Hey everyone,

I posted this in the new buyer forum, but I figured I might get more feedback on the Excursion PSD here.

I'm considering a purchase of a new 05 Expy XLT 4x4 (actually I've been "considering" it for a while, just need to save some $$) but lately I've been looking more at the Excursion PSD. The biggest reason is fuel economy -- since the PSD can get up to 20 MPG on the highway, and I've been hearing the Expy only gets 13-15, that would save me a bunch of $$ in fuel costs. I drive about 20k miles per year and plan on keeping the truck for 8-10 years. I'm seeing a difference of about $6500 invoice between the 05 Expy and Excursion PSD for the XLT 4x4 with the options I would want, and I could save that much on gas over about 6 years (20k miles per year, $2.00 a gallon).

Here is my question: what other considerations are there in comparing these two vehicles? I can definitely use the extra interior space for kids, hauling stuff, etc., and since I currently have an F150 with an 8' bed, I like the idea of being able to fit a 4x8 sheet inside the vehicle with the rear doors closed (the Expy isn't quite long enough). Obviously the towing capability of the Excursion is better than the Expy, and although I don't really need it now I like the idea of having the extra GCWR and tow capacity.

But what I'd most like to know is, especially from Expy and Excursion owners, how do they compare regarding the cost of maintenance and upkeep. Is the 6.0 PSD any harder (or easier) to maintain than the 5.4L V8? I do all my own fluid service work, and lots of little things here and there, but I take my truck to the shop for major maintenance and repair work. How about reliability? Any other info, ride quality, fit & finish, etc.?

Thanks for the info, FTE rocks!

 

Since I own both I feel a bit qualified to say that the interior function inside the Expy beats the Excuresion hands down.

The seats are way superior and safer for the occupants.

Okay...that said if diesel weren't 2.75 a gallon and gas 2.29 I would get another Excursion in a heartbeat over the Expy.

The Expy is a nice "town car" but the Excursion is just more capable for all those "just in cases".

I just wish they'd upgrade the seats. But that would never happen...

 

You can get the 5.4L in the Excursion too. I traded up from the 03' Expy 5.4L 265 HP to a 7.3L PTD for towing capability and shoul dhave just purchased it in the first place.

 

My buddy has an 04 Expy 4.6 I think and he gets 16 in town and 20 on the road. He is a gentle driver. You also need to add in there the fact that diesel is more expensive now than gas. Here gas is 1.85 and diesel is 2.19. As for maintenance, I got mine close to the time he got his but mine has yet to be in the shop. He has received new tires, new heads, new front joints of some sort, new springs/shocks and is still not happy. There is a front end vibration that the dealership agrees with but cannot fix. The heads were replaced due to start up noise along with some other part and that fixed the start up prob. Each vehicle is different. Someone on here had a PSD bought back (Lemon)while others have had no problems. I understand the earlier builds were the problems. My recommendation is to get the V10, but only if you need more room and easier towing. I get 14-14.5 normally on the highway with a V10 and 35s averaging 75-85. A guy that I work with has a V8 Excursion and he gets the same MPG as I do after my lift!! I am not sure, but one guy that posted the 20mpg was around 65mph without stopping for P breaks. I do not recommend getting a PSD X just for the perceived fuel economy. Get it if you tow alot of heavy stuff as that is where it really shines. I am preferential to the X, but you need to buy what you like best, even if it is overkill!

 

I just traded in my 2000 Expy EB for a 2004 Excursion EB PSD, and couldn't be happier. I'm getting about 17 MPG on the X and had been getting around 13 with the Expy, mixed highway/city. But that is only with 1200 miles on it...it will continue to get better as the engine and tranny are broken in. The fit and finish is comparible between the two, as are the interior amenities. The extra power you get with the PSD is amazing, great acceleration. I like the fact that I can haul all I want, tow all I want, and still have room for the wife, kids, dogs, friends and everybody's luggage. Something that is compromised with the Expy. Plus, I had significant problems with the Expy's transmission and towing a small boat or trailer seemed like a chore, even with the 5.4. I also had problems with some electrical stuff on the Expy...front and rear wipers turning on for no apparent reason, side mirrors changing positions all the time, just little "gremlin" stuff that gets very annoying (and somewhat common if you check the forums here). Not to say this won't happen on the X, but I sure haven't heard about it from other users yet.

As far as diesel being more expensive than gas, I expect that to change back to normal before too long, once the heating oil shortage fears die down again. I would recommend the PSD without a blink.

 

My personal opinion is that you would be much happier with the expedition if you don't plan on doing a lot of towing. It is much better equipped inside, rides better, rattles less, and is much less truck like than the Excursion. The Excursion is a truck, with truck manners and a basic truck feel. The Expedition feels more like a 1500 Tahoe or Surburban and is much better appointed inside. The Excursion is not simply a bigger version of the Expedition - they are two completely different animals.

That said, who knows where you'll be or what toys you'll need to tow over the next ten years. I think there are a lot of us on this forum, me included, who bought too little truck at some point in our life and took a beating on it trading it on the bigger truck later. Also, when you own a beast like the PSD Excursion, you start looking for heavy, expensive stuff to tow behind it, like boats, tractors, racecars, campers, etc. Its called "diesel disease" and a lot of us have it bad. There's no known cure short of bankruptcy, so consider yourself forewarned! Good luck reaching a decision.

 

I have owned a Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, & a Lincoln Navigator. Right now, I have Two Ford Excursions Limiteds. I rate the Excursion # 1 in my eyes. While it may not have as many options as a Lexus Lx470, or Mercedes ML320, The Excursion is far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I get 17mpg in the city, and on the highway, I get between 20---23mpg (depending on how i drive) My Excursions have been trouble ""FREE"". Keep in mind, when you get the powerstroke, it comes with a 5 year 100,000 mile warrenty, verses the 3 year 36,000 mile warrenty. I love driving my Excursions, when I drive them, it gives me that "KING OF THE ROAD" feel. They are big, but overall, they are VERY easy to drive. I drive mine on long trips, and park them in VERY tight places with very little trouble (thanks to reverse sensing system). They are the ULTIMATE vehicle for traveling, LOTS of room for suit cases, and longs of room for passengers, and best of all, you dont have to stop at every other exit to fill up. I can fill my Excursion up to the neck, and can travel 860 miles without re-fueling. (driving at 65---70mph)
My Expedition & Navigator got between 12---15 miles per gallon.
The Expeditions are nice, but overall, would I get another one? My answer is no way. My Excursions have SPOILED ME. Both of mine are in MINT condition, and will be up for sale in about 3 or 4 months and will be replaced by a matching pair of 2005 Excursions.
I wish Ford would wake up and see what they have, and what the Excursion could be. It takes a little advertisement, and adding some new features.
Jeff

 

I don't own an Expedition, but drove one while my Excursion was in the shop after I took the 2nd drunk driver off the road in my Excursion. She was unable to control her car at 65mph and crossed the center median and I hit her broadside doing 65mph with a semi in the right lane next to me. Let me tell you I am darn glad that I was in my Excursion at the time. I was fine and all my passengers were fine. She was in a coma for a month and is lucky to be alive. If the radiator hadn't been punctured I would have driven it home....
I liked the Expy, but didn't really like the steering. I plan on keeping my Excursion for a long time. After two hard hits it is no worse for the wear and is the safest thing I have ever driven. You never plan on getting in an accident, but it can happen in a heartbeat and when it does you will be thankful that you were in such a tank!
Good luck with your decision.
Pat

 

The Expedition is the better riding, handling and fuel efficient truck. The X is the better work towing vehicle. The X is an F250 SUV. The Expy is a family friendly SUV with comfort to boot. I would not buy an X just for the diesel.

 

I agree, it all depends on the vehicles use. For towing and maximum room the X can't be beat. For city driving with no off road or towing and more limited room the Expedition would be fine. My X gets better fuel economy than my friends Expedition, so I call it an economy car.
I tow, go off road when hunting, fishing and camping. Haul two kids, two large dogs in crates and carry tons of stuff in the truck. I couldn't do it with an Expedition. But for many it is the best choice. My kids would rather ride in the X than in my wife's Volvo S80. In the X they can recline and have their own bucket seats and plenty of leg room.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. Hopefully by the time the 05 rebates (hopefully) increase after the new year, I'll have made my decision...

 

KIDS: You need the excursion, because the rear seat hold 3 entire car seats on either middle or rear row with spare room. The Expedition is too small and not kid-friendly.

ADULTS: If you ever take out the Mrs. and another couple for whatever, they can sit normally in the middle row of the Ex. BUt in the expedition, your knees are in your chest.

If you want room, flexibility, space, and better mileage, get the X.

16 mpg city
22 mpg highway

 

You must be referring to the older body styles...

I regularly ride in the 3rd seat of my Expedition with no discomfort. The seats and interior are really the best part of the 03+ Expeditions. Everything else is just ...well...vanilla.

 

The extra warranty on the PSD is ONLY on the motor. The whole truck is still just covered by a 3/36K warranty. The 5/100K on the motor also has a small deductable. Nice to have but it does not cover the whole truck.

The mileage numbers on the 6.0PSD's, especially the 4wd models, is not as good as the old 7.3's. Most seem to report 14-15 all around and 17-18 on the hiway. That's what my 6.0 got, too. Worse in the long winters up here in MN with the winter blend fuels. Between the worse mileage of the new crop of more powerful diesel's and the currently higher fuel prices, it's getting harder and harder to justify a diesel on fuel savings costs. It's important to note that you do get a substantial return at trade in or re-sale time, though. And for pulling big loads, there's nothing better.

I guess you need to weigh it all against your personal needs and get the one that makes the most sense for you.

 

During the test drive with my 03' Expedition I rode in the 3rd row. Wife was driving. It had better leg room than the 2nd row with front all the way back.

The Expedition got 12 mpg city and no better than 16 mpg hwy. 7 mpg towing no better than 45 mph on the steep hills.

The 2001 Excursion w/ 7.3L Diesel has waaaaaaaaaaay more room and gets 14-15 city and 17-18 hwy. Towing well, I was pulling 9000 lbs going 70 mph up 4% for 12 miles, but it got 7.5 mpg. Hope to see 10 mpg on next trip with lighter foot.