Inspecting an Excursion before buying
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Inspecting an Excursion before buying
So I'm going to look at a 2002 2WD V10 Excursion with 160k this weekend. I wanted to find a 4x4 for the natural height and "just in case factor" but thus obey looks like a great deal so I'll entertain it. It's at a used car dealer which makes me hesitant just because I don't trust any of them.
So if you were looking to purchase a vehicle like this what all would you be looking at on site. Car fax is clean, spent all its time in California, no crashes reported and I will have an OASIS pulled before going to see it. I just want a list of what to look out for, I'm not afraid to crawl around under this thing and inside the engine area lol. Thanks!
So if you were looking to purchase a vehicle like this what all would you be looking at on site. Car fax is clean, spent all its time in California, no crashes reported and I will have an OASIS pulled before going to see it. I just want a list of what to look out for, I'm not afraid to crawl around under this thing and inside the engine area lol. Thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
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Crawl under it and inspect for rust. Be wary of new undercoating, it can be a cover just as much as it is an honest respray. Check under the rockers and above the running boards, under the doors themselves, the top of the rear window hatch frame, etc. Pull back carpets up front and check for signs of water leaks, etc. Check out the roof as well, the cross bars ride on the roof and chaff off all the paint.
As with any other vehicles, maintenance history and records, etc speak volumes.
As with any other vehicles, maintenance history and records, etc speak volumes.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Media PA
Inspect the exhaust manifold bolts/studs, all of the modular motors suffer from those studs failing. Put eyes on all 20 of the studs and use any that are missing as ammo for negotiations, typical shop costs run $400/800 to replace them all.
We can help you through driveway stud replacement here, several of us have successfully done it.
We can help you through driveway stud replacement here, several of us have successfully done it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Salem, VA
Where is it located? I would be willing to meet up with you if it's within an hour or 2 of me. The studs are a PITA, Razzi and I worked on it for a full weekend almost and I STILL had to pay a shop to finish it up for us 
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It's in Georgia, here's a link to the vehicle
Used Cars Augusta, GA | Used Trucks Augusta, GA | L&B Motors Augusta, GA
Car fax shows clean history. Had the OASIS pulled today and showed only minor things like a wiring harness recall repair and a bad battery covered under warranty.
Looks clean and price seems nice. I'll be down there when they open as they said they'd hold it for me. I have zero experience with excursions or anything bigger than a F150. So I'm going to crawl all over this thing with a flashlight and inspection mirror, test drive it vigorously and then re-inspect the motor for any leaks. Since I don't know what exactly to look for I'm going to look for anything questionable and whatever y'all recommend. A friend told me to find the roughest road I could find and see if the suspension is tight or if it bounces a lot. I don't mind doing repairs I just don't want to buy a big azz regret lol.
Used Cars Augusta, GA | Used Trucks Augusta, GA | L&B Motors Augusta, GA
Car fax shows clean history. Had the OASIS pulled today and showed only minor things like a wiring harness recall repair and a bad battery covered under warranty.
Looks clean and price seems nice. I'll be down there when they open as they said they'd hold it for me. I have zero experience with excursions or anything bigger than a F150. So I'm going to crawl all over this thing with a flashlight and inspection mirror, test drive it vigorously and then re-inspect the motor for any leaks. Since I don't know what exactly to look for I'm going to look for anything questionable and whatever y'all recommend. A friend told me to find the roughest road I could find and see if the suspension is tight or if it bounces a lot. I don't mind doing repairs I just don't want to buy a big azz regret lol.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,266
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From: In the field...
It's a 2WD with an '05 grill/bumper.
It all depends on price.
*Edit* I looked at the price, seems a tad high for a 2WD gasser.
It all depends on price.
*Edit* I looked at the price, seems a tad high for a 2WD gasser.
Last edited by mecdac; Aug 19, 2016 at 06:46 PM. Reason: Add info
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I'm having a hard time finding a good clean Excursion V10 with sub 200k miles that doesn't have paint, body, or interior issues with a clean carfax report that is within 300 miles of me. At this point I'm willing to pay an extra $100 just so I don't have to look online for listings anymore lol.
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I plan on being there at the 10am'ish range tomorrow depending on traffic. It's in Augusta and I'm coming from about 20 minutes south of Charlotte NC.
Lead Driver
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From: Ouray, CO
Shouldn't an '02 Limited have body matching color Grilles AND Bumpers?
It looks like the rear bumper is also chromed.
Now, it MIGHT be that a prior owner wanted to just upgrade to the '05+ Front Grille and headlights, but I'd be sure to inspect the front fenders/grille VERY closely both from underneath and from under the hood. Paint-to-Match Factory grilles are no longer available - hence folks go with the Chrome version, but this also has chrome bumpers.
Check the front door hinge area(s) for ANY sign of adjustments.
My Ex had an undocumented front end issue, but I've had no issues - so it doesn't mean it's NOT worth buying.
BRING a flashlight!!
I recently bought a user 1999 F350 w/v10:
Remember to check:
* exhaust manifold bolts (use flashlight inside wheel wells!)
* Wipers and washers front and rear
* A/C front and rear
* Power seats move in all directions
* Windows UP/DOWN use EVERY control
* Door Locks
Good luck!
It looks like the rear bumper is also chromed.
Now, it MIGHT be that a prior owner wanted to just upgrade to the '05+ Front Grille and headlights, but I'd be sure to inspect the front fenders/grille VERY closely both from underneath and from under the hood. Paint-to-Match Factory grilles are no longer available - hence folks go with the Chrome version, but this also has chrome bumpers.
Check the front door hinge area(s) for ANY sign of adjustments.
My Ex had an undocumented front end issue, but I've had no issues - so it doesn't mean it's NOT worth buying.
BRING a flashlight!!
I recently bought a user 1999 F350 w/v10:
Remember to check:
* exhaust manifold bolts (use flashlight inside wheel wells!)
* Wipers and washers front and rear
* A/C front and rear
* Power seats move in all directions
* Windows UP/DOWN use EVERY control
* Door Locks
Good luck!
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How far do you live from there? I don;t want to put anyone out for time away from family for a schmuck they dont know lol.
I don't know about the chrome part, when I google 2002 Excursions I see lots of chrome bumpers.
Shouldn't an '02 Limited have body matching color Grilles AND Bumpers?
It looks like the rear bumper is also chromed.
Now, it MIGHT be that a prior owner wanted to just upgrade to the '05+ Front Grille and headlights, but I'd be sure to inspect the front fenders/grille VERY closely both from underneath and from under the hood. Paint-to-Match Factory grilles are no longer available - hence folks go with the Chrome version, but this also has chrome bumpers.
Check the front door hinge area(s) for ANY sign of adjustments.
My Ex had an undocumented front end issue, but I've had no issues - so it doesn't mean it's NOT worth buying.
BRING a flashlight!!
I recently bought a user 1999 F350 w/v10:
Remember to check:
* exhaust manifold bolts (use flashlight inside wheel wells!)
* Wipers and washers front and rear
* A/C front and rear
* Power seats move in all directions
* Windows UP/DOWN use EVERY control
* Door Locks
Good luck!
It looks like the rear bumper is also chromed.
Now, it MIGHT be that a prior owner wanted to just upgrade to the '05+ Front Grille and headlights, but I'd be sure to inspect the front fenders/grille VERY closely both from underneath and from under the hood. Paint-to-Match Factory grilles are no longer available - hence folks go with the Chrome version, but this also has chrome bumpers.
Check the front door hinge area(s) for ANY sign of adjustments.
My Ex had an undocumented front end issue, but I've had no issues - so it doesn't mean it's NOT worth buying.
BRING a flashlight!!
I recently bought a user 1999 F350 w/v10:
Remember to check:
* exhaust manifold bolts (use flashlight inside wheel wells!)
* Wipers and washers front and rear
* A/C front and rear
* Power seats move in all directions
* Windows UP/DOWN use EVERY control
* Door Locks
Good luck!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: West Hills, Ca.
Here in LA, I just bought a 2000 4x2 V10 Exc XLT with 125,000 for $5500 in great shape.
Seemed almost to good to be true... Good tires, new oil change(ford filter), good Monroe shocks, etc etc.. only thing that it "needs" is a transmission checkup and a coolant flush to bring the maintenance up to snuff.
Seemed almost to good to be true... Good tires, new oil change(ford filter), good Monroe shocks, etc etc.. only thing that it "needs" is a transmission checkup and a coolant flush to bring the maintenance up to snuff.