So, as I stated on the other (similarly named) thread, I have wanted an EX for years, and am now ready to take the leap- I think..... Got the go ahead from the wifey to make the purchase, so that's a go for me! We already have a diesel PU (02 GMC Duramax) we use to pull the horse trailer, boat, and have Caribou slide in camper that goes in the bed while doing so. I toyed with the idea of getting a newer truck for the Quad Cab as we now have 2 kids and the extended cab is a little crunched for space. But the idea of the giant monthly payment does not appeal, especially since I am in the process of restoring a 65 Mustang convertible- but that's a different story all together!

I like the idea of 7.3 since they are tried and true motors, nothing against 6.0 or V-10. The lower the mileage the better of course, I am located in the High Deserts of Bend Oregon.

Having said this, I appreciate any help y'all can offer, as well as the sound advice this forum has already provided to me.

Thanks in advance,
Devon

 

I'm in Springfield and will keep an eye out.

 

How about a 5.4? I saw one with under 30k miles for asking price of $16k. In Los Angeles area.

 

You know, I had really only considered a diesel initially, had not thought about a 5.4? Have to do some research on that. Is it EB/ limited? We get a bit of snow, 4x4? I would love a loaded unit, all those sweet bells and whistles you know. Curious to know how they tow, but I guess I have a goose neck for the horse trailer...

 

It's a 2wd xlt. I'll keep an eye out for more.

 

Ok, this is a little far for me to visit but, just saw a 2002 4x4 EB 7.3 w/ 179k miles for 19500 obo. It has been upgraded with some nice stuff. Almost identical engine upgrades as mine. Oh, it has quad captains too.

Not sure what's the limit on your budget.
Can we post Craigslist links here?

 

Yes, feel free to post Craig's list adds here, kinda simplifies things! As for budget, ideally like to stay under 20k. Thanks

 

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/5050652954.html

 

Just did an autotrader nation wide search and there are 430 listings for ex's with 4x4 and under $20,000... add diesel to that and it drops to 211....

drops to 25 if you search for the 7.3L.... may want to look at those and see if you can find a member in the area willing to go look at it.

 

Yeah I have done that search too, but before posting here, I really had know way of knowing beforehand if the EX was any good, riddled with problems, leaking oil, tranny going out or whatever. This site will definitely be a good resource to help determine if I am looking at a keeper or junk!

Thanks for the feedback lee00!

ALso, Lambert, thats a pretty nice rig there... really what I am looking for, that kinda rig, and if I am lucky I find one with <100k miles (in a perfect world)

 

[QUOTE=devovino;15458001]Yeah I have done that search too, but before posting here, I really had know way of knowing beforehand if the EX was any good, riddled with problems, leaking oil, tranny going out or whatever. This site will definitely be a good resource to help determine if I am looking at a keeper or junk!

Thanks for the feedback lee00!

ALso, Lambert, thats a pretty nice rig there... really what I am looking for, that kinda rig, and if I am lucky I find one with

 

A good friend of mine is selling 7.3 excursion. Its loaded mild mild lift, excellent excellent maintenance.

It's scheduled for a detail next week, I'll get pics after Tuesday.

He's gonna ask 20k. It has 180k or so.
Probably could be had closer to 18k

He's owned it for years.

 

You may want to put out a 'info wanted' thread to owners of 5.4 Excursions before you go that way... or drive a couple. Very heavy, with underwhelming power = bad mileage, no fun, no tow.

I looked for a year and a half to find my 7.3 w/ 83k mi @ $18.5k. They're out there, just be patient with $ ready, 'cause they sell quick. Absolutely the greatest!

Or, buy a 6.0 w/ problems cheap, then spend $7k to make it right and you'll have lots of power, and lots of fun.

Good luck!

P.S. I'll look around here and let ya know if anything looks good.

 

Or buy a clean 6.0 without problems that is nicer conditions than "most" 7.3's for way less that has a much better in my opinion transmission for less money and possibly not have any problems in the future.

That's what I did and I love mine.

 

Yup, it happens... (some folks hit the lottery, too) and I totally didn't mean to start the age old 'this vs that' slamfest- I really was giving the OP options to consider...