Lghtspeedz
Active Member
Hello, I am in the market for an Expedition. I have been looking for used Platinum models. In an ideal world I would find a Platinum 4x4 w/ second row bench and the heavy duty tow package. This is an incredibly difficult combination to find. I was also trying to find something built after April 2019 to incorporate the cam phaser design change (I’ve been reading this forum for a while). I’d love to buy new but it’s hard to justify $70k (assuming discounts) on a vehicle. I’ve found a few used ones, some Ford certified, and while they are also expensive they’re closer to something I can stomach. The few I have found certified appear to be Canada import vehicles. So they were originally delivered in Canada, but are now for sale in the US by Ford dealers. The window sticker even says, not for sale in US market. I’m trying to get an explanation from the dealer but so far, I haven’t gotten one. There are several I’ve seen within 500 miles of me and it makes me weary to really seriously consider negotiating. Autocheck or Carfax (whichever the dealers use) claim the titles are clear and do not indicate salvage or buyback, but I’m not 100% certain it would pick that up from Canada. Has anyone seen this before? Am I right to be concerned?
I am fully aware the combination I seek is hard to find. I tow a 5,000 lb (weighed by scale) boat and trailer a few times per year and would likely venture away from the dock to other lakes more often if I had a more capable vehicle. I’ve read enough of this forum to know I’ll probably be happier with the tow package than without it, even though the standard vehicle is more than capable for my current towing needs. My preference for a second row bench is due to child car seats currently in the back for many years to come. I have always felt that a bench seat gives more flexibility and I hate the hole in the middle of the cargo area from captains chairs. Personal preference - I know many will disagree.
I do have a few out of state new vehicles that appear to be closer to my range but logistically they would be really difficult to pull off in the Covid era (it’s also not clear to me yet what discounts I will be eligible for and which ones not). My current MDX has been highly problematic and though it is half rebuilt under warranty, I’m very frustrated by it. Based on scale weight I’m within its capability, but I have no margin for error. I won’t tow the boat with my family in the car because I would be close to (but not over the GCWR). If my MDX was more reliable or more capable I’d overlook one of these things. I’ve read enough to know the Expedition might not be as reliable as my first Accord or TSX (they were oil change only), but I’m optimistic that a late build 2019 or slightly used 2020 Expy will have enough redesign gremlins worked out that it will be an improvement over what I have now. I also work five minutes from a Ford dealer and live ten minutes from another one. Service will be more convenient.
In advance, thanks for any advice you can offer.
I am fully aware the combination I seek is hard to find. I tow a 5,000 lb (weighed by scale) boat and trailer a few times per year and would likely venture away from the dock to other lakes more often if I had a more capable vehicle. I’ve read enough of this forum to know I’ll probably be happier with the tow package than without it, even though the standard vehicle is more than capable for my current towing needs. My preference for a second row bench is due to child car seats currently in the back for many years to come. I have always felt that a bench seat gives more flexibility and I hate the hole in the middle of the cargo area from captains chairs. Personal preference - I know many will disagree.
I do have a few out of state new vehicles that appear to be closer to my range but logistically they would be really difficult to pull off in the Covid era (it’s also not clear to me yet what discounts I will be eligible for and which ones not). My current MDX has been highly problematic and though it is half rebuilt under warranty, I’m very frustrated by it. Based on scale weight I’m within its capability, but I have no margin for error. I won’t tow the boat with my family in the car because I would be close to (but not over the GCWR). If my MDX was more reliable or more capable I’d overlook one of these things. I’ve read enough to know the Expedition might not be as reliable as my first Accord or TSX (they were oil change only), but I’m optimistic that a late build 2019 or slightly used 2020 Expy will have enough redesign gremlins worked out that it will be an improvement over what I have now. I also work five minutes from a Ford dealer and live ten minutes from another one. Service will be more convenient.
In advance, thanks for any advice you can offer.