Just clocked 1000 miles on my new 05 EB expedition. Got an awesome deal and I am overall very happy with purchase. The following are some facts, impressions and questions.

Fuel Mileage - approximate 14.5 mpg after 2 fill ups. 90% city driving. Trip computer while driving has never shown above 12.4. I am taking a 6K mile road trip this summer, will report mileage upon return.

Handling - I did a lot of research and test drove 3 or 4 before my purchase. This is not a Ford GT, nor is it a Lincoln Town Car. It handles fine if you do not push it into turns and make abrupt movements. I bought this rig for interstate driving, interior room and comfort. In my limited time on the highway it has been fine with a slight tendency to wander at speed. Not enough for alarm but leads me to my first question. It came equipped with the Continental tires that I have read so many negative things about. I have a set of Michelin LTX MS tires on my 01 Supercrew. Quiet, long wearing, excellent riding tires. Would replacing the Continental tires with a premium tire such as the Michelin help with the wandering issue?

Ride - I have a 2wd, non bag equipped Ex. The low speed ride can be jarring at times in our pothole filled city. I was aware of this issue because of my pre purchase research. I do not consider this a major issue. I can live with it, but if there is a reasonably priced mod that would improve the low speed ride I would definitely be interested. Differint shocks? Airbags?

Fit and Finish - What I truly wanted to purchase from Ford was not available, silver birch exterior/dark gray or black interior with all EB options. I settled for a white EB. Don't get me wrong I think my new ride looks slick inside and out. 1000 miles and with the exception of 1 rattle in the rear passenger area everything is tight. The ford floor mats have to go, light beige carpet? I don't think so. I have kids who purposely step in every parking lot oil slick before stepping in my ride. I bought some Pep Boys black rubber mats which I think look great and are easy to clean. I would like to get a complete set of fitted rubber mats, preferably black. Any Suggestions for fitted black rubber floor mats?

Satellite Radio - I have the Sat button on the head unit which I am told is compatible with Sirius. I understand i need the tuner and antenae installed to complete the setup. Any suggestions for tuner purchase and installation in the San Diego area?

Thank everybody for a great website and any reponses to my questions!

 

Fuel Mileage - approximate 14.5 mpg after 2 fill ups. 90% city driving. Trip computer while driving has never shown above 12.4. I am taking a 6K mile road trip this summer, will report mileage upon return.
I'd believe the trip computer myself. 14-16 was pretty consistent for hwy mileage, but we had a 4WD.

Handling - I did a lot of research and test drove 3 or 4 before my purchase. This is not a Ford GT, nor is it a Lincoln Town Car. It handles fine if you do not push it into turns and make abrupt movements. I bought this rig for interstate driving, interior room and comfort. In my limited time on the highway it has been fine with a slight tendency to wander at speed. Not enough for alarm but leads me to my first question. It came equipped with the Continental tires that I have read so many negative things about. I have a set of Michelin LTX MS tires on my 01 Supercrew. Quiet, long wearing, excellent riding tires. Would replacing the Continental tires with a premium tire such as the Michelin help with the wandering issue?
Ours never wandered- with the stock Continentals. Alignment? Check tire inflation?

Ride - I have a 2wd, non bag equipped Ex. The low speed ride can be jarring at times in our pothole filled city. I was aware of this issue because of my pre purchase research. I do not consider this a major issue. I can live with it, but if there is a reasonably priced mod that would improve the low speed ride I would definitely be interested. Differint shocks? Airbags?
Three words: It's a truck. Any mod you do to improve ride will likely have a detrimental effect on handling.

The Northwest Chapter of FTE
we don't get lost,
we just get found

 

I'm in SD as well and am thinking about adding Sirius... but I want it to look factory. My '03 they say is not compatible. I don't have an installer I can suggest but keep us posted!

 

This is what I have in my EB. My kids like to play in the pasture with the chickens before getting in the car... And they like to spill large red colored drinks...


http://www.weathertech.com/


Joe

 

I'd say to jump up, if you have the money, to Bridgestone Dueler Revo's...They are really nice tires...a bit agressive for just on-road driving though. I can push my Ex pretty good around some nice turns, about 80mph or so, right when the tires howl, I know to let off. Over time, you'll be more comfortable with how the truck drives...

 

Lincoln Letter -- Thanks for providing your 1K impressions. As someone who will soon be getting a 2005 Expy I very much appreciate your input.

 

I'm just going to break 3K miles. The ride it much better than my 03. More power and better gas mileage. Couple of problems I have to have Ford correct on the first oil change. The front pass window almost stops going up. Going around turns can be hairy at any speed. I had something similar to this with the 03. East coast rep had the wheel alignment redone and the hubs were almost out of spec. Once they corrected these the steering was very tight. Hope it corrects the 05. Other than that this is a far superior truck than my 03 and a pleasure to drive.

 

LL, that was a good report on this Expy of yours, we have a fairly new 04 we bought a few months ago also. The rattle in the back you mentioned might be what ours was too, which turned out to be the rear lift window was loose and rubbing in the rubber seal making the funny noise. Didn't figure this out till I took the vehicle through the car was the first time. Leaked bad LOL...Might have that checked out.