2003 Expedition 5.4
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2003 Expedition 5.4
We are looking a purchasing a used vehicle and found a 2003 Expedition 4x2 with the 5.4. It has around 164k miles. We have not viewed it in person yet but plan on going this week. What are the typical things I should be aware of on the 2 valve 5.4 with this many miles? From the pics the body looks solid and interior very clean. Is it reasonable to get 200-250k miles out of this engine if it was properly maintained?
I haven't had a 5.4 since my 2002 F150 was totaled several years ago and that truck treated me really well. But I was the original owner and did all the required maintenance.
I haven't had a 5.4 since my 2002 F150 was totaled several years ago and that truck treated me really well. But I was the original owner and did all the required maintenance.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 877
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From: South Florida
Are you buying a one owner vehicle, from the owner? Or is it just on a used car lot, run through an auction house? Get a CarFax report on it. Is there service records with the vehicle ? Are they highway miles or around town miles ? Does it look like it's been well maintained ? Or sat outside in the parking lot and never washed? Are the channels in the roof rusted out ? The roof channels and the radiator support bracket are rust magnets for the Expeditions, and are expensive to repair. What condition is the driver's seat in? Does it look like it was protected with a seat cover? Or did some 300 lb hog just jump in it and trash it for the past 15 years? Did the owner use synthetic oil in it? Have all 4 lower ball joints been replaced? Was the Expy used for towing ? Has the transmission fluid ever been changed ? Does the rear A/C unit work correctly? The rear blend door actuators are notorious for failing every year or so. Has the fuel pump been replaced? Has the fusebox been replaced ?
Those are just a few areas to ask about. A vehicle that old becomes a crap shoot regardless. Just depends on how the vehicle was treated and maintained, and how lucky you feel.
-Mike
Those are just a few areas to ask about. A vehicle that old becomes a crap shoot regardless. Just depends on how the vehicle was treated and maintained, and how lucky you feel.
-Mike
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I am going to look at it today. I am comfortable looking at any general body, frame, engine and non engine mechanical before I purchase. Was just checking if there were any glaring pitfalls for higher mileage 2 valve 5.4's I should check. I am just looking for a cheap 20 mile a day commuter and run around vehicle that is not a rust bucket.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 877
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From: South Florida
Where is the Expy located and where did it come from ? This is where a Carfax report is handy. Any Expy exposed to salt treated winter roads is gonna be a rust bucket. Also look to see if a external elbow has been added to the front A/C drain at the firewall (under the hood). If not it's gonna have wet carpet issues, and the mold and smell that goes along with that.
-Mike
-Mike
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Got a chance to check it out. Body was pretty solid for a Michigan vehicle. Typical rust underneath and no rust through anywhere on the body. Engine was solid and no codes. But the tires were feathered so that is suspension work and a constant clicking under dash. I think maybe blend door trying to move. AC cool but not cold so that could be what is happening. But I think I will pass as chasing HVAC issues is a PITA.
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