Considering an Expidition.

I know that the smaller engines are usually underpowered, don't get much better gass mileage, and hurt the resale value.

Is this correct in this case? Any other insights?

 

Can't speak for the power issues as both my F-150's had the 5.4L. As far as resale, I personally would never buy something as heavy as an Expedition with the 4.6L. Gas mileage? Maybe 1-2 mpg improvement is all I would expect. I never considered the 4.6L. Not that its bad, it just wasn't going to save me much.

 

Thanks for the information.

 

Look at it this way.

Get the 5.4L power if you're going to do a lot of towing. If you're going to load the vehicle down with 6 people and luggage several times a year. If you live in a high altitude mountainous area. If you have a heavy foot at all the intersections. If you don't mind the price penalty at purchase. If you don't mind the increased gas consumption.

Get the 4.6L if you want something that's proven to be dependable and solid. If you want to save the $800 premium initial cost of the 5.4L If you want to save money on gas use when not towing or hauling heavy weight. If you don't care if you're always chirping the tires. If you only tow infrequently and don't care about driving in the right lane on hills with a heavy load.

A lot of people own the 4.6L and are happy with it. Thing is, you must be sure you order it with the proper rear end ratio. In the end, if you drive it like the typical SUV owner (i.e., never tow, etc.) the 4.6L will pay off in money saved. If you have the money to burn, then get the 5.4L engine.

BTW, the 4.7L engine is available, but not in a Ford.

 

True.

The choice really depends on how you drive. I wouldn't want an Expy with a 4.6L, just not enough to move that weight for my driving. Depending on how you drive, the 4.6L could get worse gas mileage than the 5.4L.

It shoud be an easy decision if you can test drive the same model and equipment with different engines back to back. You should know right away if the 4.6L is enough for you.

 

I could be opening a can of worms here with my statement, but the 4.6L has less mechanical problems (ie for the 5.4L leaky head gaskets, blowing plugs, etc.). The 5.4L is a great engine and the above mentioned problems only arises very seldom.

I'm partially bias, my side of the family owns 2 4.6L's. The other side drives Chevy 4.7L's EWWWW! YUCK!!!

 

Chevy 4.8's you mean?


On my 2nd 5.4L, and not a problem. I had a couple 4.6L's, the the 5.4 is just an overall better motor. The gas milage is the same, there is alot more down low grunt, definitly better top end (50-100), tows alot better, etc.

Both good motors, but one obviously has the power advantage.