Ok im going to have to trade in my 2007 Nissan Altima because we are expecting another baby and need the room. I have 3 kids one of which is only here on the weekends (other days she is with her mom-divorce). I have a baby 14 month old girl and the one on the way which totals 4.

Anyway.. I am considering a used Expedition because I can get a 2005-2006 used in my price range. Im also looking for something that can tow my 1993 California Highway patrol Mustang (www.fotki.com/sparksvt) on an open car trailer to car shows. Im sure I would need the 5.4 triton for this. Anyway are any years better than others for the Expedition or the 5.4 Tritons? I drove my father in law's 99 F150 with a 5.4 in it and the thing was a slug, felt like it had a hard time pulling ITSELF along the road let alone a trailer. Maybe it was a beat engine?? What is the general opinion of the Expeditions? I was considering a 4.6 V8 Explorer as well but the limited room behind the 3rd row seat is making me lean to the Expedition..


Thanks!

Chris

 

I had a '99 and now have an '07

I love Expys

 

All 2005 and newer Expy's have the 3 valve, 300 hp, 5.4 engine. They are the best choices. The 2003-2004's had the 4.6 or the older 2 valve, 260 hp 5.4 engines.

 

I say go with the expo and if you are concerned with the 5.4's pulling ability then I would not even think about the 4.6 explorer.

 

I have an 07 Expedition and it tows great. Same power as my F150 (5.4L). It's a heavier vehicle, so a little more sluggish off the line, but I love it.

 

Be sure to get at least 3:73 LS gears. Better yet, 4:10 or 4:56.

 

They are great for kids...Foldable rear seat, and the middle of the backseat can be pulled closer to mama

 

it's a shame you have to give up the 07 altima. I expect youre looking for an expy with the 3rd row? Those new altimas are great cars.. 30 MPG and they look great.

 

The altima is really nice. Its the 4 cyl version with the CVT trans and let me tell you this car gets up and GOES. Its amazing for a 4 cyl how fast this car is. Its just too damn small inside for all theese kids...

 

I would look at the 05s. Things to look for of course, tranny, maintainence, car fax. A lot can be saved getting a XLT instead of the Eddie Bauer, but your choice of course. Also, if you get close you can post the VIN number on flat rate techs forums and they can run an oasis report, check out whats been done to it.

 

I plan to get the XLT. Where is the flate rate techs forum?


Thank you everyone for your input to this thread!!!

 

http://autotechnicianonline.com/forums/


BTW, I have seen a few XLT's with leather.

 

thanks. i really dont need leather. i think the xlt should be good for my needs.

 

I just ordered my EXPY XLT today! IMO- from the crash tests I have seen, there is nothing safer out there.

 

You should have no problem towing with the standard 5.4L and 3.73LS. The 05-06 models are a very good choice. The F-150 is programmed for a smooth take off so you don't get whip lash when towing. Hence, it feels a bit slow. The Expedition is programmed differently and has quite a bit more spunk off the line. Even though my 2005 & 2007 F-150's had the same power train (3V 5.4L with 3.73LS) as my Expedition, towing with the F-150 is a bit more smooth in both take offs and braking.

The Expedition has oodles of room for the kids and all their gear. Unlike most 3 seat SUV's, the 2nd seat in the Expedition is quite spacious and the 3rd seat is big enough for teenagers. I digress... leather is much easier to keep clean than cloth seats and the DVD system is worth its weight in gold on long trips.