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I'm new to the forum but have been reading through these threads for quite some time. I have been looking around for an excursion for a daily driver, family vehicle, but also as a possible tow vehicle for a future camper. I’ve never owned a 6.0 and I know their track record isn’t the greatest but wanted to put it out there and see what y’alls thoughts were.
I checked out an 03 Ex Eddie Bauer the other day with a 6.0 in it. The body has appx 220k but motor was replaced with a motor that had around 80k about six or seven years ago. Current motor has around 130k on it. It’s has minimal rust on the undercarriage and rocker panels. No body rust and no visible structural issues. Never been in an accident etc. the EGR valve was recently replaced. I checked for blow by and there was none. Car fax shows frequent oil changes and maintenance. Brake lines were recently replaced and upgraded to copper. Tires are also new. Test drove it and didn’t find any issues with shifting or any issues coming from injectors. Also found no codes showing and no lights on the dash. That being said I am wondering what a reasonable purchase price would be. They are asking around 5k.
Sounds like a decent deal, I know you said there were no dash lights but did you have anything to monitor vitals while you test drove it? Did you check for pressure in the cooling system once up to temp?
Be cautious because that $5k deal can turn into over $10k very quickly
No, there didn’t seem to be any blow by. The only thing I did to check was take the oil cap off and flip it upside down and it stayed on there while running.
I didn’t have any sort of monitors or computers hooked up while test driving it. Just the gauges on the dash reflecting temperature etc.
Without having done that maybe it’s best to just stay away? Seemed like a decent deal but again, I have never owned one and not familiar with them which is why I’m here haha
Dash gauges are really not accurate enough to monitor much. Maybe the fuel gauge?
If you have a smartphone, there are apps that will read the engine sensors, will need to get a WiFi or Bluetooth obd adapter. Not much cost involved.
Forscan app is real good.
Not telling you to stay away, it could be an awesome deal😊 I have an 05 Excursion that I bought 5 years ago with 85k miles. I’ve put a bunch of money into it, had headgaskets done, and have taken care of known issues. It now has over 260k miles on it and is running strong. I don’t regret the $ I’ve put into it, it’s my favorite vehicle I’ve owned truck-wise. Just be prepared to need to put some money into it. If you’re ok with that, then it’s an awesome vehicle to have!
Ok good to know thank you for the input. Trying to get as much input as I can to make the most well informed and wisest decision possible. I’ll have to look into the Bluetooth scanner and the app. Thanks guys. Any additional input is very much appreciated.
Questions: Is the engine studded? Any mods? Do you have access to a OBDII scan tool?
At 5k, that's a good deal if the body truly is rust free. Even if you need a new long block later, that truck will be worth decent money.
I have an '03 EB Excursion with a 6.0. Bought it for $10k. Just put in $16k and plan to drive it for life. I'm putting in my new long block this weekend.
There were no mods done. It’s not studded and the only replacement that I can see was the EGR valve. I don’t have an OBD scanner but I may go pick one up and take another trip. Another guy was looking at it right before me and said no codes showing but I didn’t have one to hook up while I test drove it.
its rust free on the body and minimal on the undercarriage. Rocker panels had minor minimal rust near rear passenger door on both sides. I stood on the running boards and bounced and they didn’t budge.
The best way to monitor what's important on a 6.0 is have the Torque Pro app and a wireless OBD2 adapter. I monitor my 2003 6.0 Excursion all the time. If you can get the adapter SOON, get one. Its critical to see these things. I paid 4600 for my Excursion last October, it had 253k on it when I bought it and got it in Tennessee and has no rust at all!
There were no mods done. It’s not studded and the only replacement that I can see was the EGR valve. I don’t have an OBD scanner but I may go pick one up and take another trip. Another guy was looking at it right before me and said no codes showing but I didn’t have one to hook up while I test drove it.
its rust free on the body and minimal on the undercarriage. Rocker panels had minor minimal rust near rear passenger door on both sides. I stood on the running boards and bounced and they didn’t budge.
If you can turn a wrench then if you want it, go get it! Diesels are more expensive to fix when **** hits the fan! But they tow like a beast, and I love mine... my wife doesnt since stuff costs so much for it.
