Which year should I go for?

[Funstuie]

Hi all

First post so forgive me if this is asked a lot.

I am looking to get an expy as a family hauler. I used to have a 2010 F-150 super crew which was great but I stupidly decided to sell it and I have regretted it ever since.

Getting a pickup is not really an option now and I need the third row for when family visits etc.

So with a limited budget (around $6k) and knowing I am looking at 150k on the clock what year should I focus on? Is there a year I should avoid?

I want 4x4 as I will more than likely use it for towing on occasion.

In my searches in the Bay Area a lot of 2004 models show up for some reason.

 

[Bedrck47]

Welcome to the Forum

 

[docraymund]

Get the 2005 year model. Be choosy. Look for one with 100,000 miles or less.

 

[John Christopher]

Any Gen 2 ( 2003-2006) should be fine. Also check the rocker panels and the radiator core support for rust damage. Good Luck

 

[1955moose]

From all I've read the 2004, the last 2 valve motor is probably the best bet. The 3 valves have oiling issues, along with cam phaser problems. The 3 valve motors also can break original spark plugs on removal. This shouldn't be an issue if the SUV has more than 100k miles,as they more than likely have been replaced with a newer designed plug.I believe they corrected the spark plug thread issue on 2003, 2004 models. Earlier ones didn't have enough threads to properly torque the spark plugs.


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[Snag]

1955moose spells it out pretty well. The 3 valves are a potiential nightmare. Get the first generation late model 2003ish or less with low miles. More dependable engines except the spark plug thing. Your budget don't get you very far into the 2004+ models. If you are mechanically inclined cheap later models can be had with phaser, timing chain, lash adjuster or follower problems. I gave 3k for my 05 King Ranch, looks like new. Sold as needing an engine according to their Ford Stealership. I replaced the timing components, phasers, camshafts, vvt's, and oil pump. Now runs like new and I have about 4500.00 into it. And no I didn't use OEM parts. I figured they screwed it up once I am not giving them a second shot.

 

[1955moose]

From what I understand the last two years 03,04, have the full spark plug threads. Took them 6 years to fix a problem that should have been corrected mid year 1997, when they discovered problem to begin with. Makes you wonder, when they saw the first heads being produced, the top guys should have said, stop this is no good, not enough threads, but no, they just went ahead and produced the same heads for 5 years, unbelievable. Oh by the way Snag Habbibie is an experienced tech, that knows the second gens expeditions real well, and participates helping forum members on a regular basis. Welcome to the forum, we can always use another member with your experience.


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[Snag]

yep, been watching your responses for a few weeks, another experienced guy. I appreciate what you tell those asking...Actually I am fairly new to modular engines, been a small block Ford and Chevy, well and Mopar guy since the late 60's. I hope not to step on anyone's toes, a good bunch of guys on the forum. If anything I can add to help someone, that is my hope.

 

[1955moose]

Same here, my background actually is with motorcycles. I've worked on my share of automotive engines though. Except for all the sensors and electronics, internal combustion engines really are pretty much the same for the past 100 years. Again welcome to the forum, and we can all help each other, on the expeditions.


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[Snag]

Thanks, I hope I didn't say anything to get crossways with Habb. I respect everyone who contributes. I started as a motorcyle guy myself, back in the 60's, everyone had a dirt bike at the time and we all raced motocross. When I was in college I wanted to quit and go to motorcyle mechanic school. My dad said h''' no, this is just a fad and will soon be dead. So started racing cars:O)

 

[1955moose]

We're only a year apart, I'm 61, and dirt riding was what so many of us did back then. I had Yamaha 175 and 250 enduros. Never raced motocross, I had friends that raced at the Cow palace indoors back then. Other friends raced flat track, either 1/2 or mile. Sacramento and San Jose were the ones. Basically horse tracks that triumph and Harley 750's would race at 120 mph plus in the dirt. Ah good times!


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[Snag]

I grew up in the SW, Arizona. So mostly desert racing. I was 6'5" 220# so too big to be competitive with the smaller guys in motocross, but tried it anyway. I ran the 4 strokes mostly, normally Hondas. As the bigger bikes came out I bought them, the Yamaha TT-500, Yamaha MX-500 (2-stroke, short lived), Honda XR-500.
Growing up in the heyday of muscle cars I soon started building trucks and cars. 69 Plymouth Road Runner, v-8 powered Chevy Vega's (I always thought, big engines in small cars go fast), 38 Chevy (looked like a Willy's). Always built my own engines as we didn't have money to buy ready mades. And built many, many 4x4 trucks through the years.

 

[Habbibie]

I personally recommend the 2v over the 3v but the EcoBoost over all

Might I remind you I am 3v owner... That right there alone should tell you something.

Listen to Moose on this one, even though he's a grumpy old man ;-P

 

[1955moose]

Cool, I've got a good friend that works at the Ford dealer where I live, used to go to high school with has 35 restored dirt bikes. I know that would bring back the old days.


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[1955moose]

Grumpiness comes with age/ pain. Check back with me when your 61, see if your not a little grumpy!


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[Snag]

Cool, a term of our years. That would be neat to have all those bikes. I collect when I can, but the wife don't go for that stuff.
They shouldn't let old farts on here, we ramble on too long:O)

Oh, oh, Habb nailed you. Grumpy old man. Hell, now there are 2 of us:O)

 

[1955moose]

Theirs actually about 6-10 of us. Our electrical gurus are of the senior persuasion, and they are some of the most knowledgeable ones out there. I have worked with some of the best, these guys are good!


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[Snag]

yes, I have read some of their responses. A lot of "history" in that group

 

[Funstuie]

Thanks for the responses guys. I am keeping an eye on what's out there at the moment. It's slim pickings with my budget (unless I want 200k plus miles on the clock). The other issue is grotty and ripped interior.

 

[Snag]

Keep an eye on Craigs List, you will find one. I watch the list as far down as you are in Cali. and see quit a few from time to time that will fit your budget. The Navigator might be one of interest as well, typically old fart owned, like myself and better maintained. Another good source is CarGurus.com

Good luck, I have seen a number of them here in Oregon that would work for you

Gary