looking to buy 03 or 04

mitchg · #1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 10:20 AM

Hello, I'm new here, and I have a couple of questions. My wife and I are looking for a new (to us) suv. We have found an 03, and an 04 expedition, both eddie baur. Both have 108-110 miles, and are priced in the upper $13. Is this a deal? What issues should I look for. Which year is better, if at all?

alwaysfords41 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 10:37 AM

I can't speak to the deal, take a look around and see where prices are. Check out the papers, ebay, etc. If the prices are similar get the newer one. I've got one of each and they are pretty much the same vehicle, the '03 was the first year for the new body style and had a number of problems in early builds. There is a letter designation in the VIN that tells you the series of the build, A is the first. Mine is a C (if memory serves me, June '03) and has been relatively problem free. The big issues are head machining problems leading to oil leaks (supposedly fixed by '03 but mine had the issue) and LSD clutch packs failing. You should be able to deal pretty well on these, they are getting old.

mitchg · #3 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 11:01 AM

03 vin # 1FMFU18L63LA60429
does that A mean 1st series? should I avoid this one? I have not looked at either one yet, maybe this weekend. They are at the same dealer.

alwaysfords41 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 11:20 AM

That is an A code. Depending on mileage the gremlins could be all gone. Ask for service records. Also on the head machining problem, it winds up resulting in an oil leak that is in many cases not detectable because the oil drips on the exhaust manifiold and burns. The engine bay can be completely dry and there will be no drips on the floor. Only way to find it is by the dipstick over time. For what it's worth my 04 is cheaper to insure than the 03, not sure why but I'm guessing it may be because the 04 has stabilitrac. Exact same coverage from the same compnay.

mitchg · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 12:55 PM

What kind of mpg can I expect from a 5.4, w/ 4x4?

alwaysfords41 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 12:58 PM

12-15, although I'm sure others will tell you they get 20. I've had this motor three times now, it's never been anything different.

mitchg · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 02:45 PM

03 has been sold, the dealer is emailing me as many details/pic that they have.

fiveohpoepoe · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 12:02 AM

For mid $14k range you should be able to get a nice 04 with 55-75k miles,loaded.At least we did about 7 months ago. Where are you located? I agree with the above post about mpg. I have owned 3 98,s with the 4.6 and NEVER saw anything above 17 mpg on the hwy driving like Ms. Daisy. My current 99 with 5.4, 15.3 ONE time, hwy cruising with little to no fluxuation in speed. Our 04 with the 5.4 has seen mid 15,s on trips. I just dont see how anyone can get anything more than that, much less 20.

apgarassoc · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 09:18 AM

I have a late production 2004 and have had good luck - 130K and no major problems. Biggest repair was front bearing hubs (very easy to do yourself - no puller required, just a 18 mm socket). If I keep the fuel filter clean, my mileage runs about 16 mpg without too much babying of the throttle. In the winter, oxygenated fuels knocks it down to 14.5 mpg. You can use a tuner to do better (lean out the programmed fuel mix) but I haven't bothered - it can result in higher exhaust temps which may result in other damage (catylitic converter, for instance). If you check the TSB database, you will see some 2004 issues in the early production runs - like pads and thens rotors (after they changed the pads). So find a May or June '04 build if you can.

mitchg · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 09:40 AM

We found an 05 EB 4x4 5.4 w/ 70k, and some hail damage, for $14k, that we are going to look at next weekend.
Are there any problem areas that I need to look for?
Located in central Ks.

04markIII · #11 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:25 AM

05 switched to 3v engines. more power and tq, but drive-by-wire. they do have issues with the spark plugs breaking off in the head when trying to chenge them. and still retain the lsd clutch problem. overall 03-06 is a great model. i have an 03 (build code c).

dirtmonkey11 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:13 AM

The price seems a little steep to me but I could be wrong. I have a 2000 Expedition XLT with 84,000 miles and all the options and I got it for $5,000 but that was because I bought it from family. I was looking around before I bought that truck and saw that a similar truck to mine were going for about $6-7 at most dealers. If you could I would try to buy if from a private seller if you have the money in had. I would shop around a little more because when winter comes closer the vehicle prices start to drop a little. All in all the deal is ok.

mitchg · #13 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:18 AM

I agree, 04 EB 4x4 w/ 110k @ 13900 is about 1000-1500 high. Hopefully we can talk them down.
We are leaning toward an 05 EB 4x4 70k with hail damage for 13900, but we will need to look at it 1st to see the extent of damage.

What is lsd clutch pack?
What are spark plugs? lol j/k
I'm used to 7.3 Powerstrokes, manual tranny's, and manual 4x4's. All this electric/automatic stuff has me baffled.

alwaysfords41 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:40 AM

LSD clutch pack - Limited Slip Differential clutches. They bind and grind as they age. If you turn a tight corner you will feel them catching. For some reason Ford had trouble with this series of LSD's, generally they don't ever go bad with proper fluid changes. For the fix -sometimes it is as easy a fluid change, others require a rebuild.

mitchg · #15 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:47 AM

are the lsd's in the rear end, and are the difficult/expensive to fix?