Well... we test drove that dually with the 6.0 today.... And ExxWhy, you make amazing points

 

Apoc, You know where my mind is on the gas vs diesel question (in the general big picture of things) but this question is different. As so many have said, It's your situation, your family, your money, your wants, your needs and so on, if you can swing the purchase and upkeep costs and the oil burner is what you really want then it's a done deal, get a diesel.
My ideal Ex would be a coil front 4X4 3v V-10 5R110 EB, but I think it would be cheaper to buy a nice PSD than build what I want.

 

Well to expand on what I put earlier (I was being called into the kitchen so I cut it short) we test drove the 6.0 today. Now at the risk of having my account locked, an angry mob tracing my IP address and coming to my house to lynch me and being stripped of my Excursion I want to say this:


__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____
I Jonathan (Mr. Apocalypse) in sound state of mind under no duress (wife is finishing dinner, I'm alone) was not impressed with the 6.0 *****GASP****






Furthermore I think that even though the diesel has 1000% more potential I will never be able to afford to really "play with the big boys" and will always want more. Having driven my 5.4 for so long it's not that bad and I think that if it were 4X4 then I would have no problem keeping it. Honestly I really hate that I have to swap just for 4X4 but it is what it is.

 

Driving a V10 Ex right now just about to hit the big 200K mark this month and coming from having had Quad Cab duallies with the Powerstroke diesels the reason we opted for gas was cost of maintenance versus need for the power of the diesel.

If you aren't pulling huge loads and not expecting to do so anytime soon the only reason for owning a diesel is machoism. Unless you have them tuned right they will run dirty and smelly, not particularly a great smell compared to an out of tune gasser, so if he's going to tinker with the diesel be aware of this. Cost of operation for an around town diesel will be 50% more considering fuel and maintenance costs combined. An inefficiently driven diesel will likely incur more maintenance issues as well.

The main benefits/advantages to a diesel tend to be - economy vs gas(in mileage and mileage while towing) and resale value.

In Apoc's case he has essentially thrown both of those benefits/advantages out the window.

I suggest getting a quality recording of a diesel and blasting it through the sound system of a V10 Ex and buying a gallon of diesel to spill in the driveway so he'll get the "experience" without the cost.


In all seriousness I'd suggest going and renting out a diesel truck for a month and driving it for the experience. If you like the noise, smell, performance then get one, otherwise opt for the V10 and a quality diesel recording.

2005 diesel running...
Another diesel...

 

Mrs. Apoc,

If money is as tight at times as Apoc makes it sound, gas would probably be the better option. I am in a similar financial situation going through school by myself. My parents believe in making your own way, regardless of how you were brought up or what your parents have. After I hit 18 my parents told me that they wanted me to get a job, pay my way through my schooling, and join the rat race that is life. And that's what I am doing. So money is tight here for me, so hopefully I can relate in some way.

Yes, I love the diesel feel, but I can't afford to operate it year round. Just too expensive with the oil changes and maintenance that comes with a large truck. Also, there is always the lurking fear of an EGR failure, blown injector, etc constantly in the back of my mind. I was only able to afford the 6.0 because my parents sold it to me for cheap in an out-of-character gesture of charity. My uncle, who owns a local construction company, tried to tell me to stay away from it because of all the maintenance that his 6.0's have required. One truck has needed twin turbos twice in the last two years, along with thousands of other expenses. While I knew my 6.0 had a cushy life, there is still fundamental problems with a stock 6.0 that can go wrong and cost a buttload to repair. I know that if at this point a HG, oil cooler, injector, etc went on me, the truck would be sold for parts or repair with only 69k on the odometer just because of the cost associated with the repairs.

Also, I don't use it in a way that justifies it and from the sound of it neither will Mr. Apoc. I tow a 14 foot boat around, but that's peanuts that my Jetta could pull. I also drive ~40km (20km each way) to school everyday, but even then it barely gets to operate at normal temp by the time I get to my destination. We had a V10 that was sold this time last year, and it was great for what I used it for (described above) and was safe for a new driver (I drove it from age 16-19). I was so excited to get my hands on the diesel just because diesels carry the idea (whether true or not) of being more of a truck than the equivalent gasser, however now in retrospect I wish I had the V10. Yeah, the MPG sucked compared to the 6.0 and it was a little rusty, but it was just a better fit for what I needed.

Do I like the "man-vibes carrying" rumble-tumble diesel feel of the truck? Yes.
Do I LOVE the sound of it? Yes. I get compliments from other diesel owners (even those Cummins guys) about how great my truck sounds with the stock exhaust. The turbo sings.
Would I be as happy with a V10 now after having the diesel experience for a year? Yes, I would be happy. However, I have had both sides of the coin, so its hard to transfer this into your situation.

I hope this ramble helps, maybe it won't. Either way I hope you guys make the decision that works best for you.

EDIT - Apoc wrote a post while I was writing this. I agree with what he wrote.

 

Sadly I am "settling" on a v-10, but for all the right reasons. I'm ignoring the facts that are glaring before me that my wife already knew about before starting this thread (if that tells you how obvious they are) like the short trips and the maintenance, but I was (and still am) ready to just drive every few days to help justify that but that's pointless as a vehicle is owned to be driven, not to be waited on. The money to keep it running correctly isn't an issue. Thankfully because of the military (and good upbringing) I know that if there is an issue with the vehicle to shut it down and not to just keep driving it until it dies some day in the future. Being that it can sit for a month while I save up for the parts to fix it doesn't worry me at all, but then again what am I really gaining by doing this.

I want a diesel. I want a 6.0 and bad. If given a choice right now (and I have found 2 that I like) of a 6.8 or a 6.0 I think that taking everything that you guys (and ladies) have said tells me to go with the 6.8

The diesel is an 05 EB for 13k, the gasser is a 00' Limited for 4k.

I value every ones opinion whether or not I agreed with it and appreciate all the input and the welcoming atmosphere you gave my wife

So now I have the vehicle narrowed down (even more), I have financing lined up, and everyone here behind me (and my wife has a couple of you backing her to... Brutus!) so now all there is to do is *WAIT* for the right one

 

I guess new avatar time

 

Congrats on your choice, try to get the newest one you can afford. You will be happy with it, just don't hangout with the diesel guys and you'll be alright.

 

I totally agree with LL above, get the newest, nicest lowest mileage V-10 you can find. And don't get down on yourself about "having to settle", the V-10 is an excellent choice for your typical use and it too can be hot-rodded as time and budget allows to make it even more fun!

 

But you said we could start coming out on the yacht with you!!!

 

I honestly don't feel like I am settling anymore, I feel the 6.8 is the right one for me. I feel so much better now that we have a solid plan and that everyone here is supportive of it

 

That seems like a REALLY good price for the 05 EB..... was really hoping for your 6.0......

-The Great

 

I agree


2005 Ford Excursion 4x4 Eddie Bauer 6.0L


This is the other one:

http://roanoke.craigslist.org/cto/4776617682.html

Not really planning on buying that one, it was just the best of the 6.8s that weren't insanely priced and over 200k miles.

 

Hey, you can always have the Look of the 6.0L...... I can show you how....

Don't mind the ring and pinion, but look at the 5 inch tip on 4 inch exhaust.

 

The wife and I were shopping for a 2nd EX (gasser) this summer, I will say, all the less than $5k ones were in need of some real TLC..... Being a 2000, if it hasn't been treated like and FTE'er would pamper it, it may end up costing more to get up to snuff than the difference of an 05

-The Great