Looking for a larger vehicle...to replace Highander.

[tcartwri]

Just be aware that the expeditions have non serviceable rear suspension components. If the joints and bushings are worn, you have to replace the entire control arm. You often can't tell there's a problem until you get on ice or snowy roads at which point you'll be white knuckling it.

 

[HHR]

Next year you will be able to get a 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter Van. That would make for a great off road camping rig. 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van - First Looks - Road & Track If you are looking at an 03 or newer Expedition, try to find one with the RSC stability control option. There will be a button between the front cup holders. I like the 03-04 Expedition because they have the 2-valve 5.4L v8. The 05-06 has the 3-valve motor that can have cam phaser and spark plug stickage issues. Lower radiator supports are also a common rust through point. Rear hatch is aluminum and has corrosion/paint adhesion problem around the license plate area.

 

[aczlan]

I would go for an Expedition EL(Ex Length, like a Suburban) or Suburban. Much more useable space for not much more money. The space behind the rear seat in a Tahoe/Yukon or regular Expedtion isn't very large. Have a 2003 5.3 Suburban K1500, approx. 180K miles, relatively trouble free, power is adequate, mileage is good if driven reasonably. Plus the longer wheel base pulls a trailer a little better.

We have a 2005 Yukon XL that we picked up this spring to replace a '02 Caravan. We also looked at Expeditions, Tahoes and Durangos, but the Durango, Tahoe and Expedition didn't have enough room behind the 3rd row seat and the Expedition EL was impossible to find used in our price range (I think the EL came out in 2007?). Ours only had two owners before us (both in the same family) and was in better than excellent condition which made it well worth flying down from NY to Raleigh to pick it up.
It has the 5.3 and the 3.73 rear end, we get 15-16 around town and 18-20 on the highway (depending on speed).
I never thought I would like a GM product, but it rides better than my Volvo does and is as comfortable to sit in.

Aaron Z

 

[bdeboer]

I had an '02 K2500 Suburban. Same body different suspension than the 1/2 Ton. Bought it with 50K miles in '05 traded on an '08 Diesel Silverado with 98K in March of '08.

It was the "LT" trim with 4 captain chairs and the 3rd row. Worked great with 3 kids two in car seats at the time.

Had an actuator under the dash go bad for the AC and an the temperature sensor for the climate control was bad when purchased. Had some front end issues before trading in, but it was 3/4 ton with almost 100K miles probably "normal" lifespan stuff. I would purchase another one if needed from the time frame you are looking at.

Also have owned 3 different '99 to '05 5.3L/4speed automatic GM's haven't had issues.

 

[clemsonfor]

I know there are for sure issues with breaking plugs if you wait to long to change them and they have coil failures do to leaking hood seal. And the squeaky wheel always gets the grease and the internet is full of hate for the 5.4 and for motor. But there are literally millions of them on the road and they ALL cant be as bad as the stories you hear.

 

[clemsonfor]

Next year you will be able to get a 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter Van. That would make for a great off road camping rig. 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van - First Looks - Road & Track If you are looking at an 03 or newer Expedition, try to find one with the RSC stability control option. There will be a button between the front cup holders. I like the 03-04 Expedition because they have the 2-valve 5.4L v8. The 05-06 has the 3-valve motor that can have cam phaser and spark plug stickage issues. Lower radiator supports are also a common rust through point. Rear hatch is aluminum and has corrosion/paint adhesion problem around the license plate area.

There is a local 05 on a lot that has the paint peeling issue on the hatch. Its on the top though right in the area where the hinges attach. Its the top of the hatch , the part that faces up when then hatch is closed. you can see it if you stand on bumper

 

[clemsonfor]

Just be aware that the expeditions have non serviceable rear suspension components. If the joints and bushings are worn, you have to replace the entire control arm. You often can't tell there's a problem until you get on ice or snowy roads at which point you'll be white knuckling it.

Good thing we might get snow once or twice a year!!

but how can a suspention issue only show up in the snow?

 

[clemsonfor]

We have a 2005 Yukon XL that we picked up this spring to replace a '02 Caravan. We also looked at Expeditions, Tahoes and Durangos, but the Durango, Tahoe and Expedition didn't have enough room behind the 3rd row seat and the Expedition EL was impossible to find used in our price range (I think the EL came out in 2007?). Ours only had two owners before us (both in the same family) and was in better than excellent condition which made it well worth flying down from NY to Raleigh to pick it up.
It has the 5.3 and the 3.73 rear end, we get 15-16 around town and 18-20 on the highway (depending on speed).
I never thought I would like a GM product, but it rides better than my Volvo does and is as comfortable to sit in.

Aaron Z

Yep the Yulon XL is a suburban basically?

Yea the expedition EL came out in 07

 

[clemsonfor]

I had an '02 K2500 Suburban. Same body different suspension than the 1/2 Ton. Bought it with 50K miles in '05 traded on an '08 Diesel Silverado with 98K in March of '08.

It was the "LT" trim with 4 captain chairs and the 3rd row. Worked great with 3 kids two in car seats at the time.

Had an actuator under the dash go bad for the AC and an the temperature sensor for the climate control was bad when purchased. Had some front end issues before trading in, but it was 3/4 ton with almost 100K miles probably "normal" lifespan stuff. I would purchase another one if needed from the time frame you are looking at.

Also have owned 3 different '99 to '05 5.3L/4speed automatic GM's haven't had issues.

Im looking at ones with 100-135k to get them in our price range!!!

 

[aczlan]

Yep the Yulon XL is a suburban basically?

Yes. A Suburban with GMC badges on it.

Aaron Z