Decision
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New User
Joined: Feb 2011
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Decision
I'm very seriously considering a buying an Excursion. I have summized from this forum that either a 7.3 or a 2005, 6.0 is preferred.
What are some issues with each to watch out for when looking?
What are some issues with each to watch out for when looking?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
I am kind of biased towards the 7.3. I've owned mine since I ordered it in '01. If you read these forums on FTE, you will see hundreds of posts as to how to make them better. They are by far the best SUV on the planet for those who like to tow and go off the beaten path with their families and friends. Each model had drawbacks. The HPOP as stated above may leak. Mine did at 600 miles. Not since. The 6.0 will have the better stock tranny, however the 7.3s can be built to be just as strong with a few mods. Watch for the ball joints on each model, they can be pretty pricey. The '05 EGR coolers are not as good as the ones on the '03-'04s, however most people do a delete so they don't have to worry about them. All in all, each has it's advantages. I love my 7.3 at 164k more so than I did when it was new. Good luck in your search.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
I'd recommend spending some serious time on the forum looking at the various issues all flavors the Ex can have. If you're asking about HPOP and EGR then you haven't even touched the surface yet. Diesels are fantastic but they require special maintenance and sometimes specific mods in order to be as reliable as you may want it to be.
I went down this same path and just couldn't justify the higher purchase price of a diesel, the higher maintenance costs and the high risk of expensive repairs (specifially on the 6.0). I got the V10 and love it - tows the boat and hauls the family and friends around very well. Went on a road trip yesterday and got 14.5mpg calculated at 60-65.
I went down this same path and just couldn't justify the higher purchase price of a diesel, the higher maintenance costs and the high risk of expensive repairs (specifially on the 6.0). I got the V10 and love it - tows the boat and hauls the family and friends around very well. Went on a road trip yesterday and got 14.5mpg calculated at 60-65.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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I understand the V-10 gets terrible mileage and still lacks the power of the deisel.
So what kind of mileage might be expected from a deisel anyway?
So what kind of mileage might be expected from a deisel anyway?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 257
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From: Tinley Park Il.
Yes the mpg's are not great. I get 10.5 around town 15 on highway. Its my understanding the Smokers get 5 more on top of that. For me I only use it for towing on weekends in summer and a few short trips around town. I know the diesel's Have more cash outlay to maintain them. I love em but at 10k more or so just to buy one I figured I could buy a lot of gas for 10k. Also in my town diesel is about 25 cents more a gallon. When I blow the v10 up in a few years I'll drop a cummins 12v in her LOL. Whatever you end up getting hope its trouble free for you
Good Luck
Dave
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 6
From: Eastern PA
Nothing is perfect. Except me. But you can't buy me. However you can buy a 7.3 or 6.0 diesel excursion. Being that neither are me, they aren't going to be perfect. Each has strengths, weaknesses. The power difference between the 7.3 and 6.0 is appauling, though. Look that up some time. Let it be known that I have never driven a 7.3 though. However I can drive my 6.0 like a race car, rev it like a mother, and drive the absolute bull**** out of it. And it responds really well. I'm at 200k, at that.
Snowboard season cometh..
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,406
Likes: 1
From: Gulf Coast of Florida
I just bought my 2002 Ex with the 7.3 and drove her 1,000+ miles home and averaged a bit over 17mpg. This was through the Bitterroot range of the Rockies (Idaho) in the pitch black while raining, down across Montana, then Wyoming, and finally to Frederick, CO. It was pretty windy the entire way. and I also was going 75mph+.... Had it been less windy and I stayed around 65, then 19mpg should have been easy.
7.3 diesel all the way for me. Last thing I want is to worry about reliaility, and I also know the 7.3 better than the V10
7.3 diesel all the way for me. Last thing I want is to worry about reliaility, and I also know the 7.3 better than the V10
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
I like my 7.3! Allot of people talk about diesel maintenance and how expensive it is. Honestly the only real more expensive maintenance thing is the oil changes which aren't that bad. Sure some have to have some $30 seals changed or a $20 cps changed but all in all the diesel isn't that much more to maintain than a gas. To me the benefits of the diesel way outweigh the little maintenance. I feel much better and happier every time I fill the fuel tank or fly up a hill than I ever did with a gas! For me I like a vehicle much better and feel good driving a vehicle that gets good mileage. I dislike having to stop for gas all the time and spend $100's over and over again on a trip. It makes me hate a vehicle if it gets lousy mileage. My last truck got around or sub 8mpg pulling my TT, I could almost watch the gas gauge go down! I would travel 20 miles and could see the gas gauge move a significant amount.