I am a current owner of a 2008 Explorer Ltd. 4.3 L 108k. Runs great, currently no issues. Ran into the spark plug ground shield issue at 75k. Was able to change them out without incident. Also the broken exh manifold bolt issue. Fixed those too.

I tow a 5180 lb (actual weight) 19' travel trailer about 1800 miles each summer. The Explorer tows it pretty well. I don't push it, and I always have OD off. I have a Scangauge II on it with water and Trans temp and monitor it closely.

I would like something with a little more "headroom" in the towing power, braking and cooling areas.

Got an offer to buy a 2012 Expedition LTD with 125k miles. One owner, runs great. Gave it a real good physical/visual inspection. Found a little bit of "wetness" (oil of some sort) on the bottom of what I think is the transfer case. Just behind and slightly rearward of the front left wheel. Not puddling, just damp.

Carfax shows all maintenance services (by the book) done locallyat the dealer, and at recommended intervals. Repairs of note in the Carfax are "Rear differential serviced" at 61k". Axle seals replaced" at 89k, "Brake rotors resurfaced" at 111k. "Wiper linkage replaced at 121k.

What model year did Ford redesign the Triton spark plugs? Any "chronic/common/well known" issues with the 2012 Ltd?

Is there anything else I should look for or be concerned about?

Thanks..

 

Spark plugs are a non-issue in 2012. Check for oil leaks anywhere and everywhere; these engines are prone to them. I had 2 repaired under warranty and my valve seals are due now also and I haven't even hit 100K yet. Listen for signs of timing/cam lifter issues as these issues are common and very costly to repair. Check the rear struts; they are known to leak/fail prematurely. Make sure all the Limited extras work as they should. Power running boards and climate controlled seats are a common issue. You can check for peeling/bubbling paint on the tailgate (look on the underside as well), hood (look on the underside as well) and roof but I guarantee you it's there in one or more areas so if that's a problem consider another vehicle (perhaps even another brand as this issue affects many Ford, Lincoln, Mercury vehicles with model years 2000-2017).

 

My wife has a 2012 Expy XLT with about 72k on it. We bought it with 42k. She loves it and I do too since I drive it a bit. It has the issues with the rear struts leaking. One was pretty bad as the entire strut was wet from the oil leaking out with the other rear and one of teh fronts also having minor leaking. I should have changed it a few thousands miles back but kept putting it off. I finally ordered all new struts and spring assemblies for front and rear for $512 online and still need to install. They were delivered yesterday. It also has some of the paint on the rear gate looking wavy( I wouldn't consider it bubbling myself) but I think that may be due to it being rear ended by a previous owner and then being fixed. But its not easy to see except by me. (as are the door dings from impolite persons)

It normally gets 13-14 mpg in town no matter which one of us drives it. Between 16-20 mpg on the highway depending on how fast I go. But I did tow a dual axle 12 ft trailer with only a motorcycle on it at about 60 mph and it dropped under 9 mpg. I was less than impressed by that trip!

 

Thanks for the input folks. I have (for other reasons) decided to not make the purchase just yet.

Thanks.