Excursion Purchase Advice
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 193
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From: Springfield, VA
Excursion Purchase Advice
I've been looking at excursions for a few months. My choices seem to be 250,000 miles for $12k-$13k or <150,000 for $16k-$20k. I know the 7.3 is a great engine and can go a long time, but my worry is eveything else. For example, I had a 7.3l f350 dually where the furl pump went out just after I sold it at 227,000 miles. It also had several nagging repairs during the time I had it (about 2 years). Full disclosure, it wasn't well taken care of and was kindof ratty when I got it. The question is: Do you guys think it's better to save the money on the purchase and may have to deal with various repairs or spend more and potentially not have to deal with as many repairs.
Thanks for the input.
Thanks for the input.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 498
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From: Hagerstown, MD
In my opinion, you'd be hard pressed to find any vehicle 10-15 years old with over 150,000 miles that doesn't have little issues and general maintenance items like sensors, fuel pumps, alternators, water pumps, etc.
I think you should keep an open mind on price/mileage. Just be patient and look for one you like, make sure it's been well maintaned and documented and go from there. You could easily find a higher mileage 7.3L with less nagging issues then a lower mileage truck. The failure periods on parts on these trucks just seem to vary so much.
I think you should keep an open mind on price/mileage. Just be patient and look for one you like, make sure it's been well maintaned and documented and go from there. You could easily find a higher mileage 7.3L with less nagging issues then a lower mileage truck. The failure periods on parts on these trucks just seem to vary so much.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, VA
In my opinion, you'd be hard pressed to find any vehicle 10-15 years old with over 150,000 miles that doesn't have little issues and general maintenance items like sensors, fuel pumps, alternators, water pumps, etc.
I think you should keep an open mind on price/mileage. Just be patient and look for one you like, make sure it's been well maintaned and documented and go from there. You could easily find a higher mileage 7.3L with less nagging issues then a lower mileage truck. The failure periods on parts on these trucks just seem to vary so much.
I think you should keep an open mind on price/mileage. Just be patient and look for one you like, make sure it's been well maintaned and documented and go from there. You could easily find a higher mileage 7.3L with less nagging issues then a lower mileage truck. The failure periods on parts on these trucks just seem to vary so much.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 777
From: SoCal/Wyoming
Low mileage, in and of itself, does not preclude you from major repairs. Some pull the dash cluster, drive the heck out of it, and then put the old cluster back in for a sale. I would plan on any number of routine items like belts, hoses, water pump, t-stat, drive train stuff and so on. I keep records of everything that has been replaced and with any luck, the one you find may have similar records or talk to the previous owner and get a history. Don't forget to get under the truck and see what stage of cancer it has "rust". If you get one with a badly rusted oil pan you could be in for a major repair bill. There are links for buying a truck at the top of the forum. Follow these guidelines and don't fall for a truck based on sight alone until you thoroughly go over it first and then decide if you like it or not. JMHO
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,250
Likes: 7,678
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
have lots of patients, I found mine a couple yeas ago, 2000 7.3 4X4 148,000 miles owned and driven by an older lady, the rear doors had never been open, 3rd row seat never sat on center row seat used a couple times and front passenger seat had probably less than 5,000 miles of someone sitting on it, only maintained by Ford. had 2 new batteries the week before I bought it and front brakes 2 weeks before I bought it.
I spent about 3 years searching and watching
I paid $9,500 for it
I spent about 3 years searching and watching
I paid $9,500 for it
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Check out this 7.3L truck buyer write up Mike did in the tech section:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
It took me about 3 years to find one that I was willing to take on. It had it's share of problems but I knew it before purchasing. Auto Enginuity , a flashlight and a set of mechanic overalls were extremely helpful while a crawled around potential vehicles.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
It took me about 3 years to find one that I was willing to take on. It had it's share of problems but I knew it before purchasing. Auto Enginuity , a flashlight and a set of mechanic overalls were extremely helpful while a crawled around potential vehicles.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Springfield, VA
Check out this 7.3L truck buyer write up Mike did in the tech section:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
It took me about 3 years to find one that I was willing to take on. It had it's share of problems but I knew it before purchasing. Auto Enginuity , a flashlight and a set of mechanic overalls were extremely helpful while a crawled around potential vehicles.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...questions.html
It took me about 3 years to find one that I was willing to take on. It had it's share of problems but I knew it before purchasing. Auto Enginuity , a flashlight and a set of mechanic overalls were extremely helpful while a crawled around potential vehicles.
But I'm not a doctor...
:P Sorry, I couldn't resist. Sounds like you got an incredible deal on that Excursion. I'm very jealous.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Well as far as Excursions go it seems to be harder lately to find ones with the captains chairs instead of the bench in the middle row. Also, give close attention to the suspension , even though they are similar to a Super Duty they do handle quite different . Many Excursion owners change out or modify the springs cuz sometimes they just wallow and can't hold a straight line in the wind.
The bonus is the 48 gallon fuel tank and enough room to haul a small circus......best of luck - you'll find one.
The bonus is the 48 gallon fuel tank and enough room to haul a small circus......best of luck - you'll find one.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, VA
Well as far as Excursions go it seems to be harder lately to find ones with the captains chairs instead of the bench in the middle row. Also, give close attention to the suspension , even though they are similar to a Super Duty they do handle quite different . Many Excursion owners change out or modify the springs cuz sometimes they just wallow and can't hold a straight line in the wind.
The bonus is the 48 gallon fuel tank and enough room to haul a small circus......best of luck - you'll find one.
The bonus is the 48 gallon fuel tank and enough room to haul a small circus......best of luck - you'll find one.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 6
From: Sioux Falls, SD
Well you need to talk with Cary from CT Performance then! He's installing a 2010 Superduty coil spring suspension on his Excursion. Wish I could find the pic......
CT Performance website
CT Performance website
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
they get good mpg and ride better than the trucks, i would look at the buys guide at the top of the page and it will be very close to an EX.
as for the prices i just bought 1 for my mother 2000 limited 7.3 2wd 230k for $5000, it need about $250 in fixes but it is in great shape.
i just mised getting a 2000 4x4 7.3 265k for $6500.
so 12000 is way high to me, keep looking you will be able to find 1 cheaper.
they come up for sell down here every couple of months
as for the prices i just bought 1 for my mother 2000 limited 7.3 2wd 230k for $5000, it need about $250 in fixes but it is in great shape.
i just mised getting a 2000 4x4 7.3 265k for $6500.
so 12000 is way high to me, keep looking you will be able to find 1 cheaper.
they come up for sell down here every couple of months
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,263
Likes: 149
From: In the field...
Miles vs Maintenance
Overall condition, evidence of maintenance, and general upkeep is more important than the number of miles on the clock.
I have seen diesel Excursions with >200,000+ miles that would be less troublesome than ones with < 100,000 miles. Low mileage = non use and can be as bad as abuse. 50,000 miles in the salt in MI is worse than 250,000 highway miles in AZ.
I have only owned my Ex since June '12 with 233K miles and I continually get comments about how clean it is. Yes, I have done a lot to keep it that way and even more to make it a better truck, but I had a fine piece to start with, the engine bay and undercarriage were so clean. I have seen vehicles with 50,000 miles that weren't as clean.
Like helifixer wrote "patience."
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - Modification List - Brainstorming Inside, ALL WELCOME!
Check out the Excursion forum for more ideas.
I have seen diesel Excursions with >200,000+ miles that would be less troublesome than ones with < 100,000 miles. Low mileage = non use and can be as bad as abuse. 50,000 miles in the salt in MI is worse than 250,000 highway miles in AZ.
I have only owned my Ex since June '12 with 233K miles and I continually get comments about how clean it is. Yes, I have done a lot to keep it that way and even more to make it a better truck, but I had a fine piece to start with, the engine bay and undercarriage were so clean. I have seen vehicles with 50,000 miles that weren't as clean.
Like helifixer wrote "patience."
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - Modification List - Brainstorming Inside, ALL WELCOME!
Check out the Excursion forum for more ideas.
