Thinking about trading my van for an Expedition… good or bad idea?

Advice Needed
1

I’ve been driving a Kia Carnival for the past year since our family grew from 3 to 5 in what felt like a blink. Before that, I always had midsize SUVs, but I figured the van would be more practical. Sliding doors? Awesome. But it’s a base model, no premium features, and honestly, I miss the feel of an SUV.

I’m seeing some decent deals on Ford Expeditions near me. Trying to weigh my options—stick with the van life or go back to an SUV? Which is better for reliability and safety: a 2024 Carnival or a 2024 Expedition?

2

The Expedition is probably one of the better vehicles Ford still makes. I’ve got an Explorer, but if I’d found a good deal on an Expedition, I’d have jumped on it.

3

Sliding doors, better MPG, and easier parking make minivans hard to beat for families. Unless you’re hauling a boat, why go SUV?

4

Have you looked at GM options? They have more engine choices, and the V8 base engine might last longer. I really wish Ford offered the 2.7L engine in the Expedition.

5

I usually lean towards GM too, but the prices on comparable GM models are at least $5k more than the Expeditions I’m looking at.

6

If you’re missing premium features, why not upgrade to a higher trim minivan? Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey would probably give you everything you’re looking for at a much lower cost than the Expedition.

7

My cousin used to work at a Ford service center and said the Expedition was solid. On the other hand, they hated the Explorer.

If you want something even bigger, consider an Excursion. You’ll rule the road in that beast.

8

The Expedition doesn’t make sense for your situation.

It’s overpriced, burns through gas, and isn’t as safe as people think: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/ford/expedition-4-door-suv/2024.

The Carnival is a much better family vehicle. If you want premium features, just go for a higher trim van. SUVs don’t automatically mean better, especially body-on-frame ones like the Expedition.

9

If you can get employee pricing on a Ford, it’s worth considering. That’s how I got mine, and I’ve been really happy with it.

10

Instead of the Expedition, why not go for something like a low-mileage Hyundai Veloster N, Subaru WRX, or Mazda 3 AWD? They’re fun to drive and more practical in some ways.

11

Thanks for the suggestions, but I’m not sure my family of five can squeeze into most of those! :grimacing:

12

Fair point, but you’d be surprised. I know families of five making it work in Dodge Challengers. Life doesn’t always have to be practical—imagine the fun of road-tripping in a sporty coupe with the whole crew!