I have a great running '98 Expedition EB with about 100k miles. No issues with it.

I'm thinking of selling it to buy an '03 Expedition EB with about 80k miles, primarily for my wife as it has reverse sensors, power third seat, DVD player and slight lower entry. It would cost me about $6k to make the switch.

Is it worthwhile in your experience? I admit I haven't even driven the 2nd gen Expedition yet.

 

my cheap .02 is not. you are not ganing that much milage. all of the reasons that you listed can be done to your truck for way less than 6k. you can lower your expedition with very minimal cost. dvd players and be had cheap & easy enough, and there are people that make back-up kit that are wire less. the receiver plugs into the 12v power point and the sensor plugs into your trailer wiring and go into your hitch

 

Those are good points, but is the ride of the 2nd gen so much better than the first?

 

in my opinion the earlier Expeditions ride better (smoother), they definitely have fewer squeaks and rattles. I went from a 97 to an 03 and now have both an 03 and 04.

 

We have similar situations, I went from a 99 to an 03 and have both an 03 and 04.

 

I was in the same situation a month ago. Had an '00 Expy 4x4 EB. It ran very good and looked good. Much higher mileage at 176k but woud never know it had that many miles. I was able to pick up another vehicle and turn it for a very nice profit and thought why not take xtra cash and upgrade to a 2nd gen. Expy. I did just that. I like the 2nd gen look much better both inside and out and the ride is much more car like. I would not hesitate to upgrade 5 years and 80k on an '03 is low miles. Mine has 111k but was very well cared for and since not a DD the years on mine will catch up to the miles to where it won't be a high mileage '03 for long.

I found a fully loaded EB and jumped on it as it was what I was looking for exactly with the color Oxford White as well. Get features that are important. Mine has the navigation, Advance Trac, rear captains, moonroof, DVD, power 3rd row, HD tow package, 3.73 gears.

Don't worry about the change. Your wife will greatly appreciate the better ride. I am trying to get my wife to give up her Honda Odyssey and have this as her DD but that is another story. Good luck and enjoy the upgrade.

 

Thanks Cecilt, good points, I'll go for it.

 

Personally, I'd go for an 05 with the 3-valve 300 hp engine.

 

Why not just go for an '07 with new body style. Oviously price is a concern for everyone and an '05 will just cost another $6k+ more than an '03. So instead of getting spark plugs to blow you get then to strip out in the head on the 3v. Can't win with Ford

 

I changed from an 02 to an 03 EB and think the ride is better in the 03 (IRS). Both were purchased new so there was no issue with previous owner/maintennance. Though I had the 02 only a year, both have been reliable (still driving the 03).
Pain points in the 03 are the 2 air diverters in the rear A/C (on the 3rd set now) and front window regulators.
Air diverters last ~2yrs. Both front window regulators had to be replaced about 6 months apart after 6 yrs. Warranty replaced the first pair of air diverters and I have done the rest of it.
The 03 3rd row power fold seat is a HUGE improvement over the 3rd row in the 02.