The Expedition is one of the largest models Ford makes. And partially thanks to its size, this hulking family hauler is among the most expensive. One way to save money is to buy a used Expedition. Here are two reliable Ford Expedition model years on a $15,000 budget. 

Note: Prices may vary depending on trim level, mileage, overall condition, and location.

The 2012 Ford Expedition is affordable and relatively reliable

The 2012 Expedition is a well-rounded SUV. J.D. Power gave it a 78 out of 100 in quality and reliability. That’s on the high side of “average” — the market research categorizes 81 or higher as “great.” Owners on CarComplaints.com give the SUV a similar evaluation. This model hasn’t had many issues, and the most common problem isn’t mechanical — the exterior paint begins peeling after about 40,000 miles.

Regarding driving experience and resale value, the Expedition got an 83 in both categories. As a result, this model earned an overall score of 81. That’s high enough to make it the third-best full-size SUV in 2012. Although the 2012 Expedition scored well in resale value, used car shoppers aren’t paying too much for this SUV. 

Expect to pay $9,000 to $15,000 for a used 2012 Expedition. It has a 310-hp V8 engine that gets about 17 mpg combined. Owners like its spaciousness, especially its of roomy third row and cargo area. 

A used 2014 Ford Expedition is more expensive but worth considering

The 2014 Expedition isn’t extremely different from the 2012 version because Ford didn’t redesign the SUV until the 2018 model year. As a result, the specs are about the same as in the 2012 model. However, J.D. Power gave the 2014 Expedition a 77 in reliability a 78 in driving experience. Both scores are slightly lower than the 2012 version’s ratings. 

However, the 2014 model’s resale value is a much higher 87. That results in an overall J.D. Power score of 80. Unfortunately for buyers, that excellent resale value means a used 2014 Expedition is more expensive.

Used car shoppers can expect to pay around $12,000 to $21,000 for this model year. But like the 2012 Expedition, this version has only a few problems. Once again, the paint peeling off after about 50,000 miles is this SUV’s most common issue.

Beware of these used Expedition model years

On the other hand, you might want to avoid several model years. Three of the worst Expedition years are 2006, 2011, and 2015. The 2006 model has 192 owner-reported issues, while the 2011 and 2015 versions have 39 and 41 reported problems on CarComplaints.com. The 2006 SUV has a prevalent and serious issue regarding its engine shutting off randomly. The 2011 and 2015 models have similar powertrain problems.

Those three are arguably the worst, but the model year isn’t everything. Ultimately, maintenance, overall condition, and mileage are crucial factors. Before purchasing any used car, obtain a vehicle history report, and have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle to identify potential problems.