Looking to get the wife a used 97-01 Expedition 4x4. What should I know about these? Do the 5.4 hold up well? Is the 4.6 under powered for a large suv? I see a ton of them with over 200,000 miles, but I also see quite a few with blown motors. What miles have you guys gotten out of your expeditions. Is there are major problems that are common? Should I stay away from the air suspension? Any help or advice would be great, also what mileage do you guys and gals get out of your 5.4's?

Sorry for all the questions but I thank all help in advance.

Seth

 

Unless your budget dictates otherwise, I would look at a 2003 or newer. I drove 2001 and 2002 Special Service Expeditions for work and they left a lot to be desired. My wife has a 2003 Eddie Bauer. I couldn't imagine her driving a first generation Expedition because of the difference in top heavy-ness and ride quality. We bought her Expedition in January of this year. It has 70K on it and you really can't tell how old it is because it was so well cared for by its first owner. Good luck!

 

I have to disagree. At least for my useage, the first gen Expys were better, more truck-like, which for me was better, better ground clearance and I had 190000 miles on mine when I upgraded to my X for towing purposes. The secong gens do ride better, at least my sisters did, but I just liked my first gen better, just my two cents.

 

Sorry for the double post, I forgot to add, I was getting around 13 city and 15 Hwy with my 98 Expy with the 5.4l. The last sunmmer I owned it I towed a 24' TT and that killed the MPGs, down to about 5! Which is part of the reason I upgraded to the X!

 

I also prefer the first gen Expy. Mine goes off road for camping trips and exploring, the 2003 and up wouldn't fare well where I go.

I think the 4.6 is too slow. I would avoid the air suspension, lots of problems as they age. The standard suspension is pretty cushy, no need for the added complexity.

I think the reason you see blwon motors is that the trucks are very cheap anymore and many people do not care for them as they should, they have become disposable. I bought mine from the original owner, and you could tell by its condition. Well cared for examples should go 300k miles without too much hassle.

The 99 and up 5.4 has more power, I would concentrate my search on the newer first gen.

 

Thanks guys, I figured to stay away from the air suspension, and I had the 4.6 in my 97 F-150 and it was a hard worker it just couldn't get out of it's own way. I was looking at a clean 98 but I will see what I can find that is newer. I am most scared of the milage, I hope it doesn't kill me. My wife travels less then 100 miles a week most of the time so it shouldn't be too bad.

 

Another vote for the 1st gen. I have my old 98 back now and had 3 other 98 models. One 99 and an 04. Looks and all around package beat the 2nd gen hands down for me. The 04 we had was a nice SUV, but just wasnt for me. My wife loved it though. One of my 98,s had 164k on it when I bought it and 167k when I sold it. Mileage would not necessarily scare me away, but knowing the history sure does help. My 99 had the 5.4 and felt much better than the 4.6 my current and past 98,s did, however I dont need the "speed factor" in this.

 

We have a 2004, Eddie Bauer edition and we love it. 5.4L with 120K and never had a problem. The DVD system is a hit with the kids. The Heated and Cooled seats are a hit with mom and dad. Love it and I wouldn't ever go with a 4.6L, although the 4.6 is a great engine. I know people that have 5.4's with over 200K but to me that is getting up there and would feel really safe buying one with 110K knowing it will probably be problem free up to 200K.

 

I've had my '97 Expy for a year and a half now and love it. I bought mine with 107k miles on the odometer and doesn't even feel like it. As mentioned above the most important part in buying a used Expedition is knowing the previous owner(s). I lucked out because mine was owned by family and had been garaged it's entire life.

Here's some things to look for/things to think about:
Doors rusting out where the door skin folds over the frame due to drainage problems. Very easy to spot. Open each of the four doors and see if any rust is coming through. There might be a trim piece there covering it but it just pops off. Make sure the paint isn't bubbling.

'97 & '98 year models had the 2H-A4WD-4H-4L option. I find the A4WD option handy for snowy weather where you just need power of the front wheels to get you moving then turn off. '99 your only option was A4WD-4H-4L; '00 to '02 was 2H-4H-4L. This may not be of high importance but I like it.

'99 and up had the Power Improved heads on the 5.4L (not sure about the 4.6) - worth it IMO. The difference between my 97 and my girlfriend's 01 F-150 is night and day. While on the subject of motors, yes I prefer the 5.4L. I did a tune-up with new plugs, coil packs, and injectors and with temps being over 100* with the humidity lately, I'm averaging over 14 mpg mixed city and highway with A/C on. I think that's real good considering the weight of the vehicle. I did a road trip last year fully loaded with two friends and got 17 mpg highway.

Be sure to check ball joints on all years. Well, just make sure everything feels and sounds right while driving one. If you suspect anything post it here and someone can tell you what it is or what it sounds like and a repair price tag to go with it. And while on the subject of money: wheel and deal. There are LOTS of these trucks around. Don't be in a rush.

Also, are you planning on towing? Look for Expys with the 9.75 rear end axle and limited slip. Also, the tow package is nice as well even though you can add the coolers yourself. The driver's door tag will tell you what its equipped with. Take a pic or copy the info and bring the info here and decode it. (There is a decoder under Articles/Specs at the very top of the website)

These are some different thoughts I had as I went down the list. I'm sure I'll think if something later on to add. Good luck!

 

"most important part in buying a used Expedition is knowing the previous owner(s)"

VERRY VERRY TRUE!!!!!

 

Mine has 192k, 5.4...first generation that looks brand new.
To me these trucks are built like a tank, so if its been taken care of
high miles dont scare me.

 

Gotta 97 4.6 with a 113,000 miles on it and besides a few bugs I worked out, it runs flawless. Although the 4.6 does run like a champ I would recommend the 5.4, with the family all aboard with extra weight the 4.6 downshifts constantly with terrain factors as the 5.4 would be more power with less downshifting..

 

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am still looking, hope to find the right one.