Hey everyone,

I find myself with a pending insurance payout check for a total loss on a vehicle my son wrecked and I've decided to get an Excursion for our family of 7. I will use it only to haul the family around and occasional 4WD use in snow as needed. I will be doing absolutely no towing; I've never towed anything in my life and I don't see that starting now. I'm a web developer computer geek and I'm relatively comfortable getting under the hood to do some work (my dad and I rebuilt the engine in my first car and I do smaller "shade-tree" mechanic work on our 2003 Grand Caravan).

I've been reading the forums for the last few days and finally registered, and I've learned quite a bit already. The Excursion I'm looking at can be seen at https://www.carsforsale.com/used_car...on_224107627_9 . I know, I know, it has the 5.4, but it's an issue of finances at the moment. I have no baseline for the more powerful engines... the strongest thing I have now is the Dodge 3.8 V6. Consider it a stepping stone to a V10 or PSD down the road.

My first question is what should this one be worth. I know just by the fact it's at a dealership that it's overpriced, just trying to get a feel for value from those who know.

Second is what are some initial things to do with this thing to improve performance, etc on the 5.4? I've seen discussions on upgrading the intake (looking at this one: 57-2525-2 - K&N 57 Series FIPK, Performance Intake Kit direct from K&N) and I know there is tuning that can be done. I know generally what tuning is, but I'm somewhat overwhelmed with all of the options, so any specific input here would be helpful. If someone can direct me to existing threads, it would be appreciated. I've done some searching in the forums, but I don't really know *how* to search some of these things yet.

Thanks in advance, I can know I have a lot to learn.

Reid

 

I personally think that one is overpriced.... a buddy of mine just sold his (yesterday)....it was a'01 Limited V10 4x4, had 149k on it, we just did a tune up, and it ran and drove great, body wise in better shape than my 7.3 Ex and he got $7300 for it....search craigslist and autotrader, you should be able to find a V10 for less than the 5.4 you linked. If you get Lucky like I did, you might even be able to snag a 7.3 cheaper as well, but you gotta hold your tongue right

Justin

 

based on that I would assume you think this is probably really over priced?

2003 Ford Excursion - Used SUV Everett PA | Tony Roy Auto Sales Inc.

 

I like the color on that white v8! Back up sensors look nice as well. That's one thing I would like on mine. I could care less for a DVD player though and those screens. You should haggle with them, maybe offer NADA price. That's what I did, just bought a 2000 white V10 4X4 ~160,000 miles with some issues, few leaks, all power locks broken, hatch lock broken, I paid $6,300 before TTL and fees.

 

I too find the 5.4 Excursion over priced, the most I would offer for it is $6000 maybe $7000.

The V10 Excursion seen above, however, has a few bells and whistles the other truck doesn't that makes up for the price tag:

-Low miles
-V10
-Leather
-Dual power, heated seats
-On wheel AC and radio contols

For almost the same price, you're getting a more bang for your buck with the V10 excursion in the ad above.

 

well, first thing is I'm from the south, so I wouldn't buy that one since its in PA....but something like this is more in line with what I was looking at before purchasing my 7.3 last month.... Cars for Sale: 2002 Ford Excursion 4x4 Limited in Hickory, NC 28601: Sport Utility Details - 363538371 - AutoTrader.com

 

Or this one...cheaper, less miles, and at a ford dealer, Limited V10 4x4 and has headrest screens.... Cars for Sale: 2000 Ford Excursion 4x4 Limited in Kannapolis, NC 28083: Sport Utility Details - 360225411 - AutoTrader.com

 

Thanks for the responses. I've actually found a 2005 with 130000 miles on the V10 for right at 12k. Used to belong to the fire chief of a local municipality so it's been taken care of.

 

Ok, so that brings me to the next question: what are some basic mods I can do to improve performance? If someone can direct me to a thread or list of threads for someone starting with a stock vehicle, that would be great. I just don't know, really, what to search.

 

A tune while help... don't do the whole CAI/ACCEL coils/ebay resistor crap. These aren't 5.0 mustangs that have thousands of possible powerupgrades and most won't do anything but empty your wallet.

Maybe a y pipe and tune and go higher gears.

 

I wouldn't bother with go fast performance mods; this is a heavy vehicle and isn't really designed with speed in mind. That said however, it might just surprise you, especially if you're not towing. I know I was, and still am impressed. I don't drive aggressively with mine anymore though. Just passing a filling station will make me cry, LOL!