To FX4 or not....

[Deftones]

Long time lurker (over a year), but 1st time poster. Learned a lot from this place and it is appreciated. Now for my long rambling post....

About ready to pull the trigger on a new 2020 Expedition XLT 4x4. Planning on 202A package for sure. Here is the dilemma. There are 3 XLT FX4s with the camera in my metro area. Slim pickings. I really would like to get the camera. It is a useful feature. My wife's Santa Fe has a 360° camera and I love the thing. However, I can't get a discount on the Expedition with it. They are basically the price minus incentives. I have tried to negotiate and they aren't willing to budge. If I just get the 202A alone, I can get a significant discount. Even though the camera package is only $2k more MSRP, I would end up paying $5k more for it.

I do a few camping trips per year, one of which is a bit more challenging of a drive. There is no question the standard 4x4 would make the trip fine. Obviously the FX4 would make it better. So basically, and sorry for the rant, is if the FX4 + camera is a worthwhile $5k upgrade.

Looking for some thoughts, advice, input from members here. I appreciate any feedback.

 

[DWs-TTEB]

So adding 3 cameras (side mirrors & front Ford emblem) cost 5k... I have an 2019 XLT MAX 4x4 w/ 202A (only rear camera). Only reason IMHO you would NEED the 360 camera would be for parking a large trailer or parking in very tight spots in a parking garage or while camping using the 360 angle to see if that bear or Bigfoot left so you can get back in your tent. If none of those reasons apply to you, its a waste. Also the 2020 cameras seem to have issues. Search here for rainbow cameras (TSB for it pending).

 

[DWs-TTEB]

Long time lurker (over a year), but 1st time poster. Learned a lot from this place and it is appreciated. Now for my long rambling post....

About ready to pull the trigger on a new 2020 Expedition XLT 4x4. Planning on 202A package for sure. Here is the dilemma. There are 3 XLT FX4s with the camera in my metro area. Slim pickings. I really would like to get the camera. It is a useful feature. My wife's Santa Fe has a 360° camera and I love the thing. However, I can't get a discount on the Expedition with it. They are basically the price minus incentives. I have tried to negotiate and they aren't willing to budge. If I just get the 202A alone, I can get a significant discount. Even though the camera package is only $2k more MSRP, I would end up paying $5k more for it.

I do a few camping trips per year, one of which is a bit more challenging of a drive. There is no question the standard 4x4 would make the trip fine. All, but obviously the FX4 would make it better. So basically, and sorry for the rant, is if the FX4 + camera is a worthwhile $5k upgrade.

Looking for some thoughts, advice, input from members here. I appreciate any feedback.

 

[Deftones]

So adding 3 cameras (side mirrors & front Ford emblem) cost 5k... I have an 2019 XLT MAX 4x4 w/ 202A (only rear camera). Only reason IMHO you would NEED the 360 camera would be for parking a large trailer or parking in very tight spots in a parking garage or while camping using the 360 angle to see if that bear or Bigfoot left so you can get back in your tent. If none of those reasons apply to you, its a waste. Also the 2020 cameras seem to have issues. Search here for rainbow cameras (TSB for it pending).

Yeah. You do get some extra features that the FX4 would offer but essentially, the vast majority of the use would be the cameras. I find them useful for parking and such. I can't decide if I am trying either talk myself out of it or justify it. LOL

 

[DWs-TTEB]

Fx4 are nice. If there were any available when I bought my XLT this July I would have gotten it. If the cameras are 1 of the BIG reasons for you getting an Expedition then get them. I got the 202A because I WANTED the memory seats man!

 

[shane_th_ee]

Long time lurker (over a year), but 1st time poster. Learned a lot from this place and it is appreciated. Now for my long rambling post....

About ready to pull the trigger on a new 2020 Expedition XLT 4x4. Planning on 202A package for sure. Here is the dilemma. There are 3 XLT FX4s with the camera in my metro area. Slim pickings. I really would like to get the camera. It is a useful feature. My wife's Santa Fe has a 360° camera and I love the thing. However, I can't get a discount on the Expedition with it. They are basically the price minus incentives. I have tried to negotiate and they aren't willing to budge. If I just get the 202A alone, I can get a significant discount. Even though the camera package is only $2k more MSRP, I would end up paying $5k more for it.

I do a few camping trips per year, one of which is a bit more challenging of a drive. There is no question the standard 4x4 would make the trip fine. All, but obviously the FX4 would make it better. So basically, and sorry for the rant, is if the FX4 + camera is a worthwhile $5k upgrade.

Looking for some thoughts, advice, input from members here. I appreciate any feedback.

XLT with the HD tow package or without the HD tow package? Because you want the 3.73 rear axle and the low range transfer case. And you said “camping” so you’re going to get a trailer at some point...

 

[Deftones]

XLT with the HD tow package or without the HD tow package? Because you want the 3.73 rear axle and the low range transfer case. And you said “camping” so you’re going to get a trailer at some point...

Nope. No towing. Primitive tent camping. Do not own nor plan to ever own a trailer.

 

[Dice Roll]

You want the 3.73 rear regardless.

 

[KJ-Idaho]

Well, this is interesting. I bought my 2019 last sept. At that time, Expy s were being discounted $5-8000. With the new chevy/gmc releases, I expected higher discounts for the 2021 fords. I will start to check.

 

[wakeboarder]

There is a thread on here about adding the 360° camera after the fact, but I’m not aware of anybody actually completing it. It would cost at least $2000 in parts. Some people have successfully added it to their F150’s. The F150’s mention $1000, but the parts are more than that right now.

FX4 or HD tow adds the ELSD if that changes your opinion.

Also, it may be worth expanding your search area to find a better deal on a non-FX4 with the camera.

 

[dlcorbett]

If u want the camera, get it. Aint nothin worse than getting the vehicle you want without the feature you want, esp a feature thats difficult to add. Expand your search to different areas and see if another dealer will give you a deal on what you want. Also, if you can afford it, look for a ltd model with the fx4 pkg, the upgrades to seat comfort and stereo is worth it.

 

[byathread]

If u want the camera, get it. Aint nothin worse than getting the vehicle you want without the feature you want, esp a feature thats difficult to add. Expand your search to different areas and see if another dealer will give you a deal on what you want. Also, if you can afford it, look for a ltd model with the fx4 pkg, the upgrades to seat comfort and stereo is worth it.

They are doing limited trim with fx4 in 2020/2021?

 

[AKentPhoto]

How confident is your wife at parking? As stated, I'd say hold out for what you want. It's 2020, 360 cams are a welcome addition around town. The Ford setup is far from the most useful on the market but useful none the less...

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[NyackRob79]

Wait until December. Ford will have 2021 models hitting the showrooms, and will offer $10-$15k incentives (just like last year) to get rid of 2020 models. That's when I plan to get our next Expedition.

If you can wait a few more months, there's significant savings to be had.

 

[JExpedition07]

The new truck and SUV sales are hot right now due to Covid bringing on low supply and high demand. They can’t even keep them on the lot here in NY and you are pretty much paying MSRP if you want to drive away with it. I’m not sure if the situation is similar elsewhere? I’m shocked, but this economic downturn spurred a lot of new sales. Boats, RVs, and trucks are all selling like hot cakes. Colton RV, our local RV dealer hasn’t been this low on stock in 20 years and have had record sales. It’s the same for our local Toyota and Ford dealers too, I wouldn’t expect to see any incentives because they are pretty much getting asking price. It’s a sellers market for just about everything at the moment. You’ll get good $$$ and have an advantage for your trade in because they want trades, but you will inherit a disadvantage when you go to buy.

 

[Deftones]

How confident is your wife at parking? As stated, I'd say hold out for what you want. It's 2020, 360 cams are a welcome addition around town. The Ford setup is far from the most useful on the market but useful none the less...

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This is definitely a concern although she rarely drove my vehicle. Then again, it was as minivan and she hated how it drove, so that could have been the reason. Lol

Wait until December. Ford will have 2021 models hitting the showrooms, and will offer $10-$15k incentives (just like last year) to get rid of 2020 models. That's when I plan to get our next Expedition.

If you can wait a few more months, there's significant savings to be had.

I am not so sure about a December release. With Covid delays, it looks like they aren't even manufacturing these until November. Highly doubtful they can get them to dealerships that quickly.

One reason to get now is I will get maximum value for my trade. It is not a highly desirable vehicle and has high miles. I am getting top dollar quotes for it. The longer I wait the discounts I may get would be offset by the decreased trade in value.

 

[Deftones]

So i guess as a follow up, if anyone can help, how capable is the 4WD on the Expedition? The one more serious camping trip I take is many miles washboard dirt road. Not concerned about that part. Then there is about 2 miles of descent on loose dirt with some rocks and ruts. Trying to figure out if just the 4WD alone without FX4 package would be capable of making the trek. I can't imagine it wouldn't but real life feedback is always appreciated.

 

[66nova]

The expedition is a very capable off road vehicle. But, I would recommend either the fx4 or one with the tow package. I know you may not need the “tow” portion, but the important part of the fx4 package is also part of the tow package. The 3.73 gearing, heavy duty radiator and 2 speed transfer case are all shared. Pretty much everything else on the fx4 can be fairly easily added if you choose/need to later on.

Plus, having the tow package will increase resale. It’s very desired.


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[shane_th_ee]

So i guess as a follow up, if anyone can help, how capable is the 4WD on the Expedition? The one more serious camping trip I take is many miles washboard dirt road. Not concerned about that part. Then there is about 2 miles of descent on loose dirt with some rocks and ruts. Trying to figure out if just the 4WD alone without FX4 package would be capable of making the trek. I can't imagine it wouldn't but real life feedback is always appreciated.

The capability difference for what you’re describing will hinge entirely on how steep and loose the descent. Do you currently have to use 4L for the descent? If it’s steep and loose enough that you (edit)don’t(edit) need/use 4L, the standard four wheel drive (really AWD) will likely be just fine. If you’re going to need 4L, you’ll have to get the FX4 or the HD tow package.

 

[wakeboarder]

The capability difference for what you’re describing will hinge entirely on how steep and loose the descent. Do you currently have to use 4L for the descent? If it’s steep and loose enough that you need/use 4L, the standard four wheel drive (really AWD) will likely be just fine. If you’re going to need 4L, you’ll have to get the FX4 or the HD tow package.

Also consider if you will be in the articulated situation to have a light front wheel and a light rear wheel at the same time. The ELSD from the tow and FX4 packages would allow power to be transferred to 3 wheels instead of just the 2 light wheels.