Excursion or Minivan? Update: Picked one up!
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
I have both as well. My 03 7.3 X and I bought the wife a 02 honda mini van.
It all comes down to exactly what you plan to use the vehicle for 100%. I like both the mini and the X but they both have their uses.
We use the X for trips and pulling the TT. The mini is the every day driver, kid hauler, and once in awhile load hauler. The mini is easier to drive, better mpg's, and parts (if it ever needs any ((hondas are super reliable))) are cheaper than the X parts. Even small stuff like brakes, oil changes, air filter, etc. The mini is easier to get in and out for everyone.
Earlier I was asking if a sheet of drywall or plywood would fit in the X. After storing the X for winter I had to use the mini and to my suprise it had the same cargo room as the X!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ywood-fit.html
It all comes down to exactly what you plan to use the vehicle for 100%. I like both the mini and the X but they both have their uses.
We use the X for trips and pulling the TT. The mini is the every day driver, kid hauler, and once in awhile load hauler. The mini is easier to drive, better mpg's, and parts (if it ever needs any ((hondas are super reliable))) are cheaper than the X parts. Even small stuff like brakes, oil changes, air filter, etc. The mini is easier to get in and out for everyone.
Earlier I was asking if a sheet of drywall or plywood would fit in the X. After storing the X for winter I had to use the mini and to my suprise it had the same cargo room as the X!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ywood-fit.html
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 450
Likes: 1
We test drove an '03 PSD last night with 224k because I wanted my wife to drive one before I started looking too hard. She gave it the thumbs up compared to a minivan so I'll start looking now, we'll see how it goes. I'd like to get an '05 PSD just because the engine seems a little more reliable. We need the 2nd row buckets, and the boss doesn't want white, tan or the sand color unless the price is too good to pass. I'll consider anything up to 100k miles or $30k. I think the second row buckets are going to be the hardest part. I'd even consider one that needs oil cooler/egr/head gaskets done to keep the price down.
As a side note, that '03 with 224k on the clock was very impressive for it's age. It was well kept and didn't seem any older than our Explorer with 65k. After seeing that one my wife understood why I thought 250-300k is reasonable.
As a side note, that '03 with 224k on the clock was very impressive for it's age. It was well kept and didn't seem any older than our Explorer with 65k. After seeing that one my wife understood why I thought 250-300k is reasonable.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, VA
My wife was nagging for a minivan about 2.5 years ago. I wouldn't budge, I wanted the X. Since she is a stay at home mom, it was my decision as I carry the wallet. I will admit a minivan is a bit more practical when it's just her and 1 or 2 kids, but when it's all of us, I prefer the X. At the time she was only 27, I told her, she was too young for the van. I would however consider a conversion full size van, but she doesn't like those. I too have a 1998 4runner that I use for commuting.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
... a little friendly advice...tell her how right she is and how much you appreciate her and she just may change the frequency! 
... ... eating some occasional humble pie ... well since this is a family channel...let's just say leads to other things!
You do realize I'm just blowing you crud...right!
Joe.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, VA
I would have never guessed that! ... a little friendly advice...tell her how right she is and how much you appreciate her and she just may change the frequency! ...
... eating some occasional humble pie ... well since this is a family channel...let's just say leads to other things!
You do realize I'm just blowing you crud...right!
Joe.
... a little friendly advice...tell her how right she is and how much you appreciate her and she just may change the frequency! ... ... eating some occasional humble pie ... well since this is a family channel...let's just say leads to other things!
You do realize I'm just blowing you crud...right!
Joe.
Our marriage is actually really great, she enjoys driving the X. She drives my 98' 4runner sometimes, and complains that she doesn't feel real safe with the kids in the car, because she's used to sitting up higher. I do get tired of putting gas in it all the time, but thats to be expected with such a heavy truck. We've been in 2 accidents with it, and never had a scratch on us or the kids. The last accident we were in, my 4 year old was drinking a slurpee in the far back seat, and we pulled out of the 7-11 and someone hit me in the drivers side front going about 35. I looked back at her to check on her and she just looked at me and said "what?". I love it!!!
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 293
Likes: 1
Alright guys, it's a pretty funny decision. Either I'm going to go big (PSD Excursion) or go home.(Sienna SE likely) I'll wear sunglasses and a wig if I drive a minivan. My wife is voting for a PSD Excursion. 
I've got a couple main questions for you guys.
1. What mileage should I expect from a 6.0? I know, everyone is different, but just wondering. We probably do a 50/50 split, but living on the edge of the suburbs we rarely drive true "city". I have a couple guys telling me I can squeeze 20mpg out of the beast straight hwy miles. My wife is pretty easy on the gas, I have to remind her to shift our other car (Mazdaspeed6) above 3k because that's where the fun(aka boost) starts.
Ive traveled about 18000 miles this year in mine. I get 19 highway and 12-14 city. My last tank averaged 17.5.
2. How long do you think I could keep a 2005 in good repair? Think it would make it 10 yrs? I'd be trying to pick up one with low miles. In 10 yrs it we would put on around 150k. I'm not a stranger to old cars and upkeep, just don't know how well the EX holds up. My Escort has 220k and is still running strong.
My 2005 Ex is at 249K.
If we pick up an Excursion we'll use it to tow a 4500# boat and other misc trailers. It will be a DD and will see some light off-road 2-3 times/year (to camp sites) and tow about 4 people out of the ditch/snow piles. Yeah, seems a bit overkill to me, but I like the truck. I wish the Expedition EL had a 4.4L diesel. If we don't pick up an EX we'll be hauling kids and that's about it.
I've got a pretty good grip on the 6.0 problem areas so I don't think I'll be surprised there. I've got a running list of upgrades/maintenance I'd have to do if we pick one up.
I've got a couple main questions for you guys.1. What mileage should I expect from a 6.0? I know, everyone is different, but just wondering. We probably do a 50/50 split, but living on the edge of the suburbs we rarely drive true "city". I have a couple guys telling me I can squeeze 20mpg out of the beast straight hwy miles. My wife is pretty easy on the gas, I have to remind her to shift our other car (Mazdaspeed6) above 3k because that's where the fun(aka boost) starts.
Ive traveled about 18000 miles this year in mine. I get 19 highway and 12-14 city. My last tank averaged 17.5.
2. How long do you think I could keep a 2005 in good repair? Think it would make it 10 yrs? I'd be trying to pick up one with low miles. In 10 yrs it we would put on around 150k. I'm not a stranger to old cars and upkeep, just don't know how well the EX holds up. My Escort has 220k and is still running strong.
My 2005 Ex is at 249K.
If we pick up an Excursion we'll use it to tow a 4500# boat and other misc trailers. It will be a DD and will see some light off-road 2-3 times/year (to camp sites) and tow about 4 people out of the ditch/snow piles. Yeah, seems a bit overkill to me, but I like the truck.
I wish the Expedition EL had a 4.4L diesel. If we don't pick up an EX we'll be hauling kids and that's about it.I've got a pretty good grip on the 6.0 problem areas so I don't think I'll be surprised there. I've got a running list of upgrades/maintenance I'd have to do if we pick one up.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 450
Likes: 1
LOL, love all the help you guys are dishing out. Luckily my wife was asking for an Ex and I just picked one up today. Should help things out.
Now I just need to figure out how I'm getting it from CA to MN.
Now I just need to figure out how I'm getting it from CA to MN.
Last edited by airjeff; Jan 11, 2011 at 05:04 PM. Reason: fixed pic