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Expedition Scheduled Maintenance

I am the (new) owner of a 2003 Ford Expedition, with only 4500 miles on it. I got an awesome deal on it. This beast is still brand new, and we really like it.

Now, in the past I have been the worst nightmare for almost every car I have owned. I really do not know how and why my poor 95 Windstar is still running, after the abuse I put it through... My style was "maintenance?, schedule ?" You got the idea. Oil changes were done when I had to do inspection stickers...

Ok, I will come clean:

"Hello, my name is robi_36 and I have been a car-abuser slob car-engine-killer" There, I have said it.

No more. This shiny new car has given me another chance and I will NOT screw this car up too.

SO, I need some help/guidance/exper advice/instructions. I am still awating for the "Owner Guide" for my Expedition, however I wanted to check in here, first.

What is the best way or form to do a good maintenance/care for this car ?

*Do-It=Yoursefl ? I am rather hands-on kind of guy, but what can I do myself and what should I "hire out" to the pros ?

*Dealer ? Don't they charge too much $$$ ?

*XYZ "Lube" place ? Do they do a good job ?

*Indipendent "Bob the mechanic ?

Should I expect some decent mileage with accurate and well timed maintenance ?

In case of resale of this baby, would having accurate repair/maintenance record help to get more $ for it ?

Sorry for all the questions, I am SO tired of being a car-slob !! Help me out !

robi.

Reply to
Rob
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There is a probably a maintainance schedule listed in your owners manual (at least there was with my Explorer). Check the glove box? I'd guess that taking it regularly to a local trusted shop would work well. I found the regularly scheduled maintainance with my Explorer to be fairly inexpensive.

Paul

Reply to
Paul Scrutton

In addition to Pauls comments, I might add that Ford has spec'd some different lubricants for the driveline. Be sure that your chosen shop is aware of what goes where (should be in the owners manual - make sure it is available to the service tech).

I also recommend using Fords suggested maintenance levels (notice the use of

1, 2 and 3 regularly)..... I don't have a QCC sheet at home to remind me, but some of the operations might give you a "whatever for??" feeling.... It is some of these little things that can make your new ride a joy to own for a long, long time....

Congrats on the new toy...

Jim Warman snipped-for-privacy@telusplanet.net

Reply to
Jim Warman

Some good questions; we have a 99 Expedition, and really like it. As for which one to do yourself, that's up to you; if you're comfortable doing the job, go ahead. Otherwise, find a shop you can trust. Believe it or not, the big majority of shops out there really are good, decent sorts. They will do the job right, and charge a fair price. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations.

In our case, we have a lifetime oil/lube deal with out shop; every 90 days/3000 miles. It cost us $75 when we got it for an earlier truck, and $25 to transfer to the Expie we got in 99. Obviously, it's been a real money saver for us. While it's in the shop, they check it over, and let us know if there are any problems we haven't noticed. Good for us, good for them.

The only time I use something like Jiffy Lube is on the road; then, I check everything they touch, as I don't think a minimum wage high schooler is really that caring about a vehicle he knows he'll never see again.

We plan on keeping this truck for at least 10 years (we're already half-way there), and so far, it's been very trouble-free.

Reply to
Bill Funk

Thanks to all of you guys for your help. Yes, I will follow your suggestions carefully and try to find and choose the same shop for the regular maintenance.

Yes, this new *big* *toy* is mine now (just don't tell my wife, she think it is hers...) and I am planning to keep it for the very long run, hence the need for *buy the books* maintenance. I will not mess this baby up !

Thanks again, and I will keep checking in.

have *great* day

Rob.

Reply to
Rob

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