Ford Expedition Max … which option should I go with? A, B, or C?

Advice Needed
1

I’m trying to decide between three different Expeditions, and I could really use some advice. Each has its pros and cons:

  • Option A: 2020 model with 125k miles, no payment needed, saves $14k compared to the others.
  • Option B: 2019 model with low mileage but seems overpriced and comes from a no-negotiation dealer.
  • Option C: 2018 model with a replaced transmission.

Which one would you go with and why?

2

I’d rank them B, C, A in that order. For reference, I have a 2020 with 62k miles.

The 2020 (Option A) doesn’t sound bad considering no payments and the $14k savings. Even though 125k miles is a lot, that’s a decent amount of cash you can save for maintenance or repairs. Most 2020s don’t have cam phaser issues, and I think Ford switched to the metal oil pan/plug mid-2020.

The 2018 (Option C) having a replaced transmission is a nice bonus, but transmission problems are sporadic, so if the 2020 doesn’t show symptoms, that would ease my concerns.

The 2019 (Option B) just feels overpriced, even with the lower mileage, compared to the other options.

3

@Zhi
Thanks a lot. That 2019 is from a no-negotiation dealership, so there’s no wiggle room on the price, which makes it even tougher to consider.

4

@Zhi
Agreed with everything said here.

5

I own a 2018 Navigator, and here’s what I’ve dealt with so far:

  • Wheel bearing issues
  • Heater hose leak
  • Cam phasers
  • Rebuilt and eventually replaced transmission (newer revision)

So keep that in mind for the 2018 Expedition (Option C).

6

@Oakes
Appreciate the info. This helps a lot!

7

@Oakes
No problem! Just FYI, I’ve had about $15k in warranty repairs. If you’re going with this generation, definitely look into a Ford ESP plan. I’m currently dealing with another coolant leak, potentially the water pump, so it’ll need to go on the lift soon.