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Folks, new member here. I'm about to purchase a 2000 Ex, with 7.3 and 95k mi. and would appreciate any replies. I'm trying to determine if there'e any specific or overall problems with the 2000 model year?
Also, the documented maintenance includes all the basic stuff, fluid changes, new cam sensor, new slotted front rotors, trans flush. Are there any potential "big" problems to look for and what's the best way to determine the health of the transmission. Thanks much in advance. mark
Here is what I do for the transmission. First, I ask why you are selling it. Then I ask for service records. Then I look at the fluid. Now, if you need cash, I am thinking it didn't just happen. So, if you were short on cash, can I trust you to keep up your tranny service? Now, if the fluid is brand spaking new, I ask "why"? People selling their cars don't often bother about fluid changes. I want to see the pan. If there are chunks, run, don't walk. New fluid? Why? Are you trying to cover up something? Look at the brake fluids. Besides MB and a few other brands, ever see them clear? I haven't. Why? They never change fluids. In an MB, if I see dirty fluid, I know that you haven't gone for service since they change it ever other year.
Here is what I do for the transmission. First, I ask why you are selling it. Then I ask for service records. Then I look at the fluid. Now, if you need cash, I am thinking it didn't just happen. So, if you were short on cash, can I trust you to keep up your tranny service? Now, if the fluid is brand spaking new, I ask "why"? People selling their cars don't often bother about fluid changes. I want to see the pan. If there are chunks, run, don't walk. New fluid? Why? Are you trying to cover up something? Look at the brake fluids. Besides MB and a few other brands, ever see them clear? I haven't. Why? They never change fluids. In an MB, if I see dirty fluid, I know that you haven't gone for service since they change it ever other year.
Questions, questions, questions, and of course, an OASIS report. This said report tells you of any and all repairs to the vehicle. It also tells you about certain maintenance items. (if I'm not mistaken). In plain english, it'll tell you weather a vehicle is worth buying or not. All you need is the VIN and one of the guys in the "New Ford/Mercury buyer" forum will run it for you.
Questions, questions, questions, and of course, an OASIS report. This said report tells you of any and all repairs to the vehicle. It also tells you about certain maintenance items. (if I'm not mistaken). In plain english, it'll tell you weather a vehicle is worth buying or not. All you need is the VIN and one of the guys in the "New Ford/Mercury buyer" forum will run it for you.
This only applies to vehicles that are taken to the dealer for servicing. Once you get burned, and you will, your records are not part of any public database.
My suggestion is to get to know the Excursion as well as you can prior to purchasing it. If buying from a real person, get to know him/her as well! I've always found that a trustworthy seller tells you more than you really want to know. A seller who is trying to hide something won't volunteer any information other than the dumb stuff that doesn't matter - did brakes in 2005, recent oil change, etc.
I just purchased mine 7 months ago and was a long time Chev owner. Aside from some minor complaints from getting used to the way Ford does things vs Chev, the biggest surprise I was in for was the handling. If you plan to tow something with it, you'll soon be looking for ways to make it handle better. Do some searches on here for handling, sway bars, and shocks and you'll find lots of reading on it. Seems like most people pointed me in the direction of the Helwig Bar and Bilstein shocks. I put the sway bar on and it helped a lot. The shocks are coming next.
Apparently, you should also plan to do the brakes A LOT or spend money on really good pads and rotors. I put on cheap pads and rotors when I bought mine and it's scary to drive right now because of the shuddering. I'll be looking into better parts.
I never tow anything big and I hate the jostling when I pull into my neighborhood and into my driveway. I'm considering removing that huge sway bar in front to soften the ride. My son's $700 Isuzu Trooper rides a lot better!
My brakes pulse a little bit. $103/rotor at Autozone! I'm going to live with the pulsing for a while. 40k miles on all 4 brakes and all have lots of pad life left.