Messed up EX need advice on Expedition v. Navigator

[Blake D]

Well, it happened. An old lady ran a stop sign last Friday and hit me. Ripped off the Fender flares, runningboards, and messed up the rear axle. I am pretty sure they will total it (94 XLT). I have been saving for a down payment on a new can and with the insurance $ I am thinking about couple options.
1)Lincoln Navigator-friend knows someone looking to get out of the payment. Top of the line but 50k miles and a 02. I know some major changes happened in 03 so not sure if the best vehicle or not.
2) 03-04 Expedition EB- Look like a great vehicle. Totaly re-done in 03 with fold flat 3rd row, AC/heated seats, etc.

If price was about the same per month what is the better option?
The Nav is up-scale but older w/ higher miles no warrenty. EXP is less fancy but with the changes in 03 are the benifits off set each other.

This board has been great help and looking for some suggestions.

Thanks
Blake

 

[jarv]

i would say go with the Expedition, they pretty much are the same vehicle

 

[spta97]

I don't know if you are stuck on American, but the Nissan Armada might be worth a look. When the X is ready to retire that will be my next truck.

 

[Sport4x4]

if they payments are the same, or if you can afford it, go for the Expedition, otherwise the navigator is a great truck too. the a/c seats were available on 02 Expeditions/Navigators too if i recall correctly

 

[Garth]

The Navigator comes with a 300hp dohc engine and the expedition comes 260hp or less depending if its the 4.6 vs. the 5.4. The Nav has a live axle in the rear and the Exp comes with ind. If you are going for better ride and handling you should go with Exp but if you interest is more prestige then go with the Nav.

 

[Blake D]

I really like the Armada but I have heard of many problems with the first gen versions. I don't have the finances to go "Brand" new.
I just want the best vehicle for my money. I know the Nav and Expd are pretty much the same but what are the major diffs? If you have the top of the line Expd is it still below the base Nav?
I think the fold flat 3rd row would be great in the Expd vs the removable in the 02 Nav. A bonus from the ind axel is more 3rd seat room as well.
Just didn't want to say no to the Nav if it has several more "up" points over the expd.

 

[Garth]

I would say that other than engine power the Exp Eb have it over the the old Nav. They have put much the same stuff as the old Nav in the new Exp. because the Nav. upped their selling points in 03.

 

[huskyfan23]

Wow.. you'd think the Navigator would be the better-rider. I'd also go Navi. They're sooooooooo comfortable and look awesome lowered. The interior is more luxurious too.

 

[Stephen]

I'd do the Expedition. They made SO many changes in 03 and the new ones are heads and shoulders above the rest. I'd do an 03 Nav over an 03 Exp but not an 02 Nav over an 03 Exp.

I seriously looked at an 04 Navigator before I got my Lexus but just didn't like the trucky ride. They're really nice trucks though.

 

[Sport4x4]

I seriously looked at an 04 Navigator before I got my Lexus but just didn't like the trucky ride. They're really nice trucks though.

It's not realyl fair to compare an LS430 (sedan) to a Navigator(truck-based SUV). if you want a compareable Lexus look at an LX470 or GX470 (truck-based SUVs)

 

[Stephen]

I was thinking about a little change to one of the big luxury SUVs, but I didn't like the way any of them rode. Should have been more clear. I drove the Navigator, Escalade, LX470 etc.

 

[Broccoli1]

I would go with the Expy just for the fold away 3rd seat; I have an 01 and that 3rd seat is a mutha'. Mine is an EB and I'm not sure what other luxuries I'd want instead of the folding 3rd seat. The truck likes the gas station

 

[RedEB]

My dad drives a 99 Expedition EB with the 5.4L and I love that truck!! Not to sound rude, but it almost seemed as though they put more quality in the full-size trucks than they do in the rangers. HIs expedition is so quiet and the interior is very well built. I wouldn't hesitate in buying an expedition.
As for your dilemma (BTW- I wish I had your dilemma ), I'd go for the Expedition. With 260HP, you're going to be happy with the power and the interiors are absolutely stunning. Good luck and show us some pics of what you finally pick out!!!!!

 

[Stephen]

My son's father in law to be (there's a tough one...) was in town this weekend, he has an 04 Navigator. Nice truck, but its been in the shop 8 times, had to be towed in from his house in because the analog clock on the dash drained the battery (figure that one out), and has a continual electrical problem with one of the door sensors causing the interior lights to stay on, etc. That on top of rattles has him pretty annoyed with it, he's going to get rid of it just over 10k miles.

Not for my $60k...

 

[huskyfan23]

BUT, the same can happen with any other vehicle. There's always those few that have problems.

 

[RedEB]

Every car has lemons. My neighbor just got rid of her Lexus LS400 because of quality problems. Every brand has its lemons.
The Navigator is an excellent vehicle as is the Expedition. I truly think you'll be happy with either choice.

 

[Garth]

The Nav rattles but the F150 dont. Suv's comes with irs and the mustang don't.

 

[Stephen]

Every car has lemons. My neighbor just got rid of her Lexus LS400 because of quality problems. Every brand has its lemons.
The Navigator is an excellent vehicle as is the Expedition. I truly think you'll be happy with either choice.

But when you look at the average number of complaints by owners of Lincolns and Lexuses its clear who has more. Thats part of Ford's manufacturing problems, lack of consistency across the brand. In my experience it runs 50/50 with Ford, half of owners never have any problems while the other half drive rolling time bombs. I've owned Lincolns before, and theres just no comparing the quality between the two carmakers. Lincoln has a long, long way to go until they're considered a player in the luxury car field again. They can do it, Cadillac is showing that with the reception the new STS has gotten (which is a wonderful car by the way, I've driven it. I'd drive it happily). Ford just has to WANT to do it.

What year was your neighbors LS400 by the way? It has to be at least 5 years old because they stopped making the LS400 in 2000, you can't compare problems with an at least 5 year old and probably 70k mile+ car and a 8 month old 10k mile car...

 

[huskyfan23]

What V8 does the Lexus offer? Oh wait.. it doesn't! 'Nuff said.

 

[Stephen]

You're kidding right? Lexus has 2 V8s. The 4.3 liter V8 found in my LS430, the GS430, and the SC430 putting out 290hp in the LS, and 300 in the GS and SC. The 4.3l V8 in the all new 2006 GS430 puts out something like 340hp. The GX470 and LX470 SUVs also have a 4.7 Liter I-FORCE V8. Theres even talk of a possible V12 version of the LS, or at least a high performance V8 hybrid version.

Lexus has had a V8 since the beginning, as a matter of fact its because of Lexus and the V8 LS400 that a V8 is standard equipment in the mid-full size luxury market today. When the Lexus came out it offered V8 performance for less than Benz, BMW, Jaguar etc were charging for their base 6cyl models.