It is at a local car lot, so I have no vehicle history.

80k miles.

4wd 5.4L engine. XLT.

I checked the fluids..they appear clean (the oil is slightly used). Dirty air filter was noticed.

The car (I'm in PA) came from NY State, and it appears there is a good bit of rust on the undercarriage...not much in the engine compartment. Looks like someone painted it around the wheel wells, but not the whole underside.

It will come with a warranty (4 years/unlimited mi).

I got the details of the warranty, and it is fairly comprehensive. The two biggest complaints I've seen on Expeditions in an internet search is that head gaskets go, and the plugs can blow out.

Now, the warranty specifies "head and intake gaskets only covered against coolant leaks".

Cylinder heads are covered.

I'm wondering a few things before I leap (aside from the rust question below)...does it sound like the blown plugs or head gaskets would be covered if they go bad?

Rust: Yes, it is a northern/salt on the roads car. How much is normal...how much is dangerous? Anything to do to prevent more problems (undercoat or rust killer?)?

Any other warning signs to look for?

Thanks!!

AFARR

 

Price?????

 

Not sure how the pricing breaks down on it...(how much is the Exped. & How much on the warranty).

It didn't seem too far off on the KBB or Edmunds pricing when I checked it based on the trim/options.

AFARR

 

If the rust is substantial I would stay away. Depends on how long you want to keep it also. My 99[125k now] with the 5.4 is getting the valve covers done this weekend. Relatively cheap if you or know someone that can do it. Out of all of my Expeditions[3-98,s/current 99] I have never had a plug issue.

Again, the rust would kill it for me. Once its there,its there. You might be able to slow the progression a bit.

 

I didn't crawl under the vehicle to poke and prod or try to peal away flakes to see how much was in various areas.

Any major warning signs?

I used to own a 94 Explorer (Sport, manual 2WD) and we lived in Richmond, VA for the first 6 years we had it...so minimal rust. Moved to Chicago after that and it did develop undercarriage rust...a fine coat (then PA for 3 years). Had it for about 13 years total with no major rust through issues...one brake line rusted to the point it was leaking, so I replaced it.

Thanks for the ideas.

AFARR

 

My 99 expedition has had 3 plugs blow out after 175,000 miles, and all the coils replaced. 241,000 miles. Look for the rust on the drivers door underneath. they had problems with that. The dealer reolaced two of the sparkplugs ar $600 each, the 3rd I had an independent shop do for $150. Guess I got took on the first two. Make sure the trans fluid gets changed at around 30K. otherwise it tends to make noise when the converter locks up. I love my truck, had it for 9 years now and I can be tough on vehicles at times. I'd buy another one.

 

I have a 99 Eddy 86000 miles.I hae not had plugs blow out yet. I have had the head gaskets changed. Blend door repaired. On the same time frame as the transmition the diff's should be changed. And while you are at it change the transfer case and power steering also.

 

From what I found researching my own issue with my 97 F150 4.6(head gasket)I think the spit plug problem was common/specific to the 5.4s and the blown head gasket to the 4.6s.

 

no the head gasket problem can happen in both, and the plugs tend to blow out after they have been changed and not installed correctly also on both engines,


and dif fluid does not get changed at 30,000 intervals the only reason to change it is if you have water in it or I believe 100,000

 

It does say 100,000 miles in the owners manual, but I have had 2 dealers here in Omaha say change it at 30,000. If you do a search on here there are a lot of stories of diff's going out. By changing mine I get piece of mind. It may last until 100,000 but as they say pay me now or pay me latter.

 

Yeah...A dealer would never try to sell you a service you didn't need just to make money

I searched "differential" and didn't see any blown up ones in four pages of posts. Both the 8.8 and 9.75 diffs are very durable.

 

Thanks for the info big meanie I know that I am new at this. Just trying to pass some info along take or leave it.

 

My heat hasnt been blowing warm/hot on the panel for a while....so my mechanic has it. Found out one of the blend doors was extremely loose and now it blows hot on the floor mode. Still so-so on the panel, but that fix involved yanking the whole dash and center console.
Also, the rear wiper stopped working and it was the wiper motor. AHHH, seems all of the small issues are hitting me at once

 

I have a 99 with 192k miles. I have not had any issues with head gasket or plugs. I had the plugs changed around 100K and I have had to replace 3 or 4 coils. I am now having issues with my 4x4 and my rear differential is starting to bind a little.

 

Im starting to get frustrated. I thought my blend door was broke ir the heater core was dead. Had it fixed where the floor would blow out hot, but the panel was at best,mediocre. So I know I have to get a blend door but trying to put it off, temp fix I hoped hold out. Well, this morning, mediocre even on the floor. The rear is blowing hot, so not a problem for the kids[when in my Expy] Oh well, pay up