Hi All,

I'm looking to get some advice on picking up an Ex. I've been reading for a while but am getting close and wanted specific advice.

This will be a third vehicle, cash buy. Want to keep price low and dont' mind higher miles, if vehicle is in good condition and little to no rust.

I was originally going to just get a V-10, but have always wanted a diesel and get tempted as soon as I start my search. I generally know the issues with the 6.0 and 7.3 as I've been dreaming of getting an X basically since they were first released and have slowly watch them age.

We were looking at a F250 or F350 SD, but with 3 kids currently and dog, the X is probably the better option. Plus they seem to be had for less money or in better condition due to not being as in high demand and mostly used for highway miles.

Is there a good pre-buy list for X to look at. I've looked and searched but always get a diesel pre-buy list.

I'm going today to look at an 01 v-10 with 180K for ~$4K but based on time on the lot think I can get it for 3-3.5K
*****2001 FORD EXCURSION *****

But I've seen a 6.0 that looks to have it's work done, but costs more.
Excursion Diesel

And then nowhere close to me so out of the salt belt is this 03 7.3 but pretty high miles, but looks super super clean.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Excursion-Eddie-Bauer-Sport-Utility-4-Door-/321893468274?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4af2588872&item=321893468274
I don't plan on driving the vehicle a ton, maybe once a week, or snow storms, or trips to hardware store etc. We still have a minivan and my Saab Aero Wagon for all the normal stuff.

So generally how do those vehicles and prices look. I've seen some others in the 5K range with v-10 and a few less miles.

Oh the main reason i'm looking for something this big is we are planning getting a Travel Trailer next year. 294BH from Cherokee, CVW of 9984. Mostly just towing from our camp where it'll sit most of the year, but will do longer trips as the kids get older.

My concern with the diesels is that I won't be driving it enough. I know they like to run. The v-10s and the MOD fords seem to do well with miles and hold up well.

Thanks for the info guys. Lots of knowledgeable people

Matt

 

If the truck is going to sit and not be a daily driver; The V10 is your best option. Especially if you only plan to use it to tow. If you can find one with 4.30 gears, you'll thank yourself later.

 

P3 or primus IQ are a must for brake controller

Average wt distribution hitch with added sway controller,
Or a Centerline hitch is a nice upgrade with out spending 2k

You would appreciate the 08 mirrors isn't "required." I tow alot and enjoy them but I benefit immensely from the waaaay better spot mirror even when not towing. The stock tow mirrors have huge blind spots.

I 100% agree on the tire size / gear change issues. I wouldn't go higher that 285 75 16's without gear change consideration.

Factory limited boards on the 05's drop lower than any other steps that are oem. Aftermarket electric Amp boards are in the 12/1800 range depending on dealer carry out price and installation labor.

I have X / modded B codes, f and R hellwigs, bilstein shocks, 305 75 18 tires (35" tall), p3 controller, cheap husky WD hitch w friction sway controller, 08 mirrors.

I plan on a gear change to 4.30 in the next couple weeks, and even with my bars still get a little droop so I am gonna add airbags and the new firestone wireless compressor setup (f3 I think)

Love my 05 limited 6.0!!

 

WELCOME Matt. Where are you located ??

 

If I were a betting person I'd say New Hampshire...

MattinNH
MattinNH is online now
New User

 

The C/L link did not open for me & I read this : Seaford, Delaware is NOweres close. I drove 1800 miles for my last X. LOL

 

Ha! Yeah. Seacoast NH.

 

I disagree. Lol. I even made a thread on this in this as well as the super duty forum.

 

I guess that's of opinion of both of us, lol.

But I think 99% of the members who have driven with both would share my opinion

Have you used the 08+ mirrors before? I think they are a huge upgrade in visibility.

 

Well i didn't say they weren't an upgrade lol..i said i disagree with them having huge blind spots. There was a member that thought the same. Turns out he didn't have the adjusted properly. He can see WAY more out of them now. I have zero blind spots with my old style tow mirrors. Yes the 08s are better and have better viability, but the old ones dont have blind spots, again, unless you have them aimed incorrectly.

 

I must have been doing it wrong the whole time then...

To the OP, sorry to take your thread off course. Any luck on the hunt?