As I just left the dealership after looking at a 2017 expy EL XLT I have questions.

I figured out it has the 3.73 gears and a tow hitch (yep I'm the bright one in class) but a 4 pin harness. Is there a Ford Part number floating around to swap out that harness, also how hard is it to find the ford brake controller or is this the same one that the 15 and up f 150 uses?

regards,

 

The brake controller is available from Ford for under 100.00 and is plug and play along with activation programming. The 4 pin connector means the vehicle has the light duty tow package. The 4 pin harness can be changed out, that harness is available for 170.00. Make sure you have the fuses for the trailer charge wire or else ot will require a jumper.

 

But it is still a class four or class five hitch, correct?

 

No it doesn't. It has a class 3 as standard. Also confirm the rear axle ratio. The 3.73 was standard for the heavy duty tow package. So it's a little odd it would have the 3.73 gears but not the tow package.

 

ok. I just used the vin decoder here on the forum.

I’ll see what else I can find.

 

The axle code is on the door jamb sticker.

 

I’ll have to call them back.

 

Have them send you a picture of the sticker so you can research this as well as any other surprise questions that come up.

 

It's on hold for right now. They really gave me an awful low offer on my 2011 F-150, and told me they didn't want to have to deal with it. So I said I'll be back.. maybe...

 

Not unusual for a 9 year old vehicle, regardless of condition. They would wholesale it and everyone down the line needs to make a few bucks.

 

2011 F150 mid wholesale here is 12k based on Manheim auction last 90 days.

 

Thanks for that. Just to be sure, I took it to Carmax. I've always felt they were a decent offer. They did offer more. But not enough, for me to hand over the keys. I knew when i bought this truck i was gonna loose my butt on it, but I needed something quick. Plus, honestly it's been a great truck, and if it wasn't for the growing family, I'd keep it. It hasn't had any major problems, or caused me any trouble. Just oil changes and tires balanced.

 

If you want a good price or a good trade, the only way it will happen is at a large dealer. The smaller dealers don’t get nearly as much hold back and just can’t at all compete. Find a mega dealer and make it clear that you are there for a better price. Stand your ground and be prepared to walk away.

 

Fair point and the OP may consider going after a new 2019/20 Expy though the prices are in the stratosphere.

 

To begin with, "holdback" is the same for any dealer: a fixed percentage of MSRP. Now there are incentives for moving volume that the smaller dealers usually can't qualify for, but they have less overhead too. When a vehicle is delivered to a dealership, the "flooring costs" (the interest cost to the dealer for an inventory vehicle) do not begin until, I believe, the second month and thereafter accumulate to the point where any holdback money can been eaten up if a vehicle sits for too long. The mega dealers with the largest inventories don't always order vehicles that fly off the lot, so sometimes they will make a better deal on a vehicle that's been around for a while because it costs them money every month it sits in inventory. Granted, they may have more connections with used car dealers to move your trade-in, but they're looking out for themselves first and the customer second. If a dealer is willing to place an order, then the vehicle is taken off their hands right after delivery so, in theory, all of the holdback is theirs. Buying new is an expensive proposition so if you have to trade in your vehicle, find out what it's worth before committing to the dealer. Places like CarMax will make you an offer and, if the dealer won'c come close or match, you've got options including selling it yourself.