good! I only really drive it now to work and back in Austin and around little ol' Buda so if it does break down it will be in town and not on a road trip.

I have a friend that heads up a mechanic school in San Antonio and he said they might be able to swap the engine out and all I'd have to pay for are the parts. But the timing has to work out right and I'd have to find a smoking deal on an engine.

And I agree with your last statement AVOID EXPEDITIONS 2005-2006 at all costs! What a pain and I've barely had it a year.

 

[JExpedition07]

4k sounds about right actually, and I'm on the same boat as your buddy I wish I did My research but now I'm too deep $$$ to let it go and make a profit out of it.

All I can tell you is please have enough for a tow regardless of where you're at cause when eventually my original motor dried up and threw a rod I had to pay a whopping $518 for a tow cause it was off of a highway shoulder and only 2 companies in all of Illinois had the athority to pull cars off of the highway....

OP I hate to say this but it's the truth... AVOID EXPEDITIONS 2005-2006 at all costs they'e money pits and the average joe just isn't capable of facing it.

That’s basically saying avoid 03-17’ Expeditions. We all drive the same trucks... just little differences.