Talk me into buying a 15+, because I don't want to.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Talk me into buying a 15+, because I don't want to.
I'm in the market for an expedition. I've been focusing on the 07-14 models, as I like the V8 and 6spd trans over the ecoboost/ 10spd. I'm told the 15-17 with the 6 speed is the better way to go.
Specifically, I'm concerned about the maintenance and longevity of the 3.5.
This will be my wife's vehicle to drive around hauling the kids.... So, it won't see too strenuous use, but it's gotta be as reliable as possible.
ANY work it needs, I'd do myself.
So Tell me about these. Am I wrong to not even look at them?
Specifically, I'm concerned about the maintenance and longevity of the 3.5.
This will be my wife's vehicle to drive around hauling the kids.... So, it won't see too strenuous use, but it's gotta be as reliable as possible.
ANY work it needs, I'd do myself.
So Tell me about these. Am I wrong to not even look at them?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 1,629
I haven't heard much bad about the 3.5/10spd in later years. The earlier ones had some issues IIRC, but it seems like they've been, as everything else over time, resolved. Don't hear nearly as much about them, especially not in grocery getters like expeditions.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
We bought a 2016 1-year used with 32k miles on it. In 8 years and 40k miles of ownership, the only mechanical issue with the engine/trans has been a water pump replacement under the powertrain warranty. This too is the wife's ride for hauling kids and grocery getter. The ecoboost power and fuel economy is way better than the 5.4. If you can find something lower miles and with maintenance records, that will help with piece of mind.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
dude, I absolutely love my '24 with that combo. It's a monster. I'm getting better MPG than my 5.3/6 speed Suburban did...with more HP. Ford killed it with this setup.
I too had major reservations about the 3.5 longevity. but if you look around this forum and other places, the 3.5 has staying power. And the 10 speed was developed in conjunction with Chevrolet. It's got an issue here and there, but overall has been a solid transmission for Ford. I'm liking the 2024 so much that I'm looking for a 17-19 for my daily driver. I love my Excursion, but there are days when I'm tired of dealing with a308k diesel and having a nice gasser would be enjoyable.
The 3.5 has similar issues as the 5.4. So basically change the oil and use a good filter. Same advice I give everyone buying the 5.4
I too had major reservations about the 3.5 longevity. but if you look around this forum and other places, the 3.5 has staying power. And the 10 speed was developed in conjunction with Chevrolet. It's got an issue here and there, but overall has been a solid transmission for Ford. I'm liking the 2024 so much that I'm looking for a 17-19 for my daily driver. I love my Excursion, but there are days when I'm tired of dealing with a308k diesel and having a nice gasser would be enjoyable.
The 3.5 has similar issues as the 5.4. So basically change the oil and use a good filter. Same advice I give everyone buying the 5.4
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Love my 2019 Exp MAX! While I enjoy my 97 Exp 4x4 with the 5.4, this SUV can accelerate and handle like a sports car (sorta 😉
and gets seriously better gas mileage. Just drove 14 hours and averaged 21.4 MPG going 75-80 MPH.
and gets seriously better gas mileage. Just drove 14 hours and averaged 21.4 MPG going 75-80 MPH.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Originally Posted by johnpvb
Love my 2019 Exp MAX! While I enjoy my 97 Exp 4x4 with the 5.4, this SUV can accelerate and handle like a sports car (sorta 😉 and gets seriously better gas mileage. Just drove 14 hours and averaged 21.4 MPG going 75-80 MPH.
and gets seriously better gas mileage. Just drove 14 hours and averaged 21.4 MPG going 75-80 MPH.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
my 3.5/10 speed is getting just under 17 mpg consistently in same situations.
the better MPG won’t offset the more money a newer rig costs. But it doesn’t hurt that it’s cheaper to operate. Short of getting a Lemon, you’d be very happy with these newer drivetrains.
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Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,508
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From: Sioux Falls Area
I’ve had both now.
I had a 2014. The 5.4 never gave me problems other than the exhaust manifolds.
currently in a 2020. So far I’ve had to replace the rear end and rear AC.
power and mileage between the two is not comparable. The ecoboost is a monster for power and regularly get better mileage than the 14, unless I’m towing - then it gets worse than the 14.
the 14 NEVER got 17 mpg the whole time I had it. The 2020 regularly gets 17 or better.
when towing, the 14 NEVER got less than 8mpg, the 2020 has gotten as bad as 6 mpg with the same camper and same trip.
the 14 would NOT climb an 8 percent grade at 60mph with our travel trailer. The 2020 will (not that you should, but it will do it).
I liked the body style and visibility on the 14 much better. The 20 has blind spots big enough to hide a Mack truck. Designed to look stylish, not designed to be as utilitarian.
combining the best of both worlds, for me, would be the 2020 drivetrain in a 2014 body. But made out of aluminum like the 2020. The 14 rusted out despite my meticulous washing when driven in the winter.
JMO
YMMV
etc..
I had a 2014. The 5.4 never gave me problems other than the exhaust manifolds.
currently in a 2020. So far I’ve had to replace the rear end and rear AC.
power and mileage between the two is not comparable. The ecoboost is a monster for power and regularly get better mileage than the 14, unless I’m towing - then it gets worse than the 14.
the 14 NEVER got 17 mpg the whole time I had it. The 2020 regularly gets 17 or better.
when towing, the 14 NEVER got less than 8mpg, the 2020 has gotten as bad as 6 mpg with the same camper and same trip.
the 14 would NOT climb an 8 percent grade at 60mph with our travel trailer. The 2020 will (not that you should, but it will do it).
I liked the body style and visibility on the 14 much better. The 20 has blind spots big enough to hide a Mack truck. Designed to look stylish, not designed to be as utilitarian.
combining the best of both worlds, for me, would be the 2020 drivetrain in a 2014 body. But made out of aluminum like the 2020. The 14 rusted out despite my meticulous washing when driven in the winter.
JMO
YMMV
etc..
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
The mental image of the driver watching the gas gauge go down as the seconds tick off the clock is hilarious.... but true for heavy loads at speed! Thankfully the OP is just looking for a kid hauler. That's all my 2016 is, but 1 time I pulled a trailer and skid steer rented from the big orange box store and was very impressed at how effortlessly it performed!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,094
Likes: 1,629
I’ve had both now.
I had a 2014. The 5.4 never gave me problems other than the exhaust manifolds.
currently in a 2020. So far I’ve had to replace the rear end and rear AC.
power and mileage between the two is not comparable. The ecoboost is a monster for power and regularly get better mileage than the 14, unless I’m towing - then it gets worse than the 14.
the 14 NEVER got 17 mpg the whole time I had it. The 2020 regularly gets 17 or better.
when towing, the 14 NEVER got less than 8mpg, the 2020 has gotten as bad as 6 mpg with the same camper and same trip.
the 14 would NOT climb an 8 percent grade at 60mph with our travel trailer. The 2020 will (not that you should, but it will do it).
I liked the body style and visibility on the 14 much better. The 20 has blind spots big enough to hide a Mack truck. Designed to look stylish, not designed to be as utilitarian.
combining the best of both worlds, for me, would be the 2020 drivetrain in a 2014 body. But made out of aluminum like the 2020. The 14 rusted out despite my meticulous washing when driven in the winter.
JMO
YMMV
etc..
I had a 2014. The 5.4 never gave me problems other than the exhaust manifolds.
currently in a 2020. So far I’ve had to replace the rear end and rear AC.
power and mileage between the two is not comparable. The ecoboost is a monster for power and regularly get better mileage than the 14, unless I’m towing - then it gets worse than the 14.
the 14 NEVER got 17 mpg the whole time I had it. The 2020 regularly gets 17 or better.
when towing, the 14 NEVER got less than 8mpg, the 2020 has gotten as bad as 6 mpg with the same camper and same trip.
the 14 would NOT climb an 8 percent grade at 60mph with our travel trailer. The 2020 will (not that you should, but it will do it).
I liked the body style and visibility on the 14 much better. The 20 has blind spots big enough to hide a Mack truck. Designed to look stylish, not designed to be as utilitarian.
combining the best of both worlds, for me, would be the 2020 drivetrain in a 2014 body. But made out of aluminum like the 2020. The 14 rusted out despite my meticulous washing when driven in the winter.
JMO
YMMV
etc..
'08 was an Eddie Bauer, averaged 17 empty, probably 8 or so pulling the toys.
The '24 has everything the '08 had and more as far as options inside, despite it being an XLT Premium.
Biggest issue? The mirrors on the '24 are too small, and even with the tow package you don't get bigger mirrors. There really, REALLY needs to be an option for bigger mirrors with the tow package - not even necessarily the big SD mirrors the F150 can get, but SOMETHING bigger.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
How many miles is "too many"
Being 10 years old already, most have over 100k, and most of those are 150-200+
So far, the best "deal" I've found is a 2015 with 144k for $7500. Looks to be in good shape, but does need some work immediately. (Brakes and such)
Being 10 years old already, most have over 100k, and most of those are 150-200+
So far, the best "deal" I've found is a 2015 with 144k for $7500. Looks to be in good shape, but does need some work immediately. (Brakes and such)
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