Hi everyone, I’m considering a 1999 Ford Expedition XLT that’s being sold for $4,990. It has 162,000 miles on it, a 4.6L V8 engine, and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The owner says it has a new transmission (dealership work).
I don’t need anything fancy—just something reliable to get me from point A to point B. I recently started a new job and hate depending on rides. Plus, I might be joining the military soon and want to sort out a car before that, so I can avoid predatory sales once I’m in (if I go through with it).
TLDR: Is a ’99 Expedition with 162k miles worth $4,990? I just want something that will last me for a while for basic transportation. What do you guys think?
The Expedition is a solid SUV, but if you just need basic transportation, it might not be the best option. The fuel economy is terrible, maintenance can get pricey, and parking isn’t easy. If you don’t really need an SUV, maybe consider a smaller, more efficient car.
I was just saying the same thing earlier—these are great SUVs if you need one, but not so practical for daily errands or commuting. Maybe something like a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry would work better?
@Hadley
You’re probably right. I actually found a 2006 Crown Vic with 119,000 miles for $2,000. It’s a bit rough cosmetically, but I think I’ll go with that instead. Thanks for the advice!
Have you thought about looking for a first-generation Toyota Sequoia? It’s similar to the Expedition but with fewer mechanical issues. The 4.7L Toyota V8 and transmission are very reliable. You might find a 2WD version under $5,000 if you’re not set on 4x4.
Another option could be a first-gen Toyota Highlander. They’re very reliable, decent on gas, and often sell for less than $5k.
@Phoenix
Options are pretty limited where I’m at. Honestly, I’d take something like a ’95 Taurus or even a Crown Vic if it’s in decent shape. I’ll keep an eye out though, thanks!
The 4.6 engine is pretty reliable, but don’t expect good gas mileage—14 mpg is optimistic. You’ll probably end up spending another $2k to get all the fluids changed and other maintenance done, like plugs and belts. A sedan with better mileage might be a smarter move in the long run.
If it’s just for getting around town, go for a sedan. I have an Expedition, and it’s great for family trips or hauling stuff, but the gas mileage is a killer—14-15 mpg tops. With gas at $4/gallon, filling a 30-gallon tank every 400 miles gets expensive fast. I use a Subaru Outback for errands, and it’s way more efficient.
EDIT: I’ve decided to pass on the Expedition and am now considering a 2006 Crown Victoria P71. It has 162,000 miles and is priced at $2,500, though the seller said $2,200 is the lowest they’d go.
The 4.6 is reliable if you keep up with oil changes, but $4,990 feels high for a ’99 with that mileage. The engine isn’t very powerful, and it’s a gas guzzler, but if you’re diligent about maintenance, it should get the job done. Make sure the spark plugs are replaced before buying.
The 4.6 is a solid engine, but at 23 years old, expect to put some work into it. Things like seals, hoses, and suspension components may need attention sooner rather than later.