Buying advice - rust versus miles
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2011
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Buying advice - rust versus miles
The budget for a new Family escape pod is $4000-7000 - I live in Eastern NC. I would drive 10 hours for the right deal From where i live and going south I can find a V10 with 0ver 200K for $4000 all day long, $7000 gets me into something like a Limited, very clean with 150,000 miles. All private sellers.
If i go north into jersey and PA i can find lower miles with rust. Even 7.3 with 200k for $7000
Usually when we bring those cancer ridden northern cars down here the rust stops and they tend not get any worse. But you know when it's time to work on the undercarriage nothing is coming off without a fight.
So my question is, do what degree does road salt and winter conditions affect the drive train? Are there any issues specific to the Excursion?
Would you take a chance on some rust to get into a diesel for less than $7k ?
If i go north into jersey and PA i can find lower miles with rust. Even 7.3 with 200k for $7000
Usually when we bring those cancer ridden northern cars down here the rust stops and they tend not get any worse. But you know when it's time to work on the undercarriage nothing is coming off without a fight.
So my question is, do what degree does road salt and winter conditions affect the drive train? Are there any issues specific to the Excursion?
Would you take a chance on some rust to get into a diesel for less than $7k ?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,667
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Having some rust issues (though not terrible) myself, I'd opt for a rust free X over worrying about the mileage, gas or diesel. These engines (even some 6.0's) are lasting a good long while if taken care of properly. The drivetrain is what it is for mileage and parts wear out so I feel it's more important to drive one and possibly have it checked by a local shop if you're so inclined. Also, read up on the entire tech folder as we on the X side have one of the best, even on FTE.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2011
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I agree, at current gas prices and what i plan to do with the truck a diesel isn't worth it. The choice is more like -PA truck with 160,000 miles and rust for $4k versus NC truck with 210,000 miles and no rust for $4k
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2019
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As one who has a rusty one, I would say get a higher mileage one with no rust. That isn't an option in MN that comes up very often and I would have had to fly somewhere to find one without rust. Rust repair is expensive as I am finding out.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Media PA
For me, rust is a deal breaker. Go South and buy the cleanest lowest mileage newest example your budget allows. 
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,314
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From: TN
^^^ THIS ^^^
Rust is a very large deal breaker. Miles don't concern me nearly as much especially if properly maintained.
Rust is a very large deal breaker. Miles don't concern me nearly as much especially if properly maintained.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 947
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From: Columbus Ohio
I agree... I live in Ohio and went to Tennessee to get my 03 Excursion which had 251k on it when I bought it, but it's a 6.0!. I've studded it so don't worry! I paid $4600 for it. Keep looking, they are out there!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2011
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I would lean towards the rust free side. Keep in mind it isn't just the body side for rust but every time you work on any suspension, brakes etc. it will be harder to take things apart. I would look for the rust free one and then protect/undercoat the heck out of it.
Rob
Rob
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