Moving from Explorer to Expedition

[effingpot]

Haven't been around this group for a while but it's time to replace my US 96 Explorer XLT, which I brought here to England with me.

Being a sucker for punishment I'm going to do it all over again and buy a US car, stick it on a ship and have it brought over.

I think I'm going for an Expedition (cause I like 'em and want 3 rows of seats with proper leg room) with the following spec and options:

XLT 4x4 4.6L
- Leather
- Reverse sensors
- Powerfold

There's no point getting the sounds system as it's not compatible with UK air and I'll replace the std one with a UK GPS and sound system.

Having not even seen one of these beasties close up yet (there are a few 1-2 year old models around here) does anyone have any comments, suggestions,
warnings etc? Does anyone have a view on the Ford Dealers around Charlestown, MA where I will probably get it when I visit my brother there.

Some specifics:

• any views on the reverse sensors? I hear the sound is much less annoying than on my Jeep and has an off switch. Is it any good?
• Powerfold 3rd row seats - sounds a right laugh - any experiences?
• Does the std sound system have a weird dash unit or is it fairly standard - it's probably disappear when I insert my UK stuff - any pictures would be helpful
• Should I get any other options? Not sure I know what the wheel one means
• Anyone know any shippers in the Boston area that are any good

Any general help or comments would be gratefully received.
thanks
Mike
www.import-car.info

 

[RiverRat]

I'd advise against the 4.6l and go with a 5.4L or diesel.

I'm not a big fan of power options but if you will be putting the seats down often then I guess it would be a good feature.

What about a Navigator or BMW X5?

 

[snocross1985]

My dad reciently bough an '01 Expedition w/ 4.6L and he loves it. RiverRat: I don't beleive the Expeditions come with a diesel, i know the Excursions do. The reverse sensors are nice and there is a button to turn them off id you wanted to. The 4.6 is a nice engine and he's got 4x4 which is nice. Overall its a pretty nice vehicle, I love driving it.

 

[RiverRat]

snocross1985, yep I was thinking excursion. In that case a 4.6 would be ok.

 

[wired_af]

My dad's also got Expedition, but its a 97 5.4L and I love driving it also. O well, Im not help here, a new model is competly different. Probably a good choice to go with an Expedition.

 

[mikef]

Effingpot

so what are the economics of importing like that? Do you pay US taxes, then UK import duty on top of the US price and taxes, then VAT on top of the US price and taxes and on the import duty?

I brought over my Explorer and F150 tax free as a returning resident (found your guide useful, thanks). I'm interested in bringing over an '04 F150, now the dollar's gone south...

Mike

 

[explorer4x493]

My father owns a '99 EB Expedition 5.4L which i have driven alot. I would DEFINETLY advise getting the 5.4 if you are ever going to tow or actually carry 7 extras in the vehicle.

Not sure how powerful the newer 4.6L are, but the older in expeditions are IMO underpowered. I "tested" my fathers and if i remember correctly it did a 9 or 10 second 0-60. Which is not very quick, once again, IMO.

As far as options, it's just a personal preference. Heated seats are fun. Dual power seats are "nice". Sunroofs are cool. You already said that you're getting leather, so that'll make the interior look and feel alot nicer.

Believe me, because i've had both worlds....options are over-rated, and just a "nice" thing to have.

 

[plrs x45]

DO NOT get the 4.6! Waste of your money and time. These guys are right. drive them both and you will see a huge difference.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

In terms of dealers, Clark and White Lincoln Mercury in Newton is excellent. About 15 min west on the Mass Pike (your brother will know). They're not Ford, per se, and I'm not sure about new car sales, but thjeir parts dept is top notch and has the lowest prices in the area.