Hi guys, I went and looked at/test drove an '04 Expy. XLT, 4x4, 4.6L, 63k miles. It has leather interior, all power options, DVD player, possibly towing package(it has a 2" receiver). Price is $11,995 and it's a one owner with a clean carfax.

So, a few questions;
1) Is this a good deal?
2) What potential problems should I look for?
----I did not hear any abnormal noises, including the rear diff
3) What are some of the major maintenances that are required near this mileage?

Thanks for your help.

 

As an owner of a 97 Expy 4x4 with 5.4L engine, I would ask whether you plan to do any towing...the smaller engine will definitely struggle, and the gas mileage is not appreciably better than the big V8. Most folks I know wiith the smaller V8 have been disappointed with the lack of power.

Also, do you really need the 4x4? It's a lot of extra weight, mechanical drag and complexity that you may or may not need depending on your use.

At relatively low mileage, you should verify that all scheduled maintenance has been done. Should also have already new tires and brakes by 60k.

 

As an owner of the 4.6 I would say find a 5.4 cause the lack of power sucks! Don't get me wrong, I love my expy but I really wish I'd held out for the bigger V8.

 

I would def ask to see all maintanence records focusing in on transmission / xfer case flushes.

I love my 4.6, but mine is a 4x2 and I don't tow anything. My MPG's on the hwy are excellent. My truck has been bulletproof except for the rear a/c actuators. Both have needed to be replaced at FMC expense.

Good luck!

Tim

 

all very good points. my 05 EB is the first non 4WD suv i've owned. initially, i looked for a 4WD, but i live in alabama and don't have to deal with snow and ice. also, i don't see myself taking this heavy assed truck off roading for fun. that being said, if you don't need the 4WD don't buy it. just adds an extra item to the maintenance schedule.

oh, and most definitely find a 5.4.

 

Doesn't sound like a bad deal, but definitely wouldn't pay sticker for it. If it looks like it needs maintenance items like tires, brakes, air filter; I'd talk them under 10K. If they gave records and tires look newer, I'd be willing to may a little more. Plus markets vary big. Look around locally and see what else is available for comparison. My Florida market could be 2K higher/lower than North Carolina.

Personally though, if I was looking to spend just over 10K on an Expy right now, I'd look for an 05. That's when they started putting in the 3-valve 300hp 5.4 motor that is common to the F-150. A lot more choices for after market parts.

 

boice1971, I don't live far from you (appx 25mi) and I will sell you a 2003 XLT, 4x4,4.6, grey leather, rear backup sensors, 6 CD changer, message center, 3.73 LS, towing package, 49k miles, excellent tires, good paint, and ready to go for a good bit less than that.

I went to Galax and back in it in August with 5 adults and got 18.8 MPG.