Hello all- We are planning on buying a 2000 Expedition, but it has the Service Engine Soon light on. Is it possible for this to be caused by low oil, as we checked the dipstick, and it was very low? Also, it seems to idle a bit rough, and the car vibrates every now and then while idling, if this could contribute.

Also, the owner said that he one time had the under sunroof thing closed, but the sunroof tilted open, and water came in. This got water above the headliner, and it now sags down. The radio lights do not work, and some of the door locks are intermittent... does this spell disaster, or should it be fine once we replace the headliner? (Fine as in will not get any worse, and there should not be any hidden problems.)
Sorry for the wall of text, thanks for your time!

 

Truth be told, I'd pass. There are a lot of these vehicles on the road and you would be money ahead to find a vehicle that has been maintained.

The CE (Check Engine) or SES light is not due to low oil. There is a red low oil light for that purpose. The dipstick would have to be dry for the light to kick on. If the oil was just below the crosshatch section, then it was a quart low which may not trigger the LO light.

I'm going to assume that the SES light is connected to the vibration you were feeling at idle. There are a couple of detailed things I would look into, but the first to to have the truck scanned with a code reader which will give some direction as to what is wrong.

The part that bugs me is the electrical problems. To get all of those items traced and fixed properly could cost a small fortune. Also, changing the headliner will be a costly pain as well. They have pins that you can buy to tack the sagging area up, but it looks like crap. Unless this truck is being offered for free (figuratively speaking), expect to spend some money to make it right. And, by the time you get to this point, you could have bought a better truck to begin with and be driving it vs fixing it.

If you are looking for a truck to serve as a daily driver that will be mechanically sound and functioning to transport yourself and family around, find one that has been maintained with service records and has been garaged. For instance, if you are like me and fine one with a little over 100k on it but in excellent shape, by the time I did a tune up (plugs, coils, fuel injectors), new radiator hoses, changed all the fluids, and had the a/c serviced I had about $1k in the truck. Add in new tires and ball joints two years later (which all of these truck will need eventually), that was another $2k.

Not trying to be too negative, but I really insist on finding the best vehicle you can. Good luck.

 

thanks- I think I could get him down to $2500, and I got an estimate for the headliner to be replaced for ~$345. I would not worry about replacing the door locks/fixing them, as the driver one works fine. As far as the radio lights, I was planning on installing a new receiver anyway. In light of this, do you still recommend avoiding it if there are no serious engine issues? The thing is, I am trying to find one for around $3000, as it is not the main car.
thanks

 

What's the details of the truck? XLT, Eddie Bauer? 4x2 or 4x4? Mileage, engine? Etc. What's KBB or NADA say its worth?

 

It is a 4x4 Eddie Bauer, 5.4 L engine, rear entertainment (broken from the sunroof escapade), [sadly]custom rims, 190k miles. KBB says for the condition it should be about $2900

 

RUN don't walk away from this vehicle. I wouldn't take this one if it was given to me for free, let alone pay for it.

 

2001 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 3rd Row Seats - $3,600
Just from the pictures does this seem worth the extra $1000 or so when I am on a tight budget? I really wanted to spend under 3500, but if the other one sounds that bad, I guess I will spring more. Would it be sufficient to get the first one inspected by a mechanic and see if any of the issues are serious?
Thanks again

 

Oh absolutely! That first one sounds like you would be spending $3K+ to drop another engine in it within a short amount of time. My one question on the second one is they failed to list the mileage. That usually means it's on the high side and are afraid that listing it will scare people off. However, most people are not aware that these trucks are good for 300K miles before having to worry about things like engine and transmission replacements.

If you find the mileage is on the high side it could be a negotiating point and you could end up buying the second one for the price of the first, while avoiding all of the repair headaches.

 

I recently bought mine- 1997 Eddie Bauer 4x4, tow package, with 96k for $2200. Needs some small stuff but nothing major. Just be patient and keep an eye out and something decent will come along.

 

For the Eng light get the codes and post. For the radio, it was most likey pulled and rewired for aftermarke. Someone put the old redio back....

Run away!

 

Just like the others pretty much said... buy with your head, not your heart. Low oil levels don't happen by accident. Many possible factors and I can't imagine someone trying to sell a vehicle and not checking the fluid levels first? This was a big favor for you.
An engine with codes need to be addressed before thinking about moving forward too. Running rough surely means the seller hasn't put much effort into maintaining. Another sign.
Headliners and radios can be easily fixed, the motor issues, probably not so easy.
Take your time to buy or get this for almost free, knowing you will spend plenty to get back to proper condition.

 

Thank you all for your advice. Let me know if you happen across any good deals ( I am in North NJ), I have been looking for a while but nothing has stood out. Also, what are the major problem areas for the 1st gen Expedition that I should look at? I am aware of the plugs, brakes, and air suspension, as well as certain areas of rust.
Thanks again

 

The white one seems like a winner. I had the exact same truck except mine was a 99 and would buy it all over again.

 

Hello again- Well, we looked at the white one, and they are asking 3995. From what we could see, the sunroof was leaking slightly, the driver's window had come out of track with the rubber lining, so it opened and closed, but looked like it might leak, although there was no evidence of this inside. The engine seemed in perfect condition, but the tires were approaching needing replacement soon, although we think it is fine for inspection and the summer.
What is your guys' opinion? (If anyone checks this again.)
Thanks

 

Looks very clean. The front tire wear looks good too with some decent tread still.
I'd take it for a drive, listen to how it idles, how it rides at Frwy speed, steering smooth, etc. I would also have someone follow you and get on the throttle hard, looking for the different colors of smoke. Ck for smooth shifting, Esp between 3rd and OD.
Ck all fluid levels and colors. Smell ATF.
Ask why the addition wiring harnesses under the hood on both sides?
With it being a 4x4, put the transfer case in low and high positions on test drive.
I would look on the rear wheel brakes for grease as bad axle seals are pretty common and a negotiating point.
Ck that the mirrors work, a/c operates properly, and elect seats work.
Ck maint records for last plug change, tranny filter, oil, etc.
If all well, I'd buy it if price was right.