Is it worth $5,000?

Hello, all. My father in law is looking at buying a '98 expedition. It's got 204,000 miles on it. It's eddie bauer edition, with the 5.4 V8. Leather, 4X4, pretty much loaded. He says the exterior looks beautiful, but the interior however is not the best. The dealer is asking $4,998. Now, i am aware of what kelley blue book and NADA say it's worth, but i'm asking the real folks who know what it's worth. You guys own them, you know what the ups and downs are, and the ins and outs. So, what are your thoughts? Okay price? Too high? what are some common problems, and what questions should my father in law be asking the dealer?? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance!

The 5.4 is a gas hog and the 5.4 is known for blowing out sparkplugs.Do not rely on the Kelly Blue Book price,way too high and very 100% unaccurate.Even Ford garages will not get inside this engine including the 4.6 and 6.8,will talk the customer into a reman engine

The dealer is asking double what it's really worth.

The market for large SUV's has evaporated. Very few people want them. But there is a HUGE glut of large SUV's in the used market, form the 1990's and 2000's. This glut has really depressed prices.

Also, the mileage on this one is really high. At that mileage, major components are living on borrowed time. That truck, given the age and mileage is worth only $2000.

Otherwise, you can get a newer Expedition with much less mileage for less money. For example, in one minute, I found 8 Expeditions, all of which are a much better deal than yours, in the Cleveland area alone, all posted within the last 2 weeks.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/1455288806.html
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/1453309862.html
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/1452991285.html
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/1452494117.html
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/1446918299.html
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/1445507695.html
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/1439394589.html
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/1435697693.html

EDIT: Imo, buying from dealers is convenient since you can look at many vehicles in one spot, but, but the best deals by far are in private sales. So, if you know what make and model you want, go for a private sale.

i bought my 99 expedition in febuary i paid 3800 for it . when i got it it had 89000 miles and was and is very clean no third row and not an eddie though. 4.6 4x4. ive had to do a few things though rear lower control arms common problem they rust out and ball joints both easy reapirs if you know what you are doing. this has been my first ford and i just love it...but that kind of money for the year and miles is way high i agree 2000 is about right unless its a buy here pay here they always charge more

I'd say 'no' it's not worth $5,000 but that depends on your area and many other factors. I'd rate mine about $2000 and people are shocked at the condition for the age (it's a 97).

Things to look out for, especially at that age - 1) Heater/AC controls. If the heater or AC do not blow to temp then be wary. These trucks use a 'blend door' which can cost a significant amount to replace. I've had quotes of up to $2000 just to fix this one little plastic part. 2) Front brake rotors - if these need done it is a chore typically to get them off. They rust in place and will not release, I had to cut mine off and hammer them out with a large, heavy hammer. They looked perfectly fine from the front. and 3) The wiring from the battery to the alternator can rust from the inside of the wire to the outside causing a no-start condition. and 4) due to the weight of the vehicle the suspension parts take quite a beating, expect to be mindful of the wheel bearings, control arms, and ball joints. I have to have my ball joints and upper control arms replace again on one side to the tune of $500.

I'm sure other people have experiences as well but these seem to be the points I see often in talking with others and my own exposure to this machine.

On the plus side, it can really take a blow in an accident - I got hit last winter and it destroyed the other truck but simply wrinkled my bumper. It's fairly tough in most place, very durable in construction, and feels quite solid on the road. I have the 5.4, most shops don't want to fool with it. They either charge me a lot more than they should or simply direct me somewhere else. My local Ford dealer totalled a Camaro with my Expedition last time it was in the shop although it only scratched my front bumper. Still makes me nervous to take it to them again though.

The engine has a great deal of power and it can pass most anything except a gas station. When they say 15 MPG they are being quite liberal, on premium unleaded I tend to average 12, mid-grade I do better at 13.5 and I can usually get 15-15.3 on regular. If the 98 does not have a select mode for 4x2 (some or all of them do not) then expect to get slightly less average mpg as you'll always have a bit of drag from the AWD system. That is hearsay though as mine being a 97 does have 4x2, awd, and 4x4 modes.

If you haven't bought this yet (or even if you have), search the internet for 'Expedition "Blend Door"' and you'll see what you're probably getting into at some point in the truck's life at that age.

And please note that these are just points I have found in my experience, YMMV and hopefully does in a much more positive way!

Plus they do have problems with exhaust manifolds,crack and break in pieces.Only option is to buy new ones if this happens.Any used exhaust manifolds are this way too,bad and not worth using.

I have a 98 EB. Been a great vehicle. 5.4 has an average MPG of 11.6. Mostly local driving. Just replaced the heater core last weekend. Three day job due to removal of the dash to access. Mine has 125,000 on it and I bought it used with 56,000. It has been one of the most pleasurable vehicles I have ever owned. Usual maintenance. Brakes, ball joints but overall I highly recommend them. I do have the cold weather knock which is worrisome but it's been there for a few years. I change the oil every 3-4K miles. Used Mobil 1 for the first 5 years I had it but now run conventional oil.

The price sounds a bit high for the unit you are looking at. Prices around here in NJ are running around $2500-3000 for similar ones with less mileage. The value of any vehicle is what one is willing to spend on it. As stated I believe they are a great vehicle. So make the dealer and offer of what it's worth to you and see what they do. Enjoy!