Hi, long time superduty forum member here, looking to expand the fleet with an Expedition. I'm currently considering a 2003 with the 4.6 and 96k miles. I was searching for a buyers guide thread like the superduty forums have but don't see anything. Not even many stickies at the top of the forum.

Is there a thread that lists what to look for by generation and engine?

Any tips on what years/engines to look for or avoid?

Common problems to look out for?

Thanks!

 

What type of activity do you plan to use the Expedition to do? Carry people, kids and sports equipment, tow small trailer or a big heavy one? Long trips or around town?

 

mostly hauling kids and dogs around town with a couple family cross country trips throughout the year. Any real hauling or towing will stay with the F250.

 

Thanks for considering the expedition family! I'm currently searching right now as my brother totaled my old 2005. It had it's fair share of problems but I blame most of that one the neglectful previous owner and the fact that it was an 05 and destined to the repairs it got.

With that being said, it is easily the best car I ever drove or owned and the overall comfort, power, and utility wouldn't let me get rid of the thing when staring down a $1500 bill. I loved the thing to the last mile and I'm coo coo for another one.

The 4.6L models feature and well designed and reliable 2v engine. It's supposed to be the most refined and quietest year of the 2v. It is also one of the best engines to be offered in the expedition for fuel economy other than the new Ecoboost and even some people over in the 2007+ section are reporting 21 mpg at 70 mph with a 5.4L EL. These 4.6L models can also tow respectably.

I personally wouldn't pay for a 4.6L though as I have lived with the a VCT 3v 5.4L and it is an awesome engine. Personally I think it's the best engine ever built. If you get a 2005, you likely will pay to update and ensure problem free driving throughout the years. Anything before or after is great except for some problems being reported with the 07 transmissions. So while you may see some good deals on those, thoroughly check the transmissions out.

We hope to see you join in with us! There's actually a lot more I could talk about but we'll wait until you join us!

 

Start saving now for the fuel bill.

 

Great info, thanks! So the '03 4.6 is a good option from what I'm taking from this. I'll hopefully be looking at it today. From my research changing the spark plugs seems to be the biggest headache with these engines?

No doubt, but still cheaper than flying 5 people to Florida every year, lol.

 

And you don't have to deal with TSA.

 

Hey don't knock it, for some people that's the extent of their intimacy for the year.