I’m in the market for a vehicle to tow our 3500lb camper and found a 2013 Expedition King Ranch just 15 minutes from home. Planning to check it out in the next couple of days.
The seller mentioned a few issues:
Rust on the passenger-side baseboard
Needs new tires by next winter
Rear windshield wiper is broken
If it drives well, I’ll take it to a Ford dealership for a pre-purchase inspection. My last tow vehicle cost me $5000 in repairs right after I bought it (which was the same amount I paid for it), so I’m being extra cautious this time.
Any advice on common issues or things I should look for with this year and model?
Hollis said:
So if I want to avoid the 3V Triton, I should be looking at 2015 or newer Expeditions with the EcoBoost engine?
Don’t let the internet scare you off the 5.4 3V Triton. I’ve had one in my F-150 for over 12 years, and it’s at 200k miles and still running strong. They’re fine engines if you maintain them.
Yes, the cam phasers can fail, but so do the ones in the 3.5 EcoBoost. Plus, the 3.5 has turbo coolant issues that are a pain to fix, especially for a DIYer. If this Expedition is in your price range and looks like it’s been taken care of, it might be worth considering. Just don’t let online opinions from people who’ve never owned or worked on one sway you too much.
The 2013 5.4 is one of the better ones—it doesn’t have the spark plug issues that older models had, and the 6R80 transmission is solid. If you’re worried, a pre-purchase inspection is a good move.
@Zola
I appreciate your insight! My main concern is always how the previous owner treated it. Most vehicles in my price range have high mileage, so I’m hoping the dealership inspection will help me avoid another $5k mistake.
@Hollis
Totally get that. A pre-purchase inspection is a smart step. If the seller agrees to it, that’s usually a good sign they’re not hiding anything. Good luck!
The 5.4 3V is notorious for timing component issues and leaking exhaust manifolds. Common symptoms include:
A rattle at startup (worn timing chain tensioner seals)
Rattling under light throttle (worn cam phasers)
Knocking noises in the front wheel wells (seized roller followers)
If the timing components fail, you’re looking at a $4k repair. The 6R80 transmission is solid, but the cooler lines tend to fail over time. If you go for it, I’d recommend replacing the cooler lines preventively.
Winslow said:
Uh-oh, it’s got the 5.4 3V. Personally, I’d avoid it.
I thought these didn’t have the 3V Triton? The listing says it’s a 24-valve engine. I’m not super knowledgeable about cars, which is why I’m asking for help. Thanks for your time!
Winslow said: @Hollis
The 2013s definitely had the 5.4 3V if they’re 5.4L engines.
You’re right, I double-checked. Thanks for pointing that out! I was really hopeful about this one because it’s close by, reasonably priced ($5000), and has 189k miles, which isn’t terrible for its age. We’d only be using it for camping trips, maybe 4000 miles a year. But I guess the search continues.