I need some advice
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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I need some advice
I am considering buying a 2000 Expedition XLT with 86000 mi.The owner says it is "base model" with the "big engine" with the towing package and does not have duel air. The questions I have are:
1. Is $10,500 too much to pay for this truck?
2. What is the "big engine" and what kind of milage can I expect? I commute 70 mi. daily and tow a camper (2500 lb) about 3000 mi. a year.
3. Will the single air be enough for the size of this truck? (I live in SC.)
4. Are these trucks reliable?
Any comments or advice is welcome. Thank you on advance.
1. Is $10,500 too much to pay for this truck?
2. What is the "big engine" and what kind of milage can I expect? I commute 70 mi. daily and tow a camper (2500 lb) about 3000 mi. a year.
3. Will the single air be enough for the size of this truck? (I live in SC.)
4. Are these trucks reliable?
Any comments or advice is welcome. Thank you on advance.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,297
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1. Do some shopping in your area. Realistically it's the only way to tell if the vehicle is competitively priced.
2. The largest engine available is the 5.4 liter V8. Mileage varies, but for 4x4 models, expect low teens around town, high teens out on the highway. A 2wd model may do slightly better. The smaller engine, a 4.6 liter V8, offers marginal power for such a heavy vehicle, with little difference in real world fuel economy. My 1999 has a 4.6 which has been a great motor from a reliability standpoint, but I still pine for the 5.4. If you tow 3,000 miles a year, the 5.4 is an absolute necessity. The 5.4 uses a heavier duty transmission and rear axle (same as the 3/4 ton F-250 pickup). The 4.6 uses the same transmission and rear axle as the 4,000 lb. Ford Crown Victoria sedan.
3. I'm assuming that this Expedition has the third-row seat. I live in NE PA which can offer hot, humid weather during summer (90+ degrees, 75%+ humidity). IMHO, if you use the third seat for passengers during such weather, prepare to run the front A/C at or near the coldest setting and highest speed. You will freeze, the third row people will be just okay. If the third seat is not being used, you should be okay, but worries about hypothermia will be groundless. The rear heat and A/C is a great asset on these models.
4. Like any vehicle, reliability varies with use, maintenance and luck of the draw. My 1999 Expy has 74,000 miles and I have no complaints. Just stay on top of maintenance, particularly fluid changes.
2. The largest engine available is the 5.4 liter V8. Mileage varies, but for 4x4 models, expect low teens around town, high teens out on the highway. A 2wd model may do slightly better. The smaller engine, a 4.6 liter V8, offers marginal power for such a heavy vehicle, with little difference in real world fuel economy. My 1999 has a 4.6 which has been a great motor from a reliability standpoint, but I still pine for the 5.4. If you tow 3,000 miles a year, the 5.4 is an absolute necessity. The 5.4 uses a heavier duty transmission and rear axle (same as the 3/4 ton F-250 pickup). The 4.6 uses the same transmission and rear axle as the 4,000 lb. Ford Crown Victoria sedan.
3. I'm assuming that this Expedition has the third-row seat. I live in NE PA which can offer hot, humid weather during summer (90+ degrees, 75%+ humidity). IMHO, if you use the third seat for passengers during such weather, prepare to run the front A/C at or near the coldest setting and highest speed. You will freeze, the third row people will be just okay. If the third seat is not being used, you should be okay, but worries about hypothermia will be groundless. The rear heat and A/C is a great asset on these models.
4. Like any vehicle, reliability varies with use, maintenance and luck of the draw. My 1999 Expy has 74,000 miles and I have no complaints. Just stay on top of maintenance, particularly fluid changes.
Last edited by PaulC; Jun 3, 2004 at 10:22 AM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
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From: All over Texas
Definitely go with the 5.4L engine. I would also opt for the dual air system. There is a huge volume inside these trucks and single air has a hard time cooling it all, especially in South Texas.
