So there is a Excursion around the corner for me that i have only seen out of the drive way once is 11 years. Yesterday there was someone in the drive way and I stopped and asked about it. The owner said they have it as a tow vehicle for a 37 foot TT in a Seasonal Site in Upper WI, that they have decided to sell and in doing so will also be selling the Ex. It has 46K miles on it as well as a snow plow. I am interested in it but it would be a Tow vehicle for our TT and most likely driven for me to and from work after my oldest gets her Drivers license in 13 months or so. I would like opinions on Issues to look for as well as practicality of this, and what type of price It would be worth.

 

 

As pirate said, they can age and rust just sitting still, they are getting pretty old these days. Those low miles should translate to good sound engine and trans condition, except for the potential of accelerated wear from the snow plowing it may have done. In my opinion plowing snow is just about the most brutal punishment that you can do to a truck, especially if used for that work commercially in a Northern zone like Wisconsin. But maybe it was just used for their own driveway and a neighbor or two, that wouldn't be too bad. I would question the owner about the extent of it's plowing history. I would give it a very thorough examination for rust, windshield frame, rockers, inner rockers, cab under floor and roof. Rust to the point of metal loss would be a deal breaker for me, but you will need to set your own standard. As far as typical V-10 issues go it's pretty much just the exhaust manifold studs that are prone to breaking and the short plug threads on pre-'03 engines. The exhaust studs are a pain to deal with, but they can be replaced by a good DIY owner with a few tools and some time invested. Even the early motors with the short plug threads can live long happy lives if care is taken when changing plugs and a bit of extra torque is applied to the new ones. Otherwise the 6.8 is very dependable but thirsty, expect between 10 and 14 MPG in daily driver use.