OK. Need help from the Expy forum on this one.

I am looking to trade in the wifes 97 XLT for a used 03 XLT with 18,000 miles. Would appreciate some feedback from 03 owners as to problems/issues you all have had so I can get a better handle on this unit. Her 97 has been a great truck but with it pushing 90,000 miles and the engine knock (not to mention it is buring a little oil), and the AWD drive issue I am having(been fixed once at a cost of $600, now same problem only 14 months later), Me thinks it might be time to move on. Its tough though...I asked awhile back in this forum about 97's and everyone that has them is getting good mileage out of this year. Maybe I am being paranoid, but I am afraid its gonna 2 bit me to death.

IS there any major issue's out there with the 03 model year? What TSB should I be sure have been looked into and corrected. Would it be wise to hold off and wait till 05?

Any opinions from owners appreciated

Thanks all

 

I would find a low mileage 2002 personally unless you just love the new body style.

 

Why an 02 out of curiosity?

 

I just like them because of the fact that they are the most mature of the previous model, bugs worked out, and reliable. Not to mention a better value once the huge first two year depreciation is factored. Working in a Ford shop I see MANY 03/04 in for various problems, including rear end rebuilds and swap outs. Perhaps the 05 will be better though.

 

I see.. good points. I am not partial to new body style, but if I am paying more its nice to have a diff look . Also, I am not a big fan of buying "used" from a private sale, I prefer the comfort through a dealer( i know I can find them if something goes bad) and thus am limited to what the dealer has. Since the 03 is a complete change both in mechanical and body style from 02..Maybe I should hold off. I know the first year bugs can be a pain in the behind. I am curious to see what others have to say.

Thanks again

 

I've had no real issues with my 03. I prefer its interior design and seating layout over the previous body styles.

The Limited SLip issue is well known. Buying from a dealer you should be able to determine any outstanding recalls (if any) and service performed by the dealer since new.

I think the 03 is worlds ahead of the older styles. Which always seemed to me as parts-bin-raided trucks.

 

No problems with my 03EB. Have heard of others with A/C issues, rear end issues, etc...have had none of these on mine however - perhaps the build month makes a difference?

 

What are the Limited Slip issues? Also A/C issue I know about is hot air blowing through vents when on Ac is their others?


If you know it, can you include build dates, as maybe that has a bearing on problems. I will check the one I am looking at to see its build date

Thanks again everyone

 

Totally agree with Monsta. The '03 looks MUCH better from all angles than the previous model. Never did much care for the front end appearance nor the top-heavy look from the rear. Sure, I had the diff problem, but fixed it myself with a fluid change. Makes me wonder whether Ford just forgot to put the friction modifier in upon assembly A great, nicely finished vehicle.

 

Mine was built in 6/03 and is great - my LS rear end made a little noise going around corners sometimes - took it in and they added friction modifier and the problem went away - no further problems - not aware of any A/C issues other than the hot air one...

 

Our '03 is coming up on 30K miles with a minimum of problems. My gripes so far have been: 1)truly terrible radio reception 2) body cladding vibrates at 75-80+ mph (not an unusual rate of speed on the left-coast) 3) rubber windshield molding will lift off and flap at those speeds (just glue it back down). On balance, that's more of a whine list than complaints- my wife loves the truck. Nice interior design, much improved ride/handling from the previous model, great brakes (yeah, yeah- I know about the brake dust).

I will admite I did avoid two features, Advance-Trac and Air suspension, because I'm just not sold on the benefits vs. the potential repair bills as the years and the miles roll on. I also insisted on the 5.4, since the 4.6 didn't seem to have enough oomph for the many mountains we travel in the Pacific Nwst.

Good luck to you

 

I loved my 03 Eddie Bauer! I had no major issues with mine. I had the steering wheel shake at highway speeds but a couple of trips to the dealer fixed that. I had a few rattles but those were easily fixed too. It was advertised at 13/18 mpg, I was getting more like 15/19.

One big thing to consider is the ride. The 03 has the independent rear suspension. It handles really well. I never drove an 02 or earlier, but I assume the solid rear axle feels like you are driving a truck.

There are two builds that I know of. Try to get the later build. It's the one with four reverse sensors. Those have the bugs worked out.

Most people here loved the 5.4L engine. Many who got the 4.6L wished they had the 5.4L.

I never liked the body style of the 02s and earlier, but I love the look of the 03.

I traded it in for an 04 Mustang though.

 

NO Problems at all with our '03 EB

 

I really like the '03 although I've already had my share of 'issues' in the short time I've owned it. Bought it used at a dealer with 18K miles...has about 23K now. Just replaced the passenger window motor assy (warranty) after it crapped out. In the first week I noticed weird noises at various times from front end and rear end. See the following thread for details...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=211373

I avoided 'bells and whistles' like electric fold down seat, LLS, autoadjust mirrors, backup alarms, etc. because I know there is a higher rate of failure and I really don't need them. As for comparison with my '98 EB 4X4 (5.4L) the '03 just seems to have a much better 'feel' to it both in suspension and steering. The 5.4 has been tweaked and has more of a growl and a bit more punch than the '98. Interior is very comfy and looks great. I had leather in the '98 but have cloth in the '03...the seats in the newer one are MUCH more comfortable. More like sitting IN them where the '98 I felt like I was sitting ON them. Got the 6 disc CD/stereo which sounds OK but seems like midrange is weak...I've seen many posts where speaker upgrades have greatly improved sound quality for reasonable price.

My wife is the primary driver of both trucks and she swears she is still hearing intermittant weird noises from this truck but I've been unable to catch it when I drive it. She's not convinced that we should hold on to this truck beyond the warranty...we'll see. Good luck!

 

We love our 03'. The 3rd row electric fold down flat is sweet. The leather interior is comfy and the thing drives like a car. The all wheel independent is smooth and allows you to turn into those angle parking stalls going the other direction w/o a 3 point turn. Sweet for a big SUV. Sits 8 adults w/o having to stack cheeks, lol. The 5.4 growls (sounds cool) when flooring it onto the freeway, I love that.

This truck doesn't have any more issues than others. In dash 6 CD changer a plus. Reception does lack as the windshield is the antennae.

Brakes are great minus dust (fix w/ new pads).

I can't wait for the XL version.