Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Eddie Bauer Expedition... gimme ideas (or warn me)

thinking of ~$20K (hopefully less) on a used Expy EB edition... what options should i look for, what should i look OUT for?

age: requirements '03 and up
mileage: average miles
cost: <$20K
seating: all 3 rows

as far as looks, i like the monochromatic look - maybe that's only the Limited?

5.4 V8 is a must, 4.6L is underpowered, especially if you tow.

4wd is a good thing, especially if you're ever going to drive it in the snow, or even heavy rain for that matter.

Monochromatic look is available only on the Limited. All Eddie Bauer have the tan stripe and tan leather interior.

Running boards are a must, not only looks wise, but as an aide to enter and exit the vehicle.

If you have kids or frequently have rear seat passengers, rear heat and AC is a must, as the rather large backseats of the car can get mighty hot or cold without it.

Another must for drivers with kids is the dual media stereo. It has headphone jacks in the back seat and it allows the kids to listen to a tape while you listen to a CD or allows you to listen to FM while they listen to a CD. It makes long trips a lot easier.

Stay away from the air suspension. It is a rare option on the vehicle. Costly to fix if it breaks.

Don't bother looking for one with that power folding rear seat , it isn't worth the extra money.

A couple of other things. Don't count on using the third row for passengers other than children under 12. It is too small and the way you have to sit in it is uncomfortable. Also don't count on using that 3rd row seat too often. Getting back there is a pain where a pill won't reach. The procedure to fold the middle seat foward for rearmost seat access is a 3 step process. Taking the 3rd row out is a pain, so don't plan on doing that too often either. Do consider flipping the seatback on the 3rd row down when it isn't being used. It helps to improve visibility in a pretty significant way.

Here is an example of what you are looking for.

All your money will belong to ExxonMobil???

From what I have read the reliabilty on the 03+ models is pretty poor, but they are otherwise decent. Personally I would grab a Honda Pilot instead, better fuel economy and much better resale in the end. Or maybe one of those things used to haul people around, oh yeah, a minivan.

Or, if he wants an Expedition, he can get an Expedition. If you haven't noticed, they are significantly larger than a Pilot.

If you do any driving to Reno/Tahoe, I'd poke around a bit for the AdvanceTrac option. First, for someone that doesn't drive in ice and snow much like someone from CA, lol, it is extremely helpful when you do.

And second, the AdvanceTrac equipped trucks have an electronic panic assist feature that works well, and is not intrusive, but the non AdvanceTrac trucks have a mechanical panic assist feature that can feel pretty odd under certain circumstances, particularly in heavy traffic where you might have to stab the brakes quickly, but not hard.

And third, it can be turned off for monkey business

having had a few Expeditions as rentals (Arizona and Seattle), i think they are the best large beastly SUV you can get. they handle well on the highway, have good power, and are relatively comfortable. they are also bigger than the Durango on the inside, but harder to maneuver in parking lots. visibility it just OK.

look out for beat up interiors. as with most Fords, the interior materials are inferior and break with the slightest bit of pressure. watch out for folding seat handle mechanisms and door mechanisms in particular. BOTH our rentals has issues with this.

also check for poor AC service. Both rentals i've driven had mediocre to poor AC (especially in the back) on days hotter than 80. not sure if it's a service or design issue.

we averaged 13.4 MPG in Arizona with 7 adults and luggage in 90-100 degree heat.

we averaged 13.8 MPG in Seattle with 7 adults and luggage in 80-95 degree heat. (before the window was smashed in at the hotel parking lot and we switched to the Durango which got 14.1 MPG)

if it's what you want, go for it. there's not much better on the market in that price range.

I've had 2 Expeditions and Loved them both! 3rd row is tight. Running bnoards are a PITA for taller people - I constantly step over them only to muddy (salty here in MI in the Winter) my pant legs. That being said they would sway my decision one way or another.

5.4 is the only way to go. Even if you're not towing. 4WD helps resale.