Hey all,

The family is outgrowing our POS 2003 Honda Odyssey. After having to sit in the 3rd row tonight and feeling like a sardine, I want to upgrade to a large SUV.

I rode in the '07 Expedition and didn't think it would have enough space so now I am thinking used Excursion.

There is one for sale at the local dealer:

'05 XLT 4x4
Toreador Red/Gray Int.
40k
V10
Leather Seats
DVD
Towing Mirrors

Their asking price is high, $26,995. I figure I can get $15k for my minivan and don't want to spend more than $10k out of pocket. Can I get this Excursion for less than $25k?

The VIN# is 1FMNU41S15ED44007 if someone wouldn't mind running an Oasis for me.

Thanks for any advice in advance,
Eric

 

It really depends on the demand in your area for that truck. For example I live near Edmonton Alberta but I just bought a 2001 Ex in Winnipeg Manitoba because I could get it for $8000 cdn less. The only reason was demand -- lots in Edmonton almost none in Winnipeg. I paid $14,500 US for a 2001 Ex XLT 4X4 with 49,000 miles, cloth interior, and no DVD. I'd suggest shopping around outside of your area but in the end remember its your money and your butt in the Ex so get what will put a satisfied smile of pride on your face !!

 

go for the diesel X it is sooo cool

 

I bought my X for 25K even near Dallas (Jan. 07')
05' X Lmtd.
4X4 V10 - excellent condition
18" aftermaket chrome wheels / tires.
35K miles
As far as I know the only thing it doesn't have is tow mirrors. (which will be coming soon. Also want to upgrade to 22" wheels...)

I have seen some better deals, and some worse. I think you should be able to beat 25K, assuming prices are not overly inflated in your area.

I could have gone with something smaller as I only have 2 kids, but pulling a boat and camping made my decision, and I could not be happier with my purchase. The X is an awesome vehicle. (just be prepared for gas mileage if you get the V10)

Make an offer, and if they don't take it leave your number and look elsewhere. I bought my X online, so just look around.

Good luck

 

You should definitely be able to beat $25k. I got mine for around 25K at a Ford Dealership near Myrtle Beach SC in Aug of 06.

2005 Limited
V-10 4X4
Pueblo Gold
17K Miles

Don't forget to budget for ride and handling quality upgrades - New shocks, rear anti-sway bar (if not already equipped), and radius rods. These upgrades make a major difference in control, especially if towing.

Also, as Freak30 previously stated, be ready for SERIOUS gas bills. Last week I put in $100 and the tank still was not full. ($2.89 / Gal).

 

I Paid $29,900 For My Ex Last October At Holman Ford. It Was A Ford Corp Vehicle, Mint Cond.

2005 Excursion Limited 4x4
V10
17,000 Miles
Mineral Gray
Tan Leather Int.

Despite The Hugh Gas Bill At The Pumps, It's Nice To Be The Largest Vehicle On The Roadway, With The Exception Of Tractor Trailers And Dump Trucks.

 

...and 15 passenger vans and crew cab dually's...

 

2005 PSD EB Blue Loaded
23,000 Miles
$31K
Bay Area, CA
Purchased 02/2007

 

I bought my '05 X 4X4 V-10 Limited about a year ago for $26,000.00 with 11,000 miles on it. This was in upstate NY. It sounds to me like you could whack a few thousand off of the selling price. In any case, you'll love it.

 

I got my 2000 for 13k, Private owner loaded Ltd .Had 54000 on it perfect condition. He couldnt take the gas mileage. Ive since upgraded wheels,tires and front end, Now looks like 2005.

 

I did the Honda Oddyssey thing too....to small! I love my Ex have a 2004 6.0 that gets the same mileage as the Honda did?? Get one!!! Stay away from the V-10, especially since gas prices just keep getting higher and higher!! I get anywhere from 16-21 mpg never been below 16 ever, except when I tow my toy hauler! On average I get about 16.5-17.5 mpg in town and 18-21 on the highway! GO DIESEL! If your in AZ diesel is $2.70 per gallon while gas is 3.05 per gal.......enough said, good luck!!

 

In the used `05s the diesels were $10k more. Yes, you will get some of that back when you sell it depending on the miles. BUT, that price difference pays for several years worth of gas to put in a v10. Our `05 V10 gets about 10mpg in severe "mommy duty" - lots of idling picking up ad dropping off kids and running errands in traffic. Friends with the 6.0 diesel get 13-13.5 under essentially the same conditions.

I'd say it's far from a no-brainer, but gas/diesel price per gallon could change that at any time. If gas were $4 and diesel $3, I think it would then be very attractive.

If you're going to tow, definitely get the 4.3 gears if you can find a truck with them.

FWIW, we paid 29.9k for our `05 V10 4x4 Limited w/dvd with 16k miles in March of 2006. Even though it's a gas pig, you see quite a few of them here in Texas.

Happy Shopping,

Doug

 

I wasn't able to get to look at it on Saturday as planned. I spoke with the salesman but he wasn't sure of anything more that was in the ad.

I asked about the gearing and he said it had the standard axle - is that 3.73 or 4.10 for the V10? I wish it had the 4.30 as well.

I also found out that the dealership was using it as a rental, which worries me a lot. They claim to have all the service records and all that stuff but I wonder how valid they are.

I'm hoping it will still be there Friday so I can look at it.

As far as the Gas vs. Diesel thing. I don't need a diesel and since my wife drives about 500 miles a month, the difference in fuel economy is minimal. I plan on using it as a mommy runner, all short trips and stop and go driving. There won't be much towing.

I am considering an F-250 Crew Cab as well, they're running a little higher price wise.

Thanks,
Eric

 

Eric,

What do you really plan on doing with the Ex? Towing or just people moving?

I ask only because your last post you mentioned a crew cab but your first post you said an Expy EL was too small?...

First off an Ex is not the most parking lot friendly vehicle. If you are just moving people...the Expy EL looks like a sharp vehicle BUT you will NOT find a used one right now...

As far as rental units...personally people that are renting an Ex are generally not your typical beaters on vehicles...sure they will accelerate harder and brake harder but nothing more than this vehicle could tolerate.

Now if you plan on towing medium to heavy...and you don't have to haul alot of people...I prefer the crew cab...they make much better tow vehicles.

The Ex got the nod for me due to the LONG trips we take pulling our TT. Having a third row seat helps to keep the "chatter" from the kids to a minimum. We pulled near 7000 miles last year and having one daughter in the back and one in the middle was SWEET...plus when the girls bring a friend each for camping trips...that makes for 6 of us in the cabin...two people in each row and STILL stuff behind the third row and still all that weight behind!...do that with ANY 1/2 ton SUV!...NOT!!!

So depending on what your needs are...there "may" be better choices. IMO the Ex fills a good nitche market...ANY vehicle that goes near 8000#'s just rolling down the road IMO doesn't make for a mommy vehicle...but that is just me...I bought it for the HUGE space inside and the 3/4 ton chassis and monster motor to haul a LARGE travel trailer...in fact my theory on the reason you can find so many V10 Excursions on the market is people bought them thinking they were a typical "SUV"...a V10 powered MONSTER is NOT your typical SUV...8-10MPGs around town and most "mommies" ditched them.

I picked up my 2005 V10 XLT with 14K miles up in October 2005 for under $25K...I've added about $2K in gears, Hellwig, Airbags and towing mirrors and have a MONSTER pull dog that I wouldn't trade for the world...the interior space is incredible and the 4.30's pull very strong...BUT if I were looking for a people mover and didn't need to tug around a 4.5 TON / 34' long travel trailer...I wouldn't own this beast...but that's just me.

joe.