Hey guys,
Great forum here.

Ill be in the market to buy an excursion in about 6 months and I have already started looking.
I know its a drag to see the same old questions but hopefully others will learn something too.

I am leaning towards an 03-05 Limited models.
That said, I prefer diesels (for trucks) but when looking at 10 year old plus vehicles I generally shoot for the cleanest vehicle I can find, including V10s I guess.

Question.
Can you tell by looking at the engine of a 6.0 if the head stud mod and oil line and cooler mods have been done? If so are there any pics here that shows the difference so that I know what to look for?

The truck would be driven about 800 miles/month, maybe less, maybe more, and I plan to use it to tow a couple snowmobiles 6-7 hours north a handful of times during the winter. I think that is where the diesel really comes into play for me is the mpg.
Im afraid the mpg of the V10 will be a killer, though outside of snowmobile trips it would just be a regular daily I guess.

The other question is what would you guys suggest as I have come across 2 low mile (40k miles or so) V10s in almost mint condition that I think I could probably get in my price range of around 20k.
If presented with the same circumstances would you guys forgo the diesel and just get the V10 given my plans for the trucks usage?
20k still buys a nice diesel but not like some of the V10s I have seen.

Thanks for reading guys.

 

I think 20K is a lot for a V10. I spent a little more than that on our 05 Eddie Bauer that is in immaculate condition and garaged it's entire life. Had 68,000 miles on it when we bought it I believe, that was a year and a half ago. I looked for about a year and there were plenty of dealerships trying to sell ones half as nice for the same price. I ended up going up into Canada and buying it back from our neighbors to the north.

 

These are my favorite threads as it's how I got started here. The guys are so incredibly helpful!! They will want to know where you are located so update your profile.

You didn't mention if you were looking for 2WD or 4X4. Guessing by the prices you're seeing 4X4. Seems like those lower mileage ones are hard to come by especially in mint, mint, mint Seems a bit overpriced but also a later model than mine. Picked up a 2001 V10 4X4 CA truck with 100k miles for $13K couple months ago.

 

Welcome. For that budget, I say forget finding a clean low miles one and find a high mileage diesel with a clean body for under 10k and spend the other 10k making it exactly how you want it. That way you know it's reliable and everything needed has been done.

 

X2
We got our 2002 V10 2wd Limited CA, 104K, very clean, garaged & all stock, except for new driver's seat leather, last May for $10K.
Needed shocks, sway bars, rear springs and trans cooler for towing.

 

I'm with Twitch, find a clean body and solid engine. Interior can be fixed, and since you say it'll see limited use that leaves you time to fix it with money saved over buying a primo example.

To answer your questions, no you can't. The studs are underneath the valvecovers so unless you pull one, you're clueless. Having said that, if you do pull a VC and locate the hardware, it's easy to tell the difference between a bolt and a stud visually.

Diesel or gasser depends on how much you want to spend in usual maintenance. It also depends on your daily commute regarding distance.

 

And mine came with sway bars and Bilsteins, new tires and 100k mile service from dealership so we probably evened out. Except yours was a year newer bought a year older.

 

Not true Matt, it's very easy to spot headstuds on our 6.0...

 

I could take pics but you know how long that can take.... Plenty of pics online on where to look...
This is not mine, dirt would drive me nuts

 

As much as I love my v10 if my budget would have been closer to 20k rather than 5k haha I would have gone with a 7.3. To be honest if you already have that set aside or mind made up I would find a diesel for 12-15k and then maybe 5k to do the work yourself or reputable shop so there is no question as to what was done and so its to your liking. Or just buy a v10 Ex with under 120k for 10k or so and pocket the rest for improvements and be done with it.

 

I'm dumb lol.

 

Your far from it Matt... You just need to get your own to play with

 

Not a bad idea but I dont want a project vehicle.
Plus for me, I tend to go over board and my budget isnt what it used to be. lol

 

Thanks for the replies....
Is the mpg of the V10 around 10-12 on the highway and the diesels around 20?
That is pretty significant.
I have owned a couple of H1s in the past so I have a little experience with diesels. My experience is that maintenance isnt much different than a gas engine. I love the diesel for offroading but dont think the X will see any of that.
Ive owned 3 or 4 other V10 vehicles but they got better gas mileage than the X.
My wife had an Expedition and it was great but lacks the pizazz. I owned a lifted Bronco for awhile, an H2 and a lifted H3. Thats about it for me with trucks.

Yes, ive seen the wide range of prices people and places are asking for these and sometimes its absurd. It will def take some time once I am actually ready to buy.
Its like any other desireable used vehicle, once you find the right one at the right price you have to jump on it.

 

I almost forgot.....
Yes, it has to be 4X4.

Ive noticed some have the front locking hubs on the wheels and some do not.
Why?