Hi all, newbie here...

I am looking at a 1998 EB Expedition with 107k miles on it. It's at a dealer and I'm getting it for 9k. The truck is absolutely mint. I normally judge a truck's mechancial condition (aside from actually driving it) on how well the interior has held up over the years. Whoever had this truck before took really good care of the interior, therefore I assume that he/she did routine maintanence too.

My question is should I expect any problems with this truck to speak of? I had a 1997 4.6 F150 and it held up good, but got rid of it at 40k miles, so I can't really judge it well. I would just hate to get this monster and then have all sorts of stuff go wrong.

Thanks for any comments.

 

I would be happier if I had the service records.

It's important to have a clear picture of past maintenance with a vehicle of this age and mileage. Professional detailers are very good at cleaning a vehicle up.

 

Get a compression test, and run it through Carfax.com.......

 

I purchase a 98 Eddie Bauer about 3 weeks ago it has 50K miles on it an is also in Mint condition. No dings, dents, chips, Leather is perfect. I paid 14000, so it seems you are also getting a good deal. I would also suggest a carfax report i got one on mine.

Good luck

 

I have the carfax, it's clean, 1 owner, no reported wrecks or odometer fraud.

Regarding the compression test, I read other posts that say that is pretty labor intensive (read expensive) due to the engine so far back in the bay. Any ideas how much that is? I would probably replace plugs at that point too.

About the professional cleaning, you missed my point. When I said that the leather is in good shape I meant no rips tears or worn spots. A friend of mine just bought a '99 Navigator and the leather on the driver side at the seam was ripped due to wear and tear. This Expeditoion has none of that and is a year older. That tells me the previous owner conditioned the leather regularly, which would also indicate that the regular maintanence was also done.

Regarding the service records, can I get those from a Ford dealer?

Thanks for the responses...

 

Have the vehicle thoroughly checked out, what do you mean you judge a vehicles mechanical condition by the shape the interior is in,.. this is wrong, sure are nice seats in there, but only one bolt holding the tranny in the truck.. My work car, as an example is absolutely trashed inside, BUT it is very well mechanically maintained and I make sure it stays that way. Our Expedition gets all its regular maintenance, but because of all the kids, is usually a wreck inside until its cleaning date. On the contrary, I have known people that meticulously clean the inside of their vehicle and then go 15,000 miles between oil changes. Its MUCH easier to sweep it out, throw some conditioner on the leather, than it is to Change the plugs, flush the tranny and diffs, etc.. ALLL that should be done with this kind of mileage on a vehicle.
You may be Right, it may BE well maintained, but make sure, dont judge it just because it has clean seats.

Ron
99 Expedition XLT

 

ktmguy, you make a good point. there is always that chance that the truck was not serviced. I'll let you all know how it turns out. thanks for all of the comments.

 

I just purchased a 98 EB 4 x 4 with the 5.4Liter in it..

AND mine has 151K on it!!! But it is in better shape all over than lots i looked at with 50k... I am a mechanic however so any repairs within reason are not going to kill me and at the price i got it.. I am REEAAL happy with my purchase!!!

I serviced mine front to back (front end, trans, transfer, rear diff, oil, fuel , and a tune up) Just for extra piece of mind.. I have put over 1500 miles so far with no problems.. (knocking on wood) and i am planning a several thousand mile road trip in the near future

 

I too purchased a used '98 Expy with 72K miles and I am thoroughly comfortable with my purchase. Just have it checked over by a reputable mechanic and do the CARFAX thing and DRIVE IT! Have a good long test drive to shake it down. If you feel comfortable after that, then make the deal.

 

I purchased a 98 Expy last year with 152,000 miles on the clock. So far the only thing that has been replaced outside of normal maintenace items was the alternator. If the truck drives good, sounds good and has a clean carfax report I would say go for it.

 

I forgot, I now have 180,000 miles on the truck. Best vehicle I have ever owned!!