2005 ford expedition pros and cons

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 2005 ford expedition pros and cons

Posted: 10/19/2016 5:58:29 PM EDT

I have an opportunity to buy a extremely clean and well maintained expedition from a guy at work with 77,000 miles on it. Everything looks like new, new tires, super clean. His wife wants something smaller. Not a real ford fan but this thing is literally like a new truck. I don't really need it but it would be nice to drive on trips and occasions until my work vehicle takes a dump. Don't need to borrow any money for it, just I am very tight with the cash as far as spending it. So what kind of problems do these have, ect. 5.4 liter 4 wheel drive xlt, its never did any towing.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:00:28 PM EDT

[#1]

The 5.4 is a very problematic engine. If you are good at mechanical work go for it. If you are not good at turning wrenches it could get expensive. The vehicle itself is good, but 5.4 have a lot of issues. A simple google search will tell you about it

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:03:33 PM EDT

[#2]

Never had one issue with my 5.4. Towed fine. You MIGHT have an issue with the 4x4 selector, I had to replace mine at 180K. Just a quick swap of a couple of parts.

That's a very
low mileage truck, I traded mine at 210K

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:10:38 PM EDT

[#3]

I have an 07 with the 5.4. Never a problem except a hose. I have 142.000 on mine. One of the best vehicles I have owned. If its that clean and low mileage, I'd get it. Check for rust along the rear hatch and rocker panels. Some may have had an issue with this.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:14:06 PM EDT

[#4]

What does your friend want for it? Is this in lieu of blowjobs?

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:21:40 PM EDT

[#5]

I own a 2004 XLT 4x4. Two valve 5.4 vs three valve in the 05. 150k miles. Almost no issues. Replaced an alternator around 120k. 20 minute job. Just replaced a coil pack last week. Another 20 minute job. 15mpg. My mother has an 05 2wd. Less than 50k miles. Looks brand new like the one described in the OP. Zero issues with theirs. I've seen lots of 5.4s with no issues. Only know of one person that did have major engine issues with the 5.4 and that was self inflicted. My dad had one wipe a cam lobe north of 200k miles. Found out his old school mechanic had been running 10/40 oil in the truck for ever. Too thick to get to the top end quickly at start up. if I had to buy another full size SUV tomorrow I'd buy another Expedition.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:32:25 PM EDT

[#6]

Just keep a coil in the glove box, and don't ever change the spark plugs.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:33:14 PM EDT

[#7]

I have 97 expedition 187,000 miles, 2006 f150 160,000 miles, 2008 expedition 145,000 miles all 4wd with 5.4l and no prolems. Number 4 and 8 plugs are a litte more difficult to change than the rest. 04 and 05 have the famous 2 piece plug that brakes while changing them.

Expeditions are solid and ride good. If you buy it have the plugs changed just in case of the plug issue.

Coil packs do go out. 97 lost 4 coils, 06 lost 1, 08 lost 2. They are easy to change and cost 40 to 60 dollars apiece.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:34:16 PM EDT

[#8]

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Quoted:
The 5.4 is a very problematic engine. If you are good at mechanical work go for it. If you are not good at turning wrenches it could get expensive. The vehicle itself is good, but 5.4 have a lot of issues. A simple google search will tell you about it

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Is this opposite day

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:36:25 PM EDT

[#9]

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Quoted:
Is this opposite day

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Quoted:

Quoted:
The 5.4 is a very problematic engine. If you are good at mechanical work go for it. If you are not good at turning wrenches it could get expensive. The vehicle itself is good, but 5.4 have a lot of issues. A simple google search will tell you about it

Is this opposite day

I am going by everyone I personally know who owns them and have a lot of issues

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:41:11 PM EDT

[#10]

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Quoted:
I have 97 expedition 187,000 miles, 2006 f150 160,000 miles, 2008 expedition 145,000 miles all 4wd with 5.4l and no prolems. Number 4 and 8 plugs are a litte more difficult to change than the rest. 04 and 05 have the famous 2 piece plug that brakes while changing them.

Expeditions are solid and ride good. If you buy it have the plugs changed just in case of the plug issue.

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04 should be two valve with OK plugs. 05 is the first year of the three valve engine and bad plugs. I just had mine changed out. I paid a local guy b/c I didn't want to risk having it sitting in the driveway while I was waiting for the tool to extricate broken plug. Couple hundred well spent to avoid the possible headache. Any mechanic that does any amount of Ford work will have the tool to get the broken plugs out. Not the issue it's made out to be online, but still not something everyone wants to handle in their garage.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:43:45 PM EDT

[#11]

Had an 01 til 180K miles- 1 coil problem. Have an 02 EB with 185K. Replaced the entire AC system at 180K and a fuel pump at 155K. Going to drive it to death. Love Expeditions and would buy another used one tomorrow.

Coil packs suck. Spark plug replacement sucks. Most newer vehicles suck. So what?

Still would buy another tomorrow.

This is it with 150K:

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:44:16 PM EDT

[#12]

I've had to deal with an older 150 with bad coil pack and blown out plug but it was more neglect on the owners part.

I can have this for $6800, I'm assuming it was $40000 new. No rust in doors. I guess the rear liftgate is aluminum and there is one small place bubbled at the rear glass. Everything else is scary clean. They never drive it in the snow.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:44:40 PM EDT

[#13]

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I am going by everyone I personally know who owns them and have a lot of issues

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Quoted:

Quoted:
The 5.4 is a very problematic engine. If you are good at mechanical work go for it. If you are not good at turning wrenches it could get expensive. The vehicle itself is good, but 5.4 have a lot of issues. A simple google search will tell you about it

Is this opposite day

I am going by everyone I personally know who owns them and have a lot of issues

The only real issues with the 5.4 Modular are the cam phasers and the broken plugs. If its a 2005, chances are both of these issues were already encountered by the previous owners and fixed. There is a tool now for the plugs, and enough mechanics have dealt with them to know how to handle the problem. The cam phaser problem is prevented by using the Motorcraft filter with the silicon ADBV that minimizes dry starts, as the cam phasers rely on oil pressure to function properly. But its an admittedly expensive fix the first time. Otherwise the 5.4 is solid.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:53:32 PM EDT

[#14]

Locally they are one of the unofficial pace cars of methheads, illegal aliens and welfare queens.
YMMV.

Bonus points for Lincoln Navigator instead of Expedition, double bonus for Raiders or "In loving memory of" sticker on the back window.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:57:15 PM EDT

[#15]

Have him get the plugs changed before you buy it.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:58:15 PM EDT

[#16]

I've owned a 2000 and 2010 Expedition. Both great vehicles, no regerts.

Posted: 10/19/2016 6:59:52 PM EDT

[#17]

I bought a used 04 in 05 with 40k mimes and traded it in 2011 after I put 160k miles on top of the 40

I had no major issues and it went everywhere it needed to in all kinds of weather

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Posted: 10/19/2016 7:03:42 PM EDT

[#18]

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Locally they are one of the unofficial pace cars of methheads, illegal aliens and welfare queens.

YMMV.

Bonus points for Lincoln Navigator instead of Expedition, double bonus for Raiders or "In loving memory of" sticker on the back window.

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must be in CALI.

Posted: 10/19/2016 7:14:33 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
The 5.4 is a very problematic engine. If you are good at mechanical work go for it. If you are not good at turning wrenches it could get expensive. The vehicle itself is good, but 5.4 have a lot of issues. A simple google search will tell you about it

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Nonsense...

Posted: 10/19/2016 7:19:11 PM EDT

[#20]

I still have an 01 with the 4.6 that l drive as a work car....it has 331,000 miles on it....wish they would of stayed with the 4.6 and I probably would of bought a newer one instead of a Tahoe...had too many friends have problems with the 5.4

Posted: 10/19/2016 7:26:19 PM EDT

[#21]

I hope it's got a better trans than 05 Explorers.

Posted: 10/19/2016 7:35:10 PM EDT

[#22]

I have a 2002 Expedition (5.4) with 240,000 miles on it. The 5.4 is very reliable and mine only required replacement of the plastic manifold at about 185,000 miles. I'm starting to have problem with ignition coil (#1 cylinder) which I'll take care of this weekend. My friend has the 2003 5.4 Expedition with 300,000+ miles on it with no major issues. Expeditions are good solid vehicles and the 5.4 is reliable engine. When mine dies in next couple years I'm getting another one.

Posted: 10/19/2016 7:55:40 PM EDT

[#23]

I own a 97 XLT 4X4 with the 5.4, It has 297K miles on it. I drive it daily. The engine/transmission are original. Never rebuilt or replaced. Normal maintenance only. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

Posted: 10/19/2016 8:04:10 PM EDT

[#24]

First off, an Expedition is not a TRUCK. If the vehicle doesn't have a bed, it's not a truck, so stop calling it that.

It's a car with four doors and and area in the back to put some shit. That's called a Station Wagon.

Tony

Posted: 10/19/2016 8:17:27 PM EDT

[#25]

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Just keep a coil in the glove box, and don't ever change the spark plugs.

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That's just the pre-2003 ones IIRC.

My brother's is at 310k and still running strong, only problems are an exhaust leak at the header and the rearend had to be replaced around 150k after it ran dry from the cover rusting out and causing a leak.

Posted: 10/19/2016 8:25:57 PM EDT

[#26]

2000 f150 and EB Expedition, both had leaking rear brake lines. In fairness, 2001 Chevy Suburban had same issue.

Posted: 10/19/2016 9:46:28 PM EDT

[#27]

I have a 2004 f150 with the 5.4. 3 valve which is the same exact engine in the 2005 expedition. I now have 206,000 miles on it and it's great. Like others have mentioned spark plugs can break, but it really is no big deal with the $60 tool when they break. Use the factory motorcraft filter and motorcraft semi synthetic oil, it's good stuff.

I would definitely buy at that price.

Posted: 10/19/2016 10:30:15 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
First off, an Expedition is not a TRUCK. If the vehicle doesn't have a bed, it's not a truck, so stop calling it that.

It's a car with four doors and and area in the back to put some shit. That's called a Station Wagon.

Tony

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Already have diesel truck.

Posted: 10/19/2016 10:35:12 PM EDT

[#29]

I hardly see any of those on the road anymore.
See Excursions all the time though.

Posted: 10/20/2016 1:26:33 AM EDT

[#30]

Posted: 10/20/2016 1:34:21 AM EDT

[#31]

Look up Cam phaser 5.4L. Just had pretty much the whole front of engine replaced. Ford wanted to replace the engine with 94k on it for $8400. There was a lawsuit involving the 2004-2008 years. Just had the phasers, timing chains, etc replaced. So far have replaced radiator, transmission, front part of engine, entire AC system, both front window motors, calipers all less than 94k on the car. Buy toyota.

On the upside, its a great car for a family, roomy, decent mileage. And after everything is replaced you should be gtg

Posted: 10/20/2016 1:37:50 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
First off, an Expedition is not a TRUCK. If the vehicle doesn't have a bed, it's not a truck, so stop calling it that.

It's a car with four doors and and area in the back to put some shit. That's called a Station Wagon.

Tony

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Lol.

To the OP, I'll echo what others have said. Cam phasers, plugs.

Plugs aren't always a problem, I changed the plugs in my '05 without breaking a single one....once

. The second time resulted in 1 broken plug, lots of swearing, and the neighbors giving me quite a few of these

. I never encountered the cam phaser issue myself, but it's a pretty well documented problem. What you're describing sounds like a pretty good deal, I'd jump on it.

FWIW, I own an '05 Excursion, '05 Expy, and 2010 Explorer. Pretty familiar with all 3 platforms. I also own a Dodge, and a GMC, so I'm not completely biased in my review.

ETA: The only other issue I've had with the Expy (and the Exploder just recently), was rear axle seals. IIRC, I replaced them right around 200k. Not a huge problem, just a slow, annoying leak.