Urgent matter from potential buyer

[duneslider]

View attachment 30772 Great point about resale value. I’ve looked at 2018 Expeditions where costs are surprisingly low for a one year old vehicle. Definitely something to consider, especially if buying the extended warranty. My 4Runner is likely to sell for 52-55% of the original purchase price, which is quite nice considering it’s a seven year old vehicle.
I haven’t looked at crash ratings yet, but my understanding is the Expedition is top in its class, which is a big plus when hauling valuable cargo like I am. Funny the F650 is mentioned. I briefly looked into this modded NV, though I quickly disregarded it as it won’t clear the garage door height.

I wanted an NV but it wouldn't fit in my garage either. The company that does the conversion is local to me. You can buy them new with warranty from a local dealer already modded to your liking. I have been told Nissan even ships them directly to the company that converts them. There are some very nice ones I see rolling around here. I will say the Expedition drives a lot nicer than those and gets better gas mileage.

 

[lobsenza]

You'll find activeX is a man made synthetic something. Looks and feels like genuine leather. Its lightyears ahead of Pleather.

Just about every automaker is going this direction, each as a catchy name for it. Mercedes = MB Tex, BMW = SensaTec has replaced Leatherette, Nissan = Sofilez & Prima-Tex depending on model, Toyota = SofTex, Mazda = Maztex, Volkswagon = V-Tex, Kia and Hyundai = SOFINO, and so on. Tesla's only leather offering is its steering wheel, but vegans can order it without the material.

PETA is one of dozens of reasons we are seeing this move.

I object to the fact that the pleather or active x in the 3rd row of my Navigator does not look like the first 2 rows. Why not perforate it and do your best to make it match? Not enough to prevent me from buying, but definitely a big minus.

 

[duneslider]

Not sure if this is true but I heard the leather in the expedition decreases as it goes back and that the 3rd row was just vinyl and not leather (pleather). The middle row was just leather in the center inserts. Front seats full leather. I would assume the Lincoln and maybe platinum have a nicer offering. Makes me wonder if the non-perforated rear in the lincoln is just vinyl too?

 

[NyackRob79]

A bit clickbaity, yes, but I do value honest opinion.
I have four children, ranging eight years to a few months old.

Same here. Four kids, ranging from 2yo to 10yo. Have had the Expedition for 15 months now. Best family vehicle. I opted for the MAX version for adequate trunk space. We haul our 4 kids, nanny, and sometimes a friend too. Everyone compliments the seating comfort, even in the power-reclining third row, which is practically unheard of.

If you're worried about warranty, you can purchase extended factory warranty at the time of purchase.

Your only option with a full-size vehicle that has 3 rows and a trunk is the Suburban/Yukon XL, and that platform hasn't been updated in 7+ years, and third row comfort is nothing compared to the Expedition. It's a clear choice, you won't regret it.

If you're still having doubts, lease it for 3 years, and after that term you'll have the option of purchasing it or returning it for something else should you decide to dislike it.

 

[aggiegrad05]

Not sure if this is true but I heard the leather in the expedition decreases as it goes back and that the 3rd row was just vinyl and not leather (pleather). The middle row was just leather in the center inserts. Front seats full leather. I would assume the Lincoln and maybe platinum have a nicer offering. Makes me wonder if the non-perforated rear in the lincoln is just vinyl too?

The third row in the platinum is not vinyl. It may be the active x rather than leather (I can’t tell), but it’s not vinyl.

 

[nate6966]

The third row in the platinum is not vinyl. It may be the active x rather than leather (I can’t tell), but it’s not vinyl.

100% agree with this. At least in the platinum, the third row is absolutely a high quality material. Even in the Limited, as the third row is what originally captured our (my wife and mine) attention and drew us away from the thin sport bleacher seats of the current Escalade/ Denali.

 

[HawkX66]

Nothing cheap going on with the 17 Platinum at least. I doubt they downgraded in 18 or 19. Seems to be the same fabric at rows one and two to me.

 

[aggiegrad05]

Nothing cheap going on with the 17 Platinum at least. I doubt they downgraded in 18 or 19. Seems to be the same fabric at rows one and two to me.




View attachment 30785 View attachment 30786 View attachment 30787 View attachment 30788

It's crazy to me how much extra legroom they managed to give the second row in the 2018+ models.

 

[HawkX66]

It's crazy to me how much extra legroom they managed to give the second row in the 2018+ models.

Those pictures I attached were of my 17. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[duneslider]

Adults can sit in any row in the 2018-2019 and not have ANY issues with leg room. That was actually one of the biggest reasons I went with the 2019 over getting a used 2017. I was set on getting a 2017, until I looked at a 2019.

 

[grumpyoleman]

Got an '18 XLT here with 202a … ActiveX Leather front and 2nd row, but vinyl in third. No one who has ridden in the back row has commented on the different material, so I really don't think they noticed.

 

[HawkX66]

I'll have to check one out. That is crazy. I can't imagine having more room than my EL has. I feel like you can do back flips between the seats. I checked one out at the dealer the other day with an $80k+ sticker..., but I didn't get in. I didn't want to scuff the gold plated sill plates lol

 

[Wheelman]

Coming from a 4runner, you have experienced one of the most rock solid reliable vehicles on the road that holds it's value so much on the used market it is better to buy new than used.

I traded in a 2007 Sequoia with nearly 160,000 problem free miles on it for my 2017 Expedition. Why? Expeditions drop in value on the used market like crazy. It would have cost at least $8-10K more for an equivalent Sequoia when I was looking. I got a 1 year old Expedition with less than 30,000 miles on it for less than a 1 year old 4runner. Although a large part of the price drop was the redesigned 2018 Expedition but a look at 2018 models shows the trend continues. I also needed to tow a 6,000+ utility trailer a few times a year. If not a 4runner would have been my 1st purchase choice although an AWD Sienna would actually meet my needs best. It's just me and 2 greyhounds using it.

So the lower cost to purchase on the used market, the towing capacity and being able to purchase a Ford factory extended warranty and still be less than a Toyota put me into the Expedition. I've got nearly 56,000 miles on it now and it too has been very good. Once/if I hit 150,000 miles on it problem free, I'll brag about it.

If you want to save $$$ look into used Expeditions. If they are less than 3 years old and have less than 36,000 miles you can buy the Ford extended warranty. Here is where I bought mine. You can buy them from any ford dealership. Flood Ford has figured out that selling them at a lower price online brings them a lot of business.

https://www.floodfordesp.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1e6h1K6H4wIVAV6GCh313gxKEAAYASAAEgKnlPD_BwE

PS You are used to Toyota level reliability, quality and resale value. A Toyota Sienna which would meet your needs (as described) would be a much less expensive total cost of ownership vehicle.

If you are like grey ghost and are worried about size of vehicle for safety you can always buy a Ford F650 to transport the kids.

View attachment 30771

I’ve poked around in the F-150 forums a bit, and my reliability concerns, when it comes to the powertrain at least, have definitely decreased. Though, I’m still unsure about the smaller, mainly electrical and gadgetry items that may present themselves over time. For example, I can totally see those lovely automatic sidesteps failing at some point; though of course that’s just me speculating. Several of you have mentioned the extended warranty, which seems like a great idea for the cost. Does that cover everything? Electrical, stitching, etc?

 

[nate6966]

I’ve poked around in the F-150 forums a bit, and my reliability concerns, when it comes to the powertrain at least, have definitely decreased. Though, I’m still unsure about the smaller, mainly electrical and gadgetry items that may present themselves over time. For example, I can totally see those lovely automatic sidesteps failing at some point; though of course that’s just me speculating. Several of you have mentioned the extended warranty, which seems like a great idea for the cost. Does that cover everything? Electrical, stitching, etc?

I know that the power running boards are more reliable than the power running boards on the GM SUVs.
On my Escalade forums, it was a common issue discussed.

 

[aggiegrad05]

Does that cover everything? Electrical, stitching, etc?

Here's the link to the PremiumCare Plan. https://fordprotect.ford.com/premiumcare

You can click through the different systems (on the left) and see (on the right) which particular components are covered. Running boards are specifically noted.

 

[Highlightreel]

Fyi, I created an account at Lombard Ford for the warranty part (end of May) and a day later they gave me a $185 coupon off. So keep that in mind. It is worth it to get into their system. Coupon was good for a week or so. I ended up getting my warranty from the dealer after mentioning their pricing but man, these places offer great prices for warranty's. The 8yr/100k is only like $1,600. That is almost free money (eventually) if you can swing it.

A BIG THANK YOU to this forum for the many posts about these warranty sites. Without this forum I'd have never thought or TRUSTED to look outside my dealer. Saved me a ton of money.

 

[lobsenza]

Active X is not leather. The 3rd row in the 2019 Navigator is Active X. It is not perforated like the first 2 rows and looks different.

 

[Dorzak]

Since you already have the kids, rent a minivan for a week then rent a full size SUV (Expedition if you can arrange/find one). That should tell you everything you need to know. Personally, we have both a Honda Odyssey and an Expedition. The Odyssey is a far better for day-to-day moving children around town. Even a 4 year old can open and close the doors and climb in and out by themselves. The Expedition on the other hand is far better at moving 4 kids around whilst also towing a 6000lb travel trailer. And it's better at bad forest service roads, etc.

After my accident in a Jeep Patriot my rental was an Expedition. It is was convinced me to get the Expedition. Enterprise sometimes has them.

One advantage I saw with the Expedition EL/MAX is even my 6’2” linebacker like frame can climb into the backseat and sit. More comfortably than any minivan I tried, even before they started getting smaller in the last 10 or so years.

In 10 years you are going to go through teenage years and that space in the backseat will make a difference.

 

[Dorzak]

Also of note: MY 2017 Expy is getting better gas mileage than my 2002 Tacoma did. Just know that it's Eco or Boost. If you have a heavy gas pedal foot mileage will drop significantly but dang that motor/transmission makes the Expedition scoot.

Generally city driving has a MUCH lower MPG. My 2016 Expedition EL XLT 4WD will get ~18-20 on long highway trips, but around town that drops to the low teens. My overall average for about 18 months ownership is 15.5 mpg. I don't use premium unleaded. I fell up about every 10-14 days with my commute and errands. I regularly haul wife, and three kids ages 12, 22, 24 around in it. The 22 year old is on the autism spectrum, 5'11" and regularly climbs in and out of the third row. The 24 year old moved back home after a series of life changes. (nothing criminal at least) In addition to my experience with it my son has commented that it is roomier than the last minivan we had (2006 Dodge Caravan traded in on a 2015 Jeep Patriot in 2015 when at least one of the kids was supposed to leave home).

As an XLT model, I have the bench in the middle row. I can not see climbing around captains chairs as being any easier than lifting and folding the outboard seats on the bench. The driver's side seat moves back when you turn the vehicle off to make it easier to get in and out. This reduces the space in front of the outboard seat. We keep the middle row folded down, and placed a velcro backed pet carrier mattress on it. The cat shredded a duffle bag like pet carrier when she was a kitten, but our daughter had kept the mattress/pad. It is the domain of our dog, and my daughter's cat when they accompany us on trips.

Folded the middle seat makes a decent place for items to be set. Keep in mind my road trip style is not to stop unless I have to, and if I need to feed the kids (they think they need to eat for some reason), it is a 15 minute stop if we do fast food. The kids use the folded middle seat as a place to set stuff. (Much to the delight of the dog and cat).

With the fortnightly trips to Costco if there isn't enough room in the back, I can fold the back row down. Although that is often too much room.

I have hauled a variety of items for the home and garden in it. Including all materials for a 4'x8'x12" raised bed, and a second trip for all the soil to fill it. My wife and I have considered a travel trailer in another few years.

A few pet peeves:

• The middle row radio controls have no lock out option.
• Climbing around to retrieve items that have slid around is a bit high. However, I installed a folding step in the hitch receiver to address that.
• Doesn't fit well in my driveway. To close the gate at the end, the passenger side front door is blocked by a carport support. All doors can be opened if I park ~2' further back, but the gate won't shut.
• Parking can be a challenge, although it fit completely into a compact spot at Costco yesterday much to my wife's amusement.

 

[Tocapet]

A bit clickbaity, yes, but I do value honest opinion.
I have four children, ranging eight years to a few months old. As you may imagine, this narrows vehicle choices down substantially, to three large SUVs and the remaining few minivans currently in production. Minivans aren’t out of the question, but I’m far more interested in a large SUV. Out of the three I’ve driven and played with, the new Expedition Max is the most impressive. Very roomy, drives great and at least to my eyes, quite handsome.
I have a tendency to keep cars for quite a while, 8-12 years in fact. Judging by the current age group of kids listed above, it looks very likely that my next family vehicle purchase will have to serve about that long as well.
I’ve not owned a Ford product before, so my question becomes, especially to you current and previous generation Expedition owners, how long will this SUV serve me? This is a new vehicle, generally speaking, so it’s difficult to tell how long it will last. I don’t put a lot of stock into JDPower ratings, as they don’t look at cars 5-8 years down the line. Is the build quality on par or better, when compared to the previous generation?
There’s little I despise more than car or appliance problems, so my paranoia sometimes flares up. Is this something I should feel comfortable owning and taking on multi state trips seven years from now?
And on a somewhat related topic....activeX, is it less or more durable than regular leather included on limited and platinum? I’m assuming its a synthetic material designed to look like leather?
Many thanks in advance!