Recommendations please

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Countrygirl

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I have 125,000 miles on my 2003 Expedition and would like to get it inspected and checked out. I have a budget of about $500 and would like suggestions as to what is imperative to do at this point. People are telling me everything from get the water pump & belts changed even though they aren't worn out, to getting a tune-up, to doing nothing until it's needed.

I thought I'd ask the experts here on this forum.

I also don't want to get ripped off...just because I have saved up $500 doesn't mean I want it to use it frivolously. I can't afford the dealer recommended package, which is about $700.

Thanks! ;)
 

JDMitchell

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My best advise would be for you to take your expy to a trusted friend or family member that is mechanically inclined and have them take a look at it. Have you kept up with oil and filter changes, and what has been replaced or worked on so far? Are there any problems that you already know about? The best thing for your vehicle is a good preventive maintenance schedule (no, it does not need to be done at the stealership).
 
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Lane24

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If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Why would someone recommend spending money on repairs that aren't needed yet. Save your money. Change the oil if it's time. When it get's low on gas, top it off.

When it starts showing signs of bad behavior, or something doesn't feel right, post it here, and we'll talk you through it.
 
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Countrygirl

Countrygirl

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My best advise would be for you to take your expy to a trusted friend or family member that is mechanically inclined and have them take a look at it. Have you kept up with oil and filter changes, and what has been replaced or worked on so far? Are there any problems that you already know about? The best thing for your vehicle is a good preventive maintenance schedule (no, it does not need to be done at the stealership).


I wrote in another thread about the transmission fluid, how I've never had it changed/flushed. But I have kept up w/ oil & filter changes religiously. I have really had no problems with it at all. What about an engine flush? I was told my oil looked sludgy & needed to be flushed out. (not just changed).
 
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Countrygirl

Countrygirl

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If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Why would someone recommend spending money on repairs that aren't needed yet. Save your money. Change the oil if it's time. When it get's low on gas, top it off.

When it starts showing signs of bad behavior, or something doesn't feel right, post it here, and we'll talk you through it.



Hey I like the sound of that! I have plenty of other uses for that $500! Now that I think about it, the only thing is that sometimes it idles a bit rough and I can smell exhaust. That's about it. It's really been a dream truck, no problems.
 

Lane24

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I wrote in another thread about the transmission fluid, how I've never had it changed/flushed. But I have kept up w/ oil & filter changes religiously. I have really had no problems with it at all. What about an engine flush? I was told my oil looked sludgy & needed to be flushed out. (not just changed).

I responded to your other thread, check it out. Rough idles are usually easy. Check out threads on cleaning your MAF, and vacuum line issues. Most of the time these are usually easy fixes under $30. Check this thread.....
http://www.expeditionforum.com/showthread.php?t=4926
 
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seeker

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Absolutely. If ain't broke leave it alone.

The best money i have ever on a vehicle is about $100 that i spend with a trusted mechanic when i first look into buying it. With my expy we found 3 minor things that needed to be addressed. The dealership fixed them at their expense. My trusted mechanic and i went over the vehicle and his comment was if i did not buy it, he would.

Find a good honest mechanic.
the dealerships are always going to be your most expensive option.

Stay in touch with this forum. It will pay off with good advise and money saved.
 
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Countrygirl

Countrygirl

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Stay in touch with this forum. It will pay off with good advise and money saved.[/QUOTE]


That is definitely true, and thanks again everyone for your advice!
 

JUST4FUN

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I would at the least get the belts changed if this breaks it will leave you stranded
 

ELVATO

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What oil and filter do you run, and for how long? You shouldn't need an engine flush. Who told you your oil "looked sludgy"?


Below are some things that are usually changed by 100k miles, if not earlier. Granted, most of them, people don't mess with until there are problems.


1. Spark plugs - this may or may not help with your rough idle. Maintenance guide says these should be replaced every 100k miles. Depending on how mechanically inclined you are, you may attempt to try this to save some money. This is probably what will cost you the most if you have it done by someone else. At least this engine isn't the one where plugs break off. :p

2. Fuel filter - Guide says to replace this every 30k miles, though most people don't replace until they have issues with starting. If it's never been changed, I'd do it since it's cheap (< $20) and it's relatively easy to replace.

3. Engine Coolant - Might not be a bad idea to flush or change out your coolant. This should also be relatively easy to replace. While you're there, check for coolant electrolysis. Stick the positive lead of a multimeter in the coolant, and the negative end touching the negative post of the battery. If it's more than 0.2-0.3V, it's conducting electricity, and is potentially eating away at your radiator. If you replace it, make sure it's a coolant of the same color.

4. The serpentine belt wouldn't be a bad thing to replace. A good one (Goodyear gatorback) is around 30 bucks, though I'm sure you can get cheaper ones. This can be a pain to install the first time (especially if you forgot to take note of how the belt goes :eek:), but if you take your time, it's relatively easy. You can rent the serpentine removal/installation kit from Autozone/Advance Auto for 20 bucks, which they refund as soon as you're done.

When I did mine, I stored my old one on top of my spare, in case my current one ever broke. As JUST4FUN said, if it ever breaks, you'll pretty much be stranded. Happened to my sister, and her car had to get towed. Better to pay 20-30 dollars now, than to pay 100+ to get it towed.

5. Air filter - You didn't mention changing this, though I'm sure you have. Either way, a dirty air filter hurts gas mileage.

6. Drop the spare, and inspect it. If anything, grease up the carrier, and check for rust. Wouldn't want it to not lower, or to have a flat spare when you most need it.

7. I know you have your other post regarding this, but I figured I'd include it here. What color is your automatic transmission fluid? Is it pink, a darker red, or brown? Does it smell burnt?
 
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Countrygirl

Countrygirl

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Elevato, just saw your response from several days ago.

Thanks so much for the list you gave me, and I'm in good shape on most of it. I will look into the serpentine belt change. I just asked in another thread about the spark plugs/tune up. Not sure if I need that or not.

On the other things, the place that told me my oil looked sludgy was an oil/lube place. They said I needed to have an engine flush and then he showed me on the oil cap where the oil was sorta goopy & thick-looking.

Also, the transmission fluid was not pink or red, it was darker, possibly brown--but did not smell burnt or anything like that. It was also the oil/lube place who told me to get this flushed.
 
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