I just wrecked my 2003 Eddie Bauer, and it’s not fixable. I’ve found a 2004 model, same trim, in really good shape with 114k miles. Got the dealer to lower the price to $6300 out the door. Feels different from my old one, though… is it a fair price? Still deciding if I should get it.
If it’s got the 2-valve 5.4, they’re known to be solid. But if it’s the 3-valve, that’s a whole other story… constant issues with the timing. Unless you’re prepared to do that timing job every 100k miles, I’d be cautious.
@Darwin
It’s a 2-valve. I’ve had my share of 3-valve headaches and wouldn’t go down that road again. Also, I have a brand new 2-valve crate motor in my wrecked 2003 that I could swap into this one if needed since the crash didn’t mess with the engine.
@Yan
I thought all the 2004 Expeditions were 3-valve. I’ve got an ’03 myself.
Darwin said:
@Yan
I thought all the 2004 Expeditions were 3-valve. I’ve got an ’03 myself.
Nope! The 3-valve didn’t come until ’05. Between the ’03 and ’04 models, the only real change was the color of the gauge dials (orange to red). In ’05, they did a bigger refresh—new engine, trims, updated dash, maybe even a different transmission but not totally sure.
@Yan
I keep thinking about swapping some of the ’05 parts into my ’03, like the gauges or some of the badges. Not sure if it’s worth the effort, though 
Kingsley said:
@Yan
I keep thinking about swapping some of the ’05 parts into my ’03, like the gauges or some of the badges. Not sure if it’s worth the effort, though
Honestly, I wouldn’t bother trying to put a 3-valve 5.4 in your ’03. They’re just not as reliable and come with a ton of problems.
Honestly, if you’re thinking about it, I’d suggest getting a slightly newer model. This generation has too many issues.
Tan said:
Honestly, if you’re thinking about it, I’d suggest getting a slightly newer model. This generation has too many issues.
Agreed. That price sounds high to me too, but maybe it’s different where you are.
@Presley
Yeah, it could vary depending on the dealer. Is that price for cash, buy-here-pay-here, or a regular dealership?
Tan said:
@Presley
Yeah, it could vary depending on the dealer. Is that price for cash, buy-here-pay-here, or a regular dealership?
Just for comparison… I sold my 2004 Eddie Bauer 4x4 with 160k miles for $3000 privately about two years ago. It was in good shape, too.
Tan said:
@Presley
Yeah, it could vary depending on the dealer. Is that price for cash, buy-here-pay-here, or a regular dealership?
This one’s from a local Honda dealership. They started at $7500 out the door, and $6300 is the lowest they’d go.
@Yan
That’s still a bit high for this gen, especially with their known issues. I’d probably pass. My 2003 was a money pit, constantly needing repairs, nowhere near as reliable as the first gen.
Tan said:
@Yan
That’s still a bit high for this gen, especially with their known issues. I’d probably pass. My 2003 was a money pit, constantly needing repairs, nowhere near as reliable as the first gen.
What kinds of issues did you run into?
@Kingsley
Oh man, where to start? First, the oil pump went bad just two weeks after I bought it… engine failure within 10 miles because who’s constantly watching the oil pressure gauge, right? Ended up swapping the engine myself with a used one, but it failed again within six months. Looking back, I should’ve just gone with a new engine from Ford for a bit more. Had a few other problems, but it’s painful to think back on it! I’d had great experiences with first-gen Navigators and Expeditions, so I thought this one would be just as good. The oil pump failures were more common in these, unfortunately.
@Tan
Wow, sorry to hear that. My old one hit 280k miles, and all I had to do was replace the oil pump and timing at 275k. Then I put a new crate motor in and had 275,000 problem-free miles before the wreck.
@Yan
Nice! That’s some serious mileage.
@Tan
Good to know! Mine’s almost at 250k with no major issues so far. I’ll keep an eye on the oil pump, though 