Thinking of buying used 97

I considering buying a used Expedition, probably a 97 or 98. They're usually priced between $10,000-$14,000.

A few that I've looked at are between 70k-97k in miles. Also what MPG are you getting?

I'm wondering how these higher mileage SUV's hold up and what are some common mechanical failures on them. I'm a home mechanic so I think I can handle some stuff that might come my way.

Plus, I've never had a automatic and am wondering about transmission problems on them.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated.

Please post. I'm thinking of getting one in two weeks and will follow up with more specifics as far as year, engine type, and miles.

I'm a little rusty on this year Expeditions, but i'll give you what i can.


They're usually priced between $10,000-$14,000. A few that I've looked at are between 70k-97k in miles

This is a good range, so the prices that they are going for seem fair. If you don't mind spending a little extra, take the time to look at the ones with 50-60k on them in the same year for the extra 2 grand...they'll have been taken care of a little more in most instances...ie they were mainly parked and used for travelling purposes, so it will be more highway miles. Highway clicks are always better! This is the trend i found in these when they were traded in at my dealership.

Also what MPG are you getting?

The new ones are rated at 16 city 23 highway. With the older models like what you're looking at, their gas mileage will be around what these new ones are rated at, mainly because the older ones are lighter with the same motors. Maybe 1-2 MPG less either way, and that will also depend on how you drive it.

I'm wondering how these higher mileage SUV's hold up and what are some common mechanical failures on them. I'm a home mechanic so I think I can handle some stuff that might come my way. Plus, I've never had a automatic and am wondering about transmission problems on them.

These traditionally hold up quite well in their highwer mileage as far as powertrain is concerned. The 5.4L V8 is a great motor, and i'm unaware of any transmission problems with these vehicles, though it wouldn't hurt to call a dealership service department and ask about past tranny problems. They could also give you a heads-up as to any recalls (i'm aware of any) that were on the vehicle so you can have them done if they haven't been.

The only time you may be concerned about the motor/tranny is if a trailer was being pulled...quite often these Expeditions are either bought because the original owner didn't want to pull with an Explorer or wouldn't foot the bill for the Excursion. If the latter is the case, find out the weight of the trailer and how often he pulled it. The Expedition, model pending, pulls up to 8000lbs. Anything heavier then that and you want to stay away from it, as it's been abused.

As far as little things, when you get into those miles there could be any number of little things to do. Tires, shocks, brakes, hoses, belts, coolant flushes, wheel alignment. All these things will be typical of about any Expedition you look at...the key is finding one with the fewest of these problems as possible, (duh!) to not only get the most bang for your buck, but also to see who's taken care of it to what extent.

Squeaks/rattles from the rear of the vehicle are quite common on these, they're just signs that the Expedition is getting old and is nothing to worry about unless it's persistant. Hard bumps/corners will show this the best so make sure you push the vehicle a little when you drive it.

That's about all i can tell you other then to go for the 5.4L V8, you'll be happiest with it's power and the gas mileage is identical to that of the 4.6L V8. I can't remember if the 4.6 was available or not, so here's my recommendation one way or the other.

If there's anything else you'd like to know post back and i'll see what i can find for you. I was a Ford Salesman, so i have resources that will help you.

Good Luck! :smile:

i drive a 97 expy.. it's got about 110k on it. i can't believe it's 7 years old now, but it still runs like a champ. the only real issue i've had with mine after all this time is the brakes needing to replaced.

if you get a good one, i don't see why it can't go for a long time. MPG is about 12.5 on good days but it's worth the V8 w/towing package if you have a boat or jet skis.

I've heard reports about head gaskets going out on these. Has anyone else had this problem?

At what mileage do the reports say that they are going by? I called my dealership and talked to a couple guys in service and they said some have issues and some don't, it's just one of those things. They didn't mention any recalls, and i didn't ask, but by now it should have been done.

When you find the one you want, you can always call a dealership with the VIN number and ask if there are any out-standing recalls on the vehicle. The service department can check OASIS for you (Ford's recall management system) and they'll be able to tell you.

Based on what i've heard, if they are going, it's just a little sooner then usual, but doesn't sound like it's a big problem like with the early 90s Cavaliers that had the tendency to eat them up. Should be fin, but do the VIN number thing for sure. While you're at it, you could always inquire of the service advisor about the head gaskets, as everyone in different parts of the Continent will have different experiences based on elevation and weather conditions.

Yes those things REALLY DO effect vehicle performance.

I have a 97 Expedition 5.4L V8. It has over 140K on the clock.

Here's a list of things I had to get taken care of:

shudder while braking - warped rotors - turned to correct
Check Engine Light - faulty O2 sensor - car has 4 of them
Burning smell for steering column - replace faulty multifunction switch
Headlights intermittent inop - replace faulty multifunction switch
Shudder while braking - replace rotors
Replace shocks at around 80k
shudder while braking - replace rotors at Goodyear (my cost) - these did not warp for over 40K miles
Won't shift out of park - replace faulty brake light switch
Check engine light - motor runs rough - bad coil and spark plug


Just a word of note - the spark plugs on the 5.4L are buried in this motor and the labor to replace them is about 400 bucks or so. It is recommended that they be replaced at 100K. Beware of trucks near this mileage, this service may be due or needed.

I don't drive mine that much because of gas prices. My mileage is around 12 - 14 mpg, depending on the weight of my right foot.

No transmission problems. I've towed a car from California to Texas with my Expedition with no problems. It's got the torque. My friends love to ride in it, since it is so roomy. Of course it does not have the frills of the newer models. The third row seat is pain to remove and store.

Its cheaper, or just about the same to purchase new. Look at finance cost used to new (depending on your credit).

I would never recomend a used truck/suv unless you have access to carfax or some sort of database to see what the owner previous to you has done to it. While expeditions are great used, they are better new.

I would never recomend a used truck/suv unless you have access to carfax or some sort of database to see what the owner previous to you has done to it. While expeditions are great used, they are better new.

Vehicles are always better new than used! :smile:

Kermit']I've heard reports about head gaskets going out on these. Has anyone else had this problem?

Ford cheaped out the head gasket design on mod V8s from 1998-2001 and they have a tendency to leak oil. Once they get replaced with the newer design, they should be good for life. If you buy one that had head gaskets replaced in 2002 or later, you should be all set. The '97s are also OK.