Prospective Expedition Owner...What am I in for?

[Sandy M]

We purchased the Expedition to travel in as retirees. We love everything about it BUT the paint bubbling and peeling on the rear hatch is still a problem. It hasn't been fixed. So if you want a reliable vehicle I recommend the Expedition but to pay $60,000 for one like we did only to have it look terrible with this paint issue is crazy. Yes, they said the issue was fixed when we purchased it because I specifically asked them. They lied. Not fixed. So buyer beware.

 

[Deadman]

We purchased the Expedition to travel in as retirees. We love everything about it BUT the paint bubbling and peeling on the rear hatch is still a problem. It hasn't been fixed. So if you want a reliable vehicle I recommend the Expedition but to pay $60,000 for one like we did only to have it look terrible with this paint issue is crazy. Yes, they said the issue was fixed when we purchased it because I specifically asked them. They lied. Not fixed. So buyer beware.

Was it used? If so, maybe it was in an accident and repainted poorly???? Just speculating....

 

[JExpedition07]

I haven’t seen any paint bubbling on the aluminum bodies except on F-150s. I’ve seen a few 15+ F-150s with peeling paint around the wheel well flare plastic trim.

 

[cmiles97]

Absolutely my thoughts exactly. If I am paying big bucks for a quality SUV, I'm not risking some moron abusing it from new on and then me buying it just as the warranty is running out! lol. No thanks! lol.

If you get a used one with less than 3 years and 36,000 miles you can purchase the Ford factory extended warranty.

Expeditions drop in value like crazy on the used market (maybe the new gen will hold value better?). I bought one from a mom & pop used dealer that was listed by car fax as either a fleet or rental vehicle. Even adding in the warranty the Expy was less expensive than a equivalent used Sequoia or 4runner. Now I'm good to 8 years/125000 miles with a $100 deductible.

Just a thought.

So to the OP, plan on keeping it quite awhile or lease it. Otherwise the depreciation is steep on the Expeditions especially when you pay MSRP.

 

[Artie]

If you get a used one with less than 3 years and 36,000 miles you can purchase the Ford factory extended warranty.

Expeditions drop in value like crazy on the used market (maybe the new gen will hold value better?). I bought one from a mom & pop used dealer that was listed by car fax as either a fleet or rental vehicle. Even adding in the warranty the Expy was less expensive than a equivalent used Sequoia or 4runner. Now I'm good to 8 years/125000 miles with a $100 deductible.

Just a thought.

So to the OP, plan on keeping it quite awhile or lease it. Otherwise the depreciation is steep on the Expeditions especially when you pay MSRP.

Having driven fleet vehicles for 10 years and seeing the treatment they received by hundreds of coworkers and myself I would take a hard pass on one. A rental? Passing even harder. However, driving the Ford fleet vehicles for 10 years did factor into my purchase of a Ford product as those 60k miles were a testament to the ford build quality. But that’s just me.

 

[RhinoQuartz]

I haven’t seen any paint bubbling on the aluminum bodies except on F-150s. I’ve seen a few 15+ F-150s with peeling paint around the wheel well flare plastic trim.

Very common on Explorers. Literally every post on the Facebook group for 5th gens is about the hood paint peeling, but it is covered by a 5yr/unlimited miles warranty.

 

[Deadman]

Ya, a big no thanks on a rental or fleet vehicle. I've driven rentals and there's just something about a vehicle that you don't own, so most beat them to death.

 

[parkerdoug383]

That quote is for a 2WD...(rear-wheel drive).

Why anyone would buy one of these without 4WD escapes me. The 4WD are better in safety tests than the 2WD versions, plus you can simply do more. Let me track down some stats.

 

[parkerdoug383]

The reason to buy a 2wd is there cheaper and you eliminate a lot of maintenance issues. Plus 90% of 4wd's are never used Sally housewife uses these vehicles to shuttle the kids around and go to the grocery store.I live in the Northeast and only used my 4wd once and that was just to see if it worked.

 

[dlcorbett]

Newbie here. I have been looking to purchase a new full-size SUV for several months now. Wife and I live out of state and away from family and travel home often to visit. Plus we have our first little one due in November. Needless to say we need a large vehicle that fits our travel needs, plus kid/dog. We have test driven the Tahoe, Denali, Expedition Limited and Sequoia and liked certain things about each of them. The reliability of the Toyota is a huge plus for me, but I refuse to buy a $65K SUV with 90s technology on the interior. Denali and Tahoe Premier were very nice, but I am somewhat partial to the Fords being from Louisville. I have never owned a Ford (or Chevy for that matter) and am looking for input on your all's reliability experience and overall ownership experience with the Expeditions. I am almost settled on the Ford, but looking for some input/advice to push me over the edge on my decision. Never thought I would spend $70K on a FORD, but that's the going rate for a full-size SUV these days. Just crazy. Thanks in advance!

Have you looked at anything else since you posted?

 

[julijn]

Welcome to the site. Save your money for the child & buy a used Expy. There are way to many electronic controls on the vehicles today. I teach this stuff also & I see the price for repairs.

What you want and what you need are vastly different things.

what a troll...

 

[JExpedition07]

The 4th gen must sit pretty low, someone parked next to my EL this morning in a newer MAX and it’s got to be a good 2-3 inches lower than mine on the roofline. I wonder if the loss in height is why the lower cargo cap.

 

[dlcorbett]

I think so. Mines was shorter than my nav as well. The rear in slopes quite a bit, esp on the max version, and the rear cargo bed wasnt as low either.

 

[Ford_Prospect1128]

Have you looked at anything else since you posted?

I haven't really looked at anything else since posting. I've done a lot of research on forums, pricing, etc. I've priced used 18 and 19 Expeditions through various sites including Manheim Auction. If I can get my hands on a slightly used Exp that may be the way to go. I hate that currently GM and Toyota are in the midst of a major redesign for their large vehicles i.e. Sequoia, Tahoe, Yukon. As someone already mentioned, the Exp doesn't have a lot of competition right now. That being said, I hate to drop $65-$70k on a new Exp and enjoy it for a year or so and then see Toyota or GM come out with an awesome new SUV that we want. The depreciation on the Exp is pretty big, another reason why I am leaning towards used.

 

[cmiles97]

I haven't really looked at anything else since posting. I've done a lot of research on forums, pricing, etc. I've priced used 18 and 19 Expeditions through various sites including Manheim Auction. If I can get my hands on a slightly used Exp that may be the way to go. I hate that currently GM and Toyota are in the midst of a major redesign for their large vehicles i.e. Sequoia, Tahoe, Yukon. As someone already mentioned, the Exp doesn't have a lot of competition right now. That being said, I hate to drop $65-$70k on a new Exp and enjoy it for a year or so and then see Toyota or GM come out with an awesome new SUV that we want. The depreciation on the Exp is pretty big, another reason why I am leaning towards used.

That's a great way to go but don't worry about what the competition is coming out with. It'll drive you nuts as there always improvements coming out. If you have to buy now and want a chance on the others updated models, just lease. If you don't drive over the allotted amount of miles per year.

In case you missed it, if you buy a used one and it has less than 3 years, 36,000 miles you can buy Ford Protect (factory backed) warranty. Do this only if you plan on keeping it for a long time and are worried about previous owner abuse or calming concerns about how complicated these vehicles are now-a-days and the many possible failure points (me). There are several dealerships that sell them online. I bought one here:

https://www.floodfordesp.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3s-hiKXX4gIVih-GCh3EbASoEAAYAyAAEgKLXvD_BwE

Also of note, I am renting a 2019 Limited Expedition Max 4wd. Mine is being repaired after a minor accident. It's very nice but not $35K nicer than I paid for my used 2017 (my opinion). It's black just like mine. I parked in the same spot as I usually do. A coworker of mine parked next to it and didn't even notice it was different LOL.

 

[grumpyoleman]

If I can get my hands on a slightly used Exp that may be the way to go.

Keep your eyes and options open. My wife and I were looking hard for a slightly used '18 Max and kicked the tires on what seemed like every used model within 200 miles. On her "must have" list were some pretty impressive features (i.e. adaptive cruise etc...) all the used were in the low to mid 50's....USED?!?! We found a brand new '18 XLT with 202a and Drivers Assist package for 55k. It was a no brainer so we jumped and bought new. At least around here there are still some 18's on the lot, but not all of them seem like they are in a hurry to sell.

 

[Deadman]

Exactly, the low mile used by me were near the new price, so I went new because they were nearly the same price.

 

[Hank]

Agree, I bought a New 18 Limited with 302A for 21000 off,the car was built on Oct 2018, you could still see some new 18s on the dealer lot if you check Cargurus,

Also Ford send out Private cash sometime, from 2000 to 6000 if that helps

 

[Joedirtyshirt]

I bought a year old all most 1/2 sticker price of the 2018 on lot, I still got factory warrenty and extended it, unless you really think you need brand new look around, check on line, they are out there, I may decide to upgrade to one with 10 speed but prbly not I ACTUAL LOVE TO DRIVE 2017 THAT HAD 22,000 MILES on it

 

[Artie]

I ACTUAL LOVE TO DRIVE 2017 THAT HAD 22,000 MILES on it

Funny how saving a crap ton of money can make you like things lol