Looking at a 2011 Ford Expedition EL XLT. It’s $8,000 with 110k miles, clean title, no accidents, but it’s had three owners. I’ve heard mixed things about spark plug issues and potential transmission replacements. Is this a reliable vehicle for the price?
I’ve owned over 10 Ford vehicles, including a ‘97 Expedition with over 300k miles. This model is generally reliable, but three owners in this time span could be a red flag. I’d lean toward a one-owner vehicle unless this one has detailed maintenance records.
@Storm
The low price and mileage are what caught my attention. I don’t really need an SUV this big, but I’d stick with it if these hold up well.
Brett said:
@Storm
The low price and mileage are what caught my attention. I don’t really need an SUV this big, but I’d stick with it if these hold up well.
You get what you pay for. If it’s a lot cheaper than similar ones, there’s probably a reason for that. Make sure you dig into its history.
Three owners in 9 years isn’t too concerning, in my opinion. Just make sure you can get the maintenance records before buying.
Multiple owners aren’t always a dealbreaker. The first owner might’ve just traded up for something newer. I’m the third owner of a similar Expedition, and it’s been reliable for me. I’d recommend checking the Carfax and getting it inspected. These vehicles are comfortable and can last a long time if well-maintained.
The 5.4 3V engine in this model has a reputation for spark plug and cam phaser issues. That said, not all of them have problems—it’s kind of a 50/50. For $8,000, you shouldn’t expect it to last 20 years, but it could easily give you 10 solid years if you maintain it. These are great family SUVs with decent reliability. Just don’t tow too often if you want to keep the transmission running smoothly.
@Tate
Ford switched to a one-piece spark plug design in 2008. Some early 2008 models might still have the older two-piece plugs, but most of the issues were resolved by then.
One concern with multiple owners is figuring out if someone sold it quickly after buying it, which could mean they were offloading a problem. If two owners sold it in short time spans, that’s even more of a red flag. Definitely get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI).
@Ali
I’ll definitely get a PPI before making any decisions.
The 2005+ 5.4L V8 engines have a 3-valve design that’s known for cam phaser issues, timing chain problems, and spark plug trouble. These issues stem from oil passages being too small, which leads to inadequate lubrication. If these problems show up, they often can’t be fully fixed without replacing the engine. Here’s a video that explains it in detail: https://youtu.be/xcN_WcGr4BU
If you want reliability, stick to Japanese cars.
Toni said:
If you want reliability, stick to Japanese cars.
I get that. We already have a Lexus and a Honda. This Expedition caught my eye because it seems like a good deal.
Toni said:
If you want reliability, stick to Japanese cars.
I get that. We already have a Lexus and a Honda. This Expedition caught my eye because it seems like a good deal.
Ford trucks, including the Expedition, are generally reliable. They sell millions of them, and the Expedition is basically an SUV version of the F-150. If you maintain it well, it’ll serve you fine.
Toni said:
If you want reliability, stick to Japanese cars.
I get that. We already have a Lexus and a Honda. This Expedition caught my eye because it seems like a good deal.
The EcoBoost Expeditions tend to hold up even better than the older 5.4L models.
Toni said:
If you want reliability, stick to Japanese cars.
Ford’s trucks are far more reliable than their cars. My family’s old F-150 has outlasted a Tacoma in both mileage and durability.
@Tate
Exactly. The Expedition shares a lot with the F-150, and my experience with these has been positive. Just keep an eye on common issues like the blend door actuators and timing chain guides. They’re manageable repairs if you know what to expect.
@Hayden
You’re right. The Expedition has always been a step behind the F-150 in updates. For example, this 2011 model is based on the 2004–2008 F-150. They didn’t fully update it until 2015, and in 2018 it finally caught up to the newer F-150 platform.