I'm not seeking religious opinions nor trying to start a debate. I am a happy owner of my 2000 EB with 140k miles with no problems...oh wait, I did replace the alternator. I do all, and I mean all maintenance, earlier than suggested.

I love this truck and its a creampuff but I have the dreaded rusting on the inside door skin seams. Im going to attempt a home based temporary repair to retard it vs spending $2500 with a body shop.

But, sooner or later its gonna get worse and force me to move on. Im thinking of a 2011 or 2012, basically a used Expy but new enough for some balance of warranty and I am planning on buying cash, no financing.

Do any of you have previous ownership with my older version of Expy? and now have newer version that can give me some advice and guidance.

I am considering a LTD version, around 2011-2012 with less than 40k miles or around there.

I love mine, love the ride, good power, like the sound and feel of it, its strong and rugged.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

I went from a 2002 EB Expy to a 2008 Limited ( 1st Gen to 3rd Gen - not much has changed since 07) and will tell you its night and day difference. The 08 feels alot more refined compared to the truck-like feel of the 02. My 08 gets better gas mileage than the 02 did- the 6spd tranny helps with that. It will tow more than the 02. Has alot more "toys" than the 02. Actually there is nothing I preferred about the 02 over the 08. My only regret was not waiting until SYNC was available ( starting in 09 ) but other than that my 08 is loaded with every possible option available ( except 3:73's and Air suspension- which I didnt want anyway )
My suggestion is to go drive one and see how it feels. You may find that you prefer the "truck" feel of the 1st generation Expy's, its all about personal preference.



Good luck

Matt

 

I have never owned a 1st gen expy, but as with all newer vehicles, they are substantially more intertwined with numerous modules/wiring being able to control things. More wires/computers/sensors, the more potential to go wrong. Not always, but a possibility. Not to mention now you have variable cam timing with the engine to deal with as a potential source of problems. Getting into '11 or '12 you skipped the 2 piece spark plug ordeal (always a bonus). I went from a '96 olds cutlass to an '07 expy eddie bauer, and it is awesome the list of options it has. anytime to upgrade to a newer generation of vehicle, it almost always is worthwhile and a noticeable difference.

 

I've had a 99, an 03 and still have an 04 and a '10. The '10 is by far the most refined of the group, great evolution of the breed. The three older ones were EB's, the newer one is a Limited. We bought it used over the summer with 20k on it. It has every option and is cream puff.

 

I would suggest a 2012 for those two statements to be mutually inclusive. It only comes with a 3yr/36mo warranty.

I have no experience with older Expy's so I can't help. I do have a 2011 with 16K miles that I need to take in before June to take care of some minor warranty items... So far all little things that comes with a more optioned/electronic car as mentioned earlier.

Good luck,

Johnny

 

"3 yr / 36,000 mi" ...that's it!!??? Mopar give 7/70 and you can upgrade to 100k mi b2b warranty.

Ford only offers 36k mi?

This may take me off a Ford entirely.

 

I have received invitations for a warranty upgrade which I did not take mainly because of my low usage. So it may be possible that there are cars out there with extended warranties. However, I am not sure if it was a b2b factory as I didn't look over the offer in detail. Also, whether the warranty is transferrable or not would be something that you would need to look into.

I wouldn't stop looking at a Ford based on my statement but if you go into it informed you will be fine.

Johnny