Hey all, I'm currently on the hunt for a diesel Ex. I want one on the cheaper side so I can begin the process of modifying it as soon as possible. Coming from a lowered Audi A4 I'm looking to switch things up a bit and hopefully have a jacked up Excursion within the next couple of months.

With that being said, I have been researching and reading every forum I can to know more about these beasts. I have come across an Ex relatively close to me that I'd like to look at, although it's not my favorite color, I think the price is reasonable and think it might be coming home with me. The truck is a 2003 Eddie Bauer with the 6.0 I believe (yes i know the horror stories) with about 164541. Its that tan/gold paint with the two tone interior. And since this is one of those should I pull the trigger threads, its priced at 12,995 right now.

Does anyone foresee any problems with this/ does it seem like a good deal? I know i need to run an Oasis report on it, but all in all it looks like a clean truck, and I'd love to be in a diesel Ex asap.

Any input would be great, and thanks in advance..

Josh

 

My 2005 Ex 6.0 has been a great truck. 76k with no shop work except for a plugged EGR valve covered under warranty. You seem to know about the 6.0 potential for issues, which should be somewhat explained by the oasis report. However, you don't know what has happened to the truck in the last 60,XXX miles since it was off of warranty. I would personally not buy one without hooking it up to some gauges to see what the engine oil and engine coolant temps are running. This will tip you off to any immediate issues with the oil and EGR coolers. Check for any signs of coolant blowing out the degas bottle which would be evidenced by a white residue around the degas bottle. Also check the front end (ball joints, etc) as these notoriously go out on all ford trucks by the 160,000 mark. Also, if it is a northern truck, check the wheel wells and under the running boards for rust as these places tend to go first. Finally, don't forget to check out the roof. Many excursions experience the paint flaking off. This is a good place to start.

Excursions are generally a great, solid truck. But be prepared to do the necessary suspension upgrades including sway bars and springs first. This is probably the biggest weak link. Then of course the possible 6.0 issues.

 

Not to hi-jack your thread but if your going to modify said Ex that you will potentially get, Ill make you a sweet deal on a set of 22" rims I have for sale and a brush guard. Let me know if you might be interested.

 

Thanks for the info on the rust, I'll be sure to look out for that. Suspension shouldnt be a problem since I'll be swapping most of it out for a lift anyway, but I can take care of that in the garage if necessary. Any other problems I'd have with this high mileage?

And I'll keep you in mind if I do in fact get an X!

 

Maybe one of the diesel guys can chime in, but I am pretty sure a 2003 would still have the 7.3liter engine not the 6.0.

Otherwise, Hunter gave you some top notch advice.

Good luck!

Karl.

 

Ford changed from the 7.3 to the 6.0 mid-year on the diesels in '03. You'll have some 7.3 & some 6.0.