I'm sure you guys get this question all the time so please bear with. I am new to this so just want to make sure I'm getting a fair deal as their aren't a lot of these for sale around me.
I'm looking at a 2003 Bauer V10, 2WD with 172k miles. Hoping to get it for 6k. They are asking $7300. Has a few minor issues but nothing major for a 14 yr old vehicle.
Fair price? The oil pan will need to be replaced sometime in the near future and has a small leak in the rear diff. Mechanic says it's ok for now. Driver seat is very worn with a few tears and could use a new grill. Other than that not much to report.
I'm weighing buying this vs replacing the engine in my '07 King Ranch for about $7.5k.
Any Thoughts?

 

Welcome from a fellow Floridian!

The first thoughts that come into my head are:

Do you need the seating that comes with an Ex?
If not, then why get one?
The King Ranch is a nice truck.
I can tell you that there are a host of little "things" that can and do break on the Ex... if you buy that Ex, you will be faced with all of those things that you don't know about cropping up. One thing to remember also, just about any part you could need from the dashboard rearward is a discontinued part from Ford... you will have to raid junkyards for them... not much aftermarket support that I have found.
As for driveline and engine, you can get new parts for all of that.

If you are happy with your truck.. If your truck performs the functions you need.. If you have already replaced a bunch of stuff on your truck and it is reliable.. then I, personally wouldn't jump into an Ex.

Now.. I'm NOT trying to talk you out of it! I'm just playing the same games I play in my own head when thinking about dumping one vehicle for another.

As for the price? "Eddie Bauer" means nothing to me. Year, overall condition and miles mean the most. I may do it for 6K... not 7300.

Good luck! I'm sure others will chime in soon.

 

Thanks for the thoughts DSN46.
I could use the space. I have 5 kids under 13 years old!
I got on the kick after seeing what I could buy for the same price as replacing the engine in the King. Apparently there is a common prob with the 5.4 Triton 3V engine in the King.
Researching I've found I think the Ex's are pretty cool.
But the end of the day with wife's new work schedule, I don't often need to fit all 5 grommets in the truck.
Thanks again.

 

Gotcha Brother.
We have 4 kids still at home, all under 16 yrs. If it weren't for that plus having to pull a 35' travel trailer, I would still be in a Suburban.

Looks like you have this thought out, so I will no longer play the opposition.

That being said, I love my Ex.... little quirks and all.

Good luck.

 

We have 4 kids and use our Ex for family adventures ans my wife uses it as her daily.

Then there is my 2005 F350 CC DRW I did use to pull 5th wheel but now just daily driver. I honestly don't need my pickup but I can't see getting rid of it unless someone came with a good looking Ex maybe then but I still wouldn't need it.

Having 4 to 5 kids in a SD pickup can be tricky and find it might be better suited for you in thr EX.

I'm also with everyone on the fact that if you have done a lot on your truck then it may not worth swapping.

 

I swapped both diff covers and tranny cover - here
near the end of that thread there are pictures of the three MAG-HYTECH covers mounted on the EX

here is a closer look AT the three covers - here
strictly a better closeup view of the MAG-HYTECH covers before they were mounted on the truck

not cheap, but peace of mine for ME. I'm not saying they are a must, just something I do for most of my vehicles when it is possible - i'm a big believer in more lubrication is a good thing.