Wdnich, you didn't say if its a diesel or a gasser?

Sorry for your troubles too.

My lesson learned wasn't so much about a shady dealer but just about the maintenance costs of a diesel and how if you buy a used one, you sort of get hit with all the maintenance at the same time.

We bought an 03 6.0l diesel about 6 months ago and I've spent the past 6 months just making sure the car is up on all its maintenance, and that's not cheap with a diesel.

The used car lot did nothing wrong. In fact I told them I wouldn't take it home without new tires (it needed them) because it wasn't safe. While having the tires installed (on the dealer's dime) the tire shop noted the front brakes were shot. The dealer paid for those too. Basically, they did the right thing.

Since then, its been nothing but preventative maintenance since for some reason, the car lots chuck any maintenance history, so you're left having to assume that the car needs all maintenance performed.

I do all my own wrenching but I've spoken with some reputable diesel shops in the area and they all say the same thing. They wince a bit when you tell them you have a 6.0l diesel, they wince a bit more when you say its an 03, great I always think... good to know that now. But they also say that very regimented maintenance with good quality parts and fluids is key to keeping these things running.

I say all that just to note that people buying used diesels (especially) need to be ready for a lot of preventative maintenance, in addition to anything that is broken or in need of repair.

 

Well, think of it this way, you got a 12 year old vehicle. Things will break or need attention. Some more than other depending on history.
Also, all those repairs is only a few payments on a new vehicle. Plus you now know it is done right and will hold up. The excursion isn't a difficult vehicle to work on.
Once you got these things sorted out, you will love it.

 

wrxin- it is a V10, I know all about the diesel deal. Thte F250 and 350 are both 7.3. I stay on top of them

az- You are so right. I know when all is said and done I will know exactly what I have. One of the reasons for switching to an older one was the huge payment. We considered a brand new Expedition EL Limited, like the 07 but I did not want that huge payment again. And we still had to haul two vehicles when we take the kids. Having custody of four of them makes it a little awkward with trips and traveling. They love the thing. And it is the easiest vehicle I have ever worked on short of the drag cars.

 

Double the maintenance costs! Fun stuff.

 

The maintenance costs on my three does not begin to match the cost of the wife's benz. For what it costs to do the service on her clk500 I can fully service all three of mine. Although her service intervals are nearly double mine.

And luckily I can do most of my work, and have to tools to do it.