2009 fix or sell?

[JamusDemus]

Hello everyone!

I am in love with the expeditions. My family has had them since they basically came out. Currently I’ve inherited a 2009 Eddie Bauer 165k miles that has a couple of different issues, and I’ve been told multiple things by different mechanics. I’m at the point where I’m trying to decide if I want to do repairs or sell it.

The transmission has been getting stuck in first gear randomly for a few years, maybe 30 or 40,000 miles. Now it’s starting to get stuck more often. Turning the SUV off and back on fixes it. So it seems like I really need a transmission replacement. No one seems to be interested in rebuilding it. Looks like that would be about $6000.

it needs new suspension all the way around and tie rods.

The engine runs rough while idling and throws camshaft sensor codes, that’s very intermittent as well. Timing is fine. I’ve put some oil cleaner inside of it. That seem to clear it out for a few months but then the issue came back.

The bumper has way too many holes in it, paint job is mostly holding. Interior is fine. I just took it on a 2000 mile trip and other than getting stuck in first gear constantly. It wasn’t too bad.

Ultimately, I’d like to really get a newer expedition. But I’ve been hearing terrible things about the newer engines. Granted, the 5.4v has its own quirks.

My partner has a Nissan armada that’s just as old with some issues, but not as many issues. Personally, I think the expedition is a much better investment than the Armada. I also have a fusion energi. I so it’s not like the expedition is the only vehicle. However we prefer it when the fusion won’t cut it and for road trips.

Are if some of you wouldn’t mind, what would you do in this situation?

 

[abnmike]

What terrible things? My 17 has 145k miles and running 19 mpg w/no issues.

 

[m3olsen]

I really need a transmission replacement. No one seems to be interested in rebuilding it. Looks like that would be about $6000.

Are if some of you wouldn’t mind, what would you do in this situation?

@JamusDemus , most of what you're talking about updating doesn't sound that bad, aside from the transmission. I'm not sure where your $6K number came from. I did a quick google and clicked on the first site that came up. These guys list a used trans for less than $1200 and remanufactured for ~$2500. https://reman-transmission.com/transmissions/ford/expedition/2009 . No affiliation, and I know nothing about their reputation, but thought you might want to check something similar out if you'd like to keep what you have.

 

[JamusDemus]

Yours have the 3.5 eco boost engine?

What terrible things? My 17 has 145k miles and running 19 mpg w/no issues.

@JamusDemus , most of what you're talking about updating doesn't sound that bad, aside from the transmission. I'm not sure where your $6K number came from. I did a quick google and clicked on the first site that came up. These guys list a used trans for less than $1200 and remanufactured for ~$2500. https://reman-transmission.com/transmissions/ford/expedition/2009 . No affiliation, and I know nothing about their reputation, but thought you might want to check something similar out if you'd like to keep what you have.

I appreciate it. Ford’’a website listed a new one for $4300 and the. Estimated labor. The 2 mechanics in comfortable with locally said I could order one or they would order one direct from Ford. The Reman is only about $$3800 through Ford as well. If I do get a reman then my concern is quality from where it comes from. I will check that out

 

[abnmike]

Yep. 3.5 Ecoboost.

 

[proftomda]

2wd or 4wd? I’m guessing your expo has more than 150,000 miles. A suspension rebuild, alignment, complete timing job with oil pump and a transmission replacement will cost at least $8000, more if 4wd. A quick search of NADA value for a 2009 expo Eddie Bauer 4wd with 150,000 miles in clean condition is $8900. It really comes down to your vehicle condition, accident, history, and how long do you want to own the car in order to reap that investment.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

You say you "inherited" the vehicle...so I'm not sure how much $$ you actually have invested in it , but from a purely economic point of view, I would say sell it for whatever you can & put that money towards a newer Expy with lower miles and/or fewer issues....

Why.....simply because after 150k miles, alot of parts can/will start to go bad and need replacements on most vehicles, regardless of brand/model etc....and with the transmission being the most expensive of repairs needed on yours, I would not bother replacing/rebuilding it.

Even if you spend $2-4k on a remanf. transmission, the labor to replace it will be substantial, putting the total at ~$5-7k, and as you say, you will never know where it came from or what was replaced in it, and how long it would be before something else inside it would need replacing, so that would make me lean more toward selling it...

Add to that the camshaft issue, which is indicative of upcoming major internal failures (another $3-5K to fix), and the body condition, I would get rid of it asap...

Finally, I always thought that putting any 3.5L engine in any Expy was a major screw up by Ford (way underpowered & overworked). Yes, the 5.4L's do have some quirks for sure, but they are considerably better suited to a vehicle of the Expy's size & weight...

 

[proftomda]

Its already been said but Ill say it again. It depends on the overall condition of the truck, specifically any accident history or rust issues? Barring those, your truck has relatively low miles but a series of mechanical issues that can easily be remedied. The transmission issue is a unknown. Could be a cheap shift selenoid or valve body replacement as your milage is relatively low. You need to find a shop that can has the diagnostic capability to troubleshoot your trans.

 

[max78]

Before you invest any money into it check your thrust bearing clearance with a simple test, or have a shop do it.

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With the resale of these not being great I would go used for a motor, and or transmission if actually needed.

Car-Part.com and a good reputable shop is your friend. I found a 60K miles used transmission for $500 came with a 1 year warranty unlimited miles, it was 6 hours away otherwise or I would have bough it. A local shop quoted me $2200 to rebuild it, add $600 for a pull and stab if I didn't drop the trans. But I prefer to go the used route as these transmissions are super reliable.

Timing kit is around $1000 for Ford parts, and I'm willing to bet that a reputable shop would do it for under $1000 labor.

Everything else listed is really not that expensive when sourced online through Rockauto or reasonable places.

 

[proftomda]

Agree with Max78. If trans cannot be repaired inexpensively, I would look to a used trans. These transmissions tend to last a long time. I have almost 300,000 on mine with zero issues.