Im looking at Expeditions around 99 to 02 for my teenage sons and for me as an alternative to my V-10 F-350. They are going pretty cheap around here although almost every one I look at has around 200k miles. Is there any issues I should look for? What kind of mileage should I expect?

 

Pretty much the basic oil leaks well any leaks , as for gas mileage 13-14mpg is what most get, if i was you i would go for the 5.4triton 2wheel drive eddie bauer.Where you live ? Im sure some one would help you look for one

 

Any other input? I'm looking to trade a 2002 Focus with very low mileage for a 99 Expedition with 5.4 / 4x4 that has around 150,000miles. I'd keep the Focus but we barely fit the 3 carseats in it already and have a 4th on the way so it's really useless to me... I already have the Ex but I hate only having one vehicle incase of problems...

 

Oil leaks / consumption, front end components and wear, A4WD working properly and not binding (you have no option to switch to 2WD in a 99), rear differential not binding.

 

Take it for a spin ensuring that you hit some hills, run the a/c in each setting position under engine load to see if you loose air from each setting to the defroster...this will help determine if it has any vacuum leaks.

You can do a similar test on the hub vacuum system...jack up the front end and have someone throttle it while you spin the front wheels to make sure the hubs are holding open under engine load. This is assuming the 1st Gen Expi's use the vacuum to keep the hubs open rather than use vacuum to lock them.

 

That would be a really dangerous test as the back wheels will launch the car.

 

This should be done in park.

 

That's a little safer.

 

Listen for bad hub/bearings, and if there's a roof rack make sure the cross rails are still there.

 

Um not to be a party pooper, but why would you get a teenager a vehicle that he's only going to see 10 MPG out of?

 

Why?? Because its a fact that he,s gonna get in an accident. I would rather have him in something big and safe. Instead of a little gas sipper car that he can get get killed in. Its really a no brainer for any parent of a first time driver. And even i he gets in a accident that isnt his his fault, at least in a big suv he will at least have a fighting chance.

 

Why is it a given? Not every teenager gets into an accident.

 

I was a teenager when I had my expedition was only in an accident once but a deer came out of nowhere and my mom was with me, she didn't believe I hit one until she saw the hair and blood everywhere . 97-98 front ends are TOUGH!!!!

 

Crashes are the number 1 cause of death in teenagers. Its true that he may never get in a wreck. But I dont see any harm in being proactive. Plus lots of room for his football gear and what not.

 

Take an OBDII scanner when you check them out, check the power door locks with the remote if equipped, ask about fluids and filter changes, plugs, cop history. A well maintained Expo will last a long time.