Quote:
Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944
Bumping this up, looking at 03-10 Expeditions with 5.4L engine.
Not interested in GM products here (terrible interiors) and definitely not interested in Chrysler products (terrible everythings). Toyotas are out of my price range, though nice. Not interested in Armadas.
Don't really like the interiors of the 07+ Expeditions so I am focusing on the 2003-2006 models. Please share your experiences with ride quality, reliability, overall satisfaction, and maybe even MPG (expectations on MPG are low).
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I have a 2004 Expedition. XLT, 4x4, 5.4, Leather. 125k miles. Other that a few items it's been very reliable. Owned it since mid 05 @ 15k miles. Did about 15k or so a year until about four years ago and now it sees about 5-6k miles a year; mostly hauling kids or pulling a trailer. It's long been paid for and cheap to insure so it's sits until I need it. Always starts, always goes.
For the 03-04s there was a batch of soft (poor heat treat) ring and pinions. I had mine replaced under warranty. If not replaced it will get loud at some specific MPH. Should be pretty obvious on a test drive.
I replaced the alternator around 110k miles. It's right up front, took all of 15 minutes to change.
Spark plugs can be a pain to replace, often breaking off in the head. If they haven't been done budget closer to $750 for a pro or expect to spend money on the tool. It was widespread enough that several vendors make a tool just for removing these plugs.
Big brakes compared to other vehicle of the time. First set of pads lasted me until 90k miles when I changed them just because. Still had life left in them. Keep the tires rotated and they'll last better than most big vehicles. I got over 70k (crazy number) from the OEM General tires. Need to change the second set due to age and dry-rot not b/c of treadlife.
Rack and pinion steering and independent rear suspension. They ride and steer better than most of that period. Ahead for their time and most other makes are doing this now.
05 brought about the 3 valve heads for the 5.4 and a decent (60ish hp) bump in power.
I did have a TPMS sensor finally quit. One in ten years isn't all that bad. Gonna cost about $60 for a new one locally. I"m almost ready for tires so I'll have it installed at the same time.
Everything still works, squeaks and rattles are minimal. I get 15 mpg whether filled with Girl Scouts, towing a boat or filled with hunting gear. If mine were smashed tomorrow I might end up with the same thing. -J
ETA - My mother bought an 06 2wd. She drives like the grandmother she is and gets right at 17mpg.