Can my '97 Expedition handle 80 miles a day for 4 semesters?

I have a 1997 Ford Expedition with 270,000 miles. It runs okay right now. My commute to college will be 40 miles each way on the interstate, four days a week, for the next four semesters. I’d like to avoid a car payment, but I’m worried about whether the Expedition can handle this long-term. What are my chances of making it through without major issues? Thanks for any advice!

If you’re driving 320 miles a week, I’d seriously consider a more fuel-efficient car. That Expedition will probably get 15-20 MPG at best. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • 320 miles/week ÷ 15 MPG = ~21 gallons/week. At $3/gallon, that’s $63/week or $252/month.
  • A car that gets 30+ MPG would cut that in half: ~11 gallons/week, or $126/month.

That’s about $1,500 per year in extra fuel costs. If gas prices go up, it could be worse. Plus, maintenance on the Expedition will add up with its age. It might be better to look for a cheap, reliable 4-cylinder car.

@Toryn
Between the gas and potential repairs, it might make more sense to find a roommate or rent an apartment closer to campus.

@Toryn
For a ‘97 Expedition, you’re looking at 11-14 MPG realistically. Also, the transmission lifespan is usually 250k-300k miles, so you’re in the danger zone. I used to drive a ‘97 for 20-40 miles a day, and it held up, but mine had half the mileage of yours. Be ready to spend $1k-$2k annually on repairs.

@Toryn
You might also struggle to get a car loan if your income is under $1,600/month, so sticking with the Expedition could be your best bet for now.

@Toryn
This argument works both ways. If you have to spend thousands on a replacement car, it may not save much in the long run. Get a trusted mechanic to inspect your Expedition to see what repairs it might need soon. If it’s in decent shape, it could be worth keeping.

It should be fine as long as it’s been maintained. Keep in mind, you’ll be paying a lot for gas—probably around 16 MPG on the highway.

Broderick said:
It should be fine as long as it’s been maintained. Keep in mind, you’ll be paying a lot for gas—probably around 16 MPG on the highway.

My old Jeep XJ was similar—17 MPG, no matter the conditions. These older vehicles aren’t known for efficiency, but they’re tanks.

Broderick said:
It should be fine as long as it’s been maintained. Keep in mind, you’ll be paying a lot for gas—probably around 16 MPG on the highway.

I had a ‘94 F-150 with the 4.9 I6, and I barely got 12 MPG. These older trucks just aren’t great on fuel.

Make sure you have tow coverage and reliable cell service along your route. If you’re in a cold climate, breaking down in the winter could be a big problem. I’d recommend getting a full mechanical inspection before committing to this plan.

A 25-year-old truck with 270k miles is a gamble. If it’s been well-maintained, it might hold up, but expect repairs along the way. You could find a used Corolla or Civic for $3k-$5k and save on fuel and maintenance.

Get it inspected by a trusted mechanic. Older cars are more likely to fail, and the cost of surprise repairs can add up. Keep an emergency fund ready in case something big goes wrong.

You’ll spend more on gas than you will on repairs at this point.

These trucks are tough, but with 270k miles, it’s hard to predict reliability. A mechanic’s inspection is your best bet for an accurate assessment.

At 270k, even a well-maintained Expedition is a risk. Plus, you’re looking at 320 miles a week, which is a lot of gas. If you’re getting 14 MPG, that’s about $70 a week in fuel at $3.30/gallon—and gas prices could rise.

It all depends on how well it’s been maintained. But that commute is going to burn a lot of gas. Consider moving closer to campus if possible—it might save you more in the long run.

If you haven’t already, get a mechanic to inspect it. Look at the transmission, cooling system, fuel pump, and tires. Keep up with regular maintenance like oil changes and brake checks. And don’t drive it like you’re in a race—it needs to last!

Get AAA for tow coverage, keep up on maintenance, and drive it until it’s done. Who knows where you’ll be in a year or two, so MPG might not matter as much.