I've decided to get an X and have several options for an '05 4X4 Limited for around $10k. The V10 has close to 200k and the 6L a little over. Given a choice and other factors such as wear and accident history being equal, which would be the better choice?

....be gentle, I'm an X noob.

 

5.4 2wd, it's the best and only worthy combo in my book. (Seriously though, 6.0 or GTFO)

 

This thread will generate LOTS of reply's.

It all just depends on what factors are most important to you.

6.0 will have a higher upfront cost that will not be recouped unless you drive a ton. They are ridiculously powerful and fun especially when tuned. To keep going another 100K+ the diesel will need some version of "bulletproofing" but you could be facing a rebuild on the 6.8 as well at 200k + miles anyway.

At low milelage gas is probably the "smarter" bet, but at over 200k I think I would go diesel particularly if cost is similar.

 

I cannot fathom a legitimate reason to go with gas over diesel. The only reasons put forth that I've seen so far boil down to irrational fear of diesel engines because of perceived (not actual) complexity, etc. The power is better, the reliability is better (6.0 caveat), and the fuel mileage is better. Yes, the diesel will have a higher purchase price, however, it will still be worth that premium if/when you ever sell it, so I don't see it as a lost cost.

The real question is, why have you excluded the 7.3L?

 

My opinion is 10K is too much for a V10 Ex with 200K miles. I sold my 00 Ex (100K miles) with V10 and 4.30 gears for 7K years ago and unless they have appreciated I can't see 10K for one with double miles.

Unless you know a good powerstroke specialty shop or are willing to spend endless hours reading about the 6.0l and its issues I would say the V10. It is much more trouble free and needs little scrutiny like the 6.0l. I have owned both and even a E350 V10 and like the simplicity and durability of the V10. With my current set up I love the power of a tuned and studded 6.0L but it takes more attention.

 

That's a good point. You can get a nice v10 excursion around here with under 200k for $3k-$4k.

 

Ford F-150: Spark plugs that either blow out of the engine entirely, or break off on Ford F-150 models equipped with the 5.4-liter V-8 engine, have created an extreme spike in trade-ins that exhibit these serious engine problems. Model years 2004 thru 2008 appear to be the primary ones to avoid. However, there is also a recently settled class action lawsuit related to the 6-liter Powerstroke diesel due to engine performance and stalling issues. We believe both engines should be avoided.

 

If they are both the same price range and one is a v10 and the other a 6.0 there is no freaking way I would take the gas over the diesel. Maybe it is more maintenence, but the power and fuel mileage difference to me would more than make up for that. Keep in mind this is coming from a v10 Ex owner... lol

 

Keep in mind the V10 in the 05 Ex is a 2V V10. The V10 in the SD trucks 2005 is a 3V offering a small power increase and a much better transmission.

Personally I would go with the V10 only if the 6.0 has had no work done to it or maintenance records. The 6.0 has a better transmission over the V10 version.

 

It really all depends on what you're after. I chose the V10 because I wanted something relatively cheap to buy, good for towing, and unlikely to cost me a fortune if something broke. It didn't disappoint in that regard, but 11 MPG was hard for me to get used to.

52 horsepower isn't a small increase.

 

Good question as my 1st choice was a 7.3. Unfortunately, every 7.3 I've looked at over the last 2 months has been trashed inside and out. That, coupled with (what I perceived) to be ridiculously high prices led me to consider alternatives.

What I'm reading leads me to believe I made the right choice. Earlier this evening, I bit the bullet and picked up a single owner 6.0 Limited for $9200. It has a verifiable service history with a Ford dealership in Lewisville, Tx with all maintenance performed regularly and it looks and drives like a new truck. Aside from a couple minor dings (noticeable if you're ****), it is as close to new as I have seen after having spent two months inspecting every potential X within a 200 mile radius. My rational was, if the 6.0 in this truck was gonna go **** up, it would have already done so. And this particular truck has been problem free (knock of wood). This truck sat in the same spot for two weeks waiting to be sold. There was not one single drop of oil on the pavement underneath it. Inside and out this truck is clean enough to eat off of.

Cars for Sale: 2005 Ford Excursion 4WD Limited in Dallas, TX 75234: Sport Utility Details - 374881364 - AutoTrader.com

I had one hell of a **** eatin grin on the way home and my wife is diggin the hell out of it too. She's named it the "Ford Subdivision".

 

Awesome! Sounds like you found a good one. It'd be hard for me to pass on a 6.0 with records like that.

 

I have to disagree with most all of your statement, my cold hard reasoning for going V10 when i started out wanting a 7.3 many moons ago when i bought my first Excursion.

1 cold weather starting and heat output, watched to many coworkers kill their batteries trying to get the diesel pickup of your choice started on a -30 day.

2 buy in cost, thats pretty clear cut.

3 reliability, the V10 is as reliable as the sunrise! never had a serious issue with any of the 3 i've owned. Change the oil and feed it fuel and it will live forever.

Not saying its any better or worse, but it fit my needs and application much better and i'm very glad i went with my first V10 all those years ago.

 

I would not spend $10K on a V-10 with 200K miles PERIOD!

 

10k is too much for that V10, I sold my 02' v10 for $7500 and it was better than perfect (freakin wife). Had local dealer records, and thousands in new OEM parts and maintained by a nut!
I won't speak of the 6.0, I tell people if your on a budget stay away. With that said 10k is dirt cheap since I have invested 12k just under my hood alone. For 10k I would consider renting mine to you for a week, ah probably not.

Find yourself a clean v10 for less, they are out there or a correctly done bullet proofed 6.0. Just my .02