Ok First off, Thanks all for the reply to my previous posting about 03 expys. I am in a pickle and need to rely on your experience and expertise. I have the option of keeping my 97 xlt (4.6l)and driving it till it dies. Or trading in for an 03 xlt demo. Here are the details

1997 problems I am having:
1. AWD system acting up last year fixed it at cost of $550. 14 months later same problem Dealer will not give me any break on cost as it is past its warranty on replacement parts. Right now no AWD HAve 4x4 though.
2. Has the engine knock (not sure if its a problem)
3. Has the LLS (Heard that could be an issue but so far no problems) Although once in a while my check susp light comes on but if I ignore it for a few days it goes off.
4. Burns 1 quart of oil between oil changes. More when we pull boat. PS 4.6 l is not the best pulling engine I must say but for the amount we pull its not a big issue.
5. Lately seems to be lacking power, could be in my head but always seems like I am dragging something.
6. Had the coil issue redone last year as well, so thats all good.
7. Needs new battery ASAP as the theft thingy keeps flashing and stops me from starting vehicle then batt dies..I knowits abattery issue (At least i hope so)
8. HAs 90,000 miles on it

The 2003..
1. Only thing I know about is what you guys told me.
2. Has 18,000 miles on it.
3. They are asking $30,000 for it (Tax in) 2003 XLT w/leather, big engine (5.?), all standard features pretty much.
4. Has that 6cd w/with the noise. (Anyone fixed it yet?)

What is your guys opinion? Keep the 97 and pay the bills, or go 03?

Thanks all

 

Have you priced a new '04? One more year of refinement, a full warranty, rebate, might be worthwhile to look.

 

I would price an 04 especially since 0% is back.

Ford Financing

 

$30K for a used 5.4L XLT....OUCH. When I was looking for a new SUV mid last year, I could have bought a brand new 5.4L XLT for $28K.....2WD of course.

 

I just bought a new 2004 EB for 30,360 with power 3rd seat, 3.73LSD, and heavy duty tow package. $30K is way too much for an 03 with 18K miles. What kind of stuff are they smokin? I want some!!!

 

Well I dont know where you all live but I called 4 dealerships around here and that was a competitive price...The 04 you described here sells for over USD$36,000..In fact probably closer to USD$40,000.

This xlt is priced at 38,500CDN with Leather Adj pedals, heated seat and manual folddown 3rd row..and trailer tow.

Sounds like I am in the wrong area for buying Expy's

 

Sounds like prices are a bit higher by you. Try looking online for other prices in your area. I bought an 03XLT 3 weeks ago with 20k for 24,800. It doesn't have leather or the auto 3rd seat but $30,000 sounds steep to me. For a reference, most of the dealers around here were asking 28,000 to 29,000 for similar models. I actually found mine on ebay and went to the dealer to buy it.
Brian

 

I poked around on the internet myself and ended up with a list of potential trucks/dealers within 50 miles of my house. Prices were all over the place but I found my 03 at a starting price of $28K (XLT, no leather, 4X4, CD, 18K miles and spotless in & out). I got them down to $26,500...Told them to throw in a 6CD changer which they did and I drove it home. That was in Feb...I live in CT which is not known as "the land of bargains". Gas ain't cheap and there's lots of these beasts floating around...most dealers want to dump the used ones so shop around. Sounds like you're in no great hurry - if the '97 is still working out ok you are in control to find the best deal you can even if it takes awhile.

By the way...listen carefully to the front end diff for a constant whine (s-spring) and the rear end for rumbling (clutch packs) when turning out onto the street. There's TSB's out on the '03s to fix both. I had both issues on mine fixed and it's been fine ever since.

 

Well I am in the DFW, TX area and I bought mine a month ago for $10K off of MSRP after rebates, and there is a dealer East of Dallas that has been advertising them for the last 4-6 Weeks now for $11K off or you can get $11.5K off if you finance through FMC and get the $500 FMCC rebate along with the other rebates. This price is for all 2004 Eddie Bauer Expy's on thier lot but they didn't have one with what I needed (Heavy Duty Tow Package) although they said they could have ordered one for me at that price.

 

Just bought a new 04 expy eddie bauer in the Seattle area and paid 10k less then the msrp, (after 4500 in rebates) and they threw in a maint. plan. Was a good deal out here. So that put me financing it brand new at 30k. So i would look elsewhere. But your question on trading it in or not, The new style is lightyears ahead of the old and well worth the money.