Looking for a reliable daily and also a commuter for the occasional long trip and I've been looking into 7.3 Excursions. Found one I like around the $8000 dollar mark, it has a nice interior and is 4x4 (which is a must for where this car will be driving). It's an 01 7.3 powerstroke auto trans (which I assume is a 4R100). It has 273k miles on it, which is no small number for an automatic transmission if it's original. I own a couple obs trucks and am pretty mechanically inclined, but I'm unfamiliar with NBS trucks as a whole. I'm primarily interested because of the spacious interior and ability to have lots of people and luggage as well as getting good mpgs and being backed by a 7.3 powerstroke. I would be doing mostly around town driving every day with a 2000 mile road trip about twice a year where I would commute with multiple people and luggage. What are some things I need to look into when checking out this or any other excursion? My current experience is with a 96 4.9L F150 auto (an E4OD that I rebuilt -- hence my hesitancy towards a 4R100) and a 1993 7.3 IDI F-250, so it would be a learning curve for sure. This needs to be a sound vehicle and unfortunately cannot be a project. I am aware there will be upfront costs for routine maintenance off the bad such as fluids and filters but other than that it can't become a money pit. Any advice is appreciated, other alternative vehicle suggestions, past experiences, etc. Thanks.

 

If you're not wanting a project then you probably don't want to buy a 25 year old truck with nearly 300,000 miles on the clock. Not trying to talk you off the ledge or trash on these trucks. I love these old rigs, but they are not without their quarks especially with the age they've acquired. If the truck is still rockin all it's original parts the you'll be lookin at a set of injectors sooner than later, it probably needs up pipes already, injector cups at some point, oil cooler reseal, hutch mod, and so on and so on and so on and so on.

 

You have a point there. Maintenance parts definitely would add up. I should say that a newer vehicle is probably out of the question cost wise, however that doesn't mean I couldn't get something slightly newer. I am used to working on older vehicles so I was thinking maybe I could stay more in region of "expertise". That being said there is absolutely a difference when fixing/diagnosing a 7.3 powerstroke vs. IDI if need be. Funny enough I honestly might be better off getting an IDI which would be even older. I understand a single PS injector can run the cost of a full set of IDI injectors. Maybe I should be looking into an IDI van or crewcab (or even a single/ext cab with a bed camper cover) on the nicer side so I have a launching point. Obviously these vehicles are older and that also means things will be worn out, but I would have a better conceptual understanding of such a machine. I was also thinking of looking into early 2000s 4Runners/RAV4s and the likes, but I'm much more of a Ford guy and I would like it to be diesel ideally for the primary purpose of reliability v(simplicity), mpgs, and reduced maintenance parts (other than the proprietary air lines every 2 months ). Parts costs would also be a consideration -- it should NOT be a project but if a part is needed it would almost certainly be cheaper. Thanks for the input!

 

Nothing wrong with a Toyota. I've had more than my share of Toyota Pickups and without a doubt those things are built "Ford Tough". You might find one of those Sequoias for a song. They're nearly as big as an Excursion, and not a lot of people really go shopping for anything that big. So you might find one on the cheap.

 

Awesome, I appreciate the insight. I am completely fine driving something other than a Ford, I am just more familiar with Ford than any other brand. The sequoias do look nice, I think I'll pursue that suggestion a little more. Seems to be in the area of what I would want to get. I've found on or two with the 2UZ-FE 4.7Ls which I've heard good things about. Once again a lot of these are between 230k-275k miles. What in particular should I be checking if I go to look at one? I have enough knowledge to know what noises cause what, listening to see if the engine is healthy, feeling the trans shift thru gears and feel for any sort of jump between PNDR, checking for rust, etc, but specific to these first gen sequoias is there anything I should really keep my eyes peeled for? One of the listings I'm looking into claims it has recently had the timing chain replaced and a few other maintenance parts (I'm taking all of these repairs with a grain of salt, naturally). Also open to any other recs people may have about other vehicles.

 

4Runner or RAV4 are both very dependable vehicles, but they’re much smaller than an Excursion. My wife drives a 4Runner (newish to us). She loves it, but it’s not very roomy. Toyotas have a reputation for longevity for a reason. My daily Scion tC (Toyota) has nearly 300k, son’s Camry is over 240k, and daughters Camry is an 07 but with a low 165k. All of them have been very good to us.

The Sequoias I’ve seen go for a pretty penny, but those weren’t in the 20 year old range. Check the price on a new one and you’ll fall over.

Overall the maintenance cost on a decently reliable gasser will be a lot lower compared to the equivalent on a diesel. Diesels just cost more all around. From double the batteries to triple the oil etc.

I won’t talk you out of the 7.3 Excursion though. I think you’d love it as long as it’s a solid vehicle. No one can tell what maintenance may be needed on a 20+ yo truck though. Things will certainly need addressed at some point.
Your ideal situation would be if it was good to go with no real maintenance in the short term, then you could plan ahead for some preventive maintenance items down the road.

That said, I’m not one that would want to daily an old diesel. My commute is too far so it’s not a real option for me, but even if it were short I doubt it would be my daily. Honestly speaking, if someone isn’t planning to work it, then a gasser probably makes more sense. I’m in that boat, but I’m not giving up my 7.3!

 

If it hasn't had 'the usual suspects' done. I'd plan that w/ a purchase. If it's running well, you can do a 'driving restore' on it and replace 'the usual suspects' at convenient times.

 

Take glance in the excursion forum if you haven’t already. Good folks over there too. The diesel excursions are great vehicles but do have some quirks. I would also give a glance to a gas excursion. Not the most fuel efficient, but the v10 is a good motor if maintained. I don’t discount a small SUV, but if you need big, then nothing fits that bill better than an excursion. I have had several Honda Pilots and all have been solid performers. But they also have some quirks to look out for. But they are bigger than a RAV4 good luck finding the right rig for your needs

 

As a 22 year owner of a 7.3 Excursion, I can confirm that you're getting good advice here. A 7.3 4x4 Excursion for $8000 is a guaranteed project.

I love mine, but the to-do list I keep on the shop wall is never empty for long.

Mark

 

I did the cheap 7.3l excursion (01 ex limited, 4wd) thing and it was a project for sure. I bought it expecting that and drove it home straight into the garage. I wouldn't change a thing and have zero regrets. Its been an incredible vehicle.

Most seals have been replaced. All glow plugs and gpcm. The glow plugs turned into a job as a tip broke off in the head so i took the head off. Lots of fuel leaks and oil leaks. The suspension was bad along with most of the axle parts so i went with a coil conversion (axles from an 06 f350). Worth it but a pile of work. Lots of random small fixes. Fuel pump, fuel level sender (which stopped working again recently). New alternator. Replaced battery cable ends. Electrical issues. Ive had it for 4 years.

The size is second to none obviously. Just did a 800mile boys trip in it, 4 people and tons of space (snowbaord weekend). It didnt miss a beat. Tows the tt. Had six kids in it a few times. Kinda does everything except haul a fifth wheel. Mine has a second midship tank so it can go pretty far. It started in -45*C when all my other vehicles didnt (gassers to boot).

I was also not interested in paying post covid prices or going into debt on a depreciating assest again. So a project it was. Kinda want to build a truck with my own bare hands, and the ex has satisfied that. Theres comprimeses with the excursion, but it delivers on some key stuff for our family. It is the goto vehicle for any long or family trip as it will go pretty much anywhere and hold everything (i have 2 daughters) and the trailer in tow.

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We need space in vehicles, I tried to talk my wife into a 7.3 Excursion because I wanted one, but deep down knew it was a bad idea.

2500 Suburban worked out for awhile, now we have an Expedition EL with the 3.5. I like it. Good mpg, runs well consistently at very low RPMs. Good cargo space.

We tried a Sequoia for awhile. No cargo space with the third row and you always pay too much for a Toyota because of the reliability reputation which isn't always justified. If you can fix stuff it's better to get a cheaper Ford or Chevy and make repairs as needed.

I'd recommend watching GSA auctions if you have any nearby for an Expedition EL.

 

Awesome all, thanks for the input. You've all given me a lot to think about. General consensus seems to be $8k excursion is probably at the very least a money pit. Not that it couldn't be reliable but it would require probably more additional cost than I would hope.

 

My dos centavos is it all depends on the condition of the Ex. These are stout and reliable vehicles. If the truck has been neglected and beaten run away, but if it's been maintained with nice interior and exterior I'd consider $8k a bargain. Especially if you have related Ford experience and can turn a wrench.

Best part? FTE. No better support forum.

A good read is the Failure Prevention thread. Very deep dive on anything that can go wrong.

 

Failure 'Prevention' what the heck is that? Are you making up words again? I'm going to have to Google that one, is it English or some gibberish you saw on a takeout menu?

 

I blame the ayahuasca.