Trim packages aside, i'm debating getting the wife an Expedition.

I"ve been in here over a year for my 04 Super Duty diesel, but thoguth I'd jump in here to see waht you guys have for gas mileage, general TSB stuff, etc.

Thanks!

-Tylar

PS. any suggestions would be loved.

 

Excursion or Expedition? You have one in the title and the other in the post. They are two completely different animals.

 

Realized that earlier on and changed . . . heh.

 

Well, compared to the Super Duty (I drive an F350 crew on occasion), the Expedition is much more carlike, with a much quicker steering ratio, lighter controls, etc. There has been a history of rear diff noise/durability issues on '03+ with limited slip differentials. I don't know if Ford has resolved it, but if you want a 4x4 version, I would consider getting one with the AdvanceTrac system, which uses an open rear differential. I'm assuming that you're considering a new '05. Given the removal of the 4.6 from the engine lineup, and the superior power and torque of the 3V 5.4 compared to the earlier 2V versions, I would.

Opt for the power third seat. I'm not a small guy, but manually flipping those third seats open is a big pain in the neck. I doubt your wife would have it any easier. The XLS comes standard with a front bench seat, nice if you actually need the extra seating position, but I would be lost in my Expy if I didn't have the front console to store the usual car junk. I would also opt for the keypad on the driver's door. As long as you have the code memorized, you'll never lock the keys in the car again. The standard tires are junk, with more than a few owners griping about vibration/balancing problems. See if the dealer will swap them out for better rubber. I like Michelin LTX M/S for street use, with Bridgestone Dueler AT Revos a slightly better choice if you play in mud/snow.

 

Outstanding, that's precisely the kinda stuff I'm looking for . . . I've never owned one of these things, so I'm green.

We are shopping new . . . wife wants a Limited or XLT Sport, 4x4.

 

Sorry about that. I saw that you changed the title and I edited my post. Unfortunately, there was a problem and my edit didn't take.

I think the limited slip issues were corrected in early '04. Our NBX (no longer offered by Ford) has LS and have had no issues with noise or functionality. Can't really comment on the new 3V 5.4L as that didn't come along until '05, but you might want to check in the F150 area to see if there are any common complaints. As PaulC said, the OEM tires are junk. I drove from the dealership to the tire shop and had new Toyo A/Ts installed. If you do something similar, be sure to have the shop watch out for the tire pressure sensors.

Not sure about your intended use, but our 3rd row seats haven't been upright in almost 9 months. If you're like us and need the cargo room more than the seating, skipping the power fold option might save you a few $. Use that money to get the skid plate pkg. These new models ride awfully low to the ground!

My heavy-footed wife has gotten a low of 11 MPG while I've eeked out nearly 18 MPG on a longer road trip. Again, this is with the old 2V 5.4L, so the new engines might be different.

Our '04 hasn't been back to the shop- yet. Runs good, handles well and everything works! I think your wife will like it.

 

I bought my wife the XLT with rollover canopy protection, key pad, 4x4, and the auto seats. She drove it to work, came home, handed me the keys and said to enjoy the new car. She wants her old one back. lol She felt it was to quiet and fast on the highway, and was bored stiff with the automatic. Sooo, she drives my Cherokee and I ha ve a new Exby=both happy. To answer your initial question...I see about 12mpg. I hope after some break in time this improves.

 

I've owned three Expeditions. The most recent one is a new '05 Eddie Bauer. I also owned a '98 Eddie Bauer and an '03 XLT FX4. All of them were 4X4s. This truck just keeps getting better and better with each version. I love the new 3V engine - definite difference that can be easily felt. I love the leather seats and these are both heated and cooled. With the hot weather here in Chicago the last few weeks, the cooled seats have been a Godsend. The other options I have are the power fold 3rd row, 4 corner load leveling suspension, 3.73 limited slip, sunroof, power rear-quarter flip open windows and the Safety & Security Package (side canopy air bags, rear sensing system, etc.). All nice options that I've really grown to appreciate. I'm really happy with the truck.

 

I truely appreciate the feedback, everyone!

 

With that new motor, and the fact my wife is largely unemployed and would be doing stuff around town, would 12-15 mpg make sense or am I being a bit too enthusiastic?

-T

 

I think 12-15 is realistic. Somewhat depends on her driving style. Generally speaking though, somewhere in the 13s is realistic for mostly local driving.

 

MikeZ, How do you like the load leveling suspension? Besides leveling and dropping 1" when the engine is shut off (and I believe raising 1" in 4WD?) do you notice any other difference from a non-air suspension vehicle?

Jeff

 

Jeff,

I was pleasantly surprised with the lowering/raising of the vehicle with the air suspension. I had the air susp. feature on my '98 EB and it didn't do the raising/lowering like this one does. I suppose it's only one inch but it sure looks like more. The wheel wells are full of tire when I first get in the truck. It raises up quite a bit once under way - hard to believe it's only one inch.

Anyway, back to your question...

The only obvious effect for me has been while towing my boat. The truck is much more level riding than my '03 XLT without the air suspension.

During normal driving I can honestly say I've never heard or felt the air suspension kick in. This truck has a much quieter and smoother ride than my XLT FX4 did. I expected as much since the FX4 was set up stiffer, but I was really grinning the first time I drove this truck and felt the almost car like ride.

 

Concur with 12-15. I would also buy a small 12V air compressor for the tires, as the spare weighs 860 pounds and can be a pain to free from it's nest under the rear bumper.

If you plan to tow, then the optional trailer towing package and air suspension might make sense. If no towing is expected, I would skip the air suspension and leave the cost, weight and complexity of that system behind. I have 85,000 pretty troublefree miles on my '99 Expy, in part because I obtained a relatively low option model. Fewer parts = fewer parts to break.

Do you plan to garage your Expy? Make sure it can fit. The '03+ are a bit lower than the first gen models, but the mirrors are damned wide. If your SuperDuty can fit in the garage, then you should be fine.

 

860 pound spare? Bet that IS a pain!
I presume that's some kind of a typo?

Keeseter - For what it's worth, our new 05 EB 2WD surprised us with 19 on the highway and 15 around town. Haven't towed with it yet. Traded a 2002 Excursion V-10 Limited 2WD in on it with 96K miles. Expedition is, of course, more nimble, quieter, and smoother riding. I'm hoping it'll tow my 5K pound trailers O.K. with the HD trailer and 3.73 axle options. It's rated 8,900 pounds trailer weight. We'll see...

Good luck!