What would you do?
Grandson with laptop computer,, and power station in 3rd seat
Grand daughter and grandmother in Seat 2 listening to Ipod type music and juking out on power plug.
Me and Wife in front captains chairs controlling our own AC and radio with 4 cupholders.
7.3 Diesel and 17.7 at 75 mph on top + 4wd..
Oh forgot about the luggage in the back.
And by the way.. 6000+ boat on the rear.
And all this for $13,400 on ebay.
You've received different opinions, but I don't think anyone has steered you wrong. It all boils down to decisions you have to make. What are your needs? What are your preferences? How many will be in the vehicle most times you use it? How many will be in the vehicle those times you travel more than 30 minutes? How much gear do you need to take with you? Do you want to leave it in the vehicle at all times, or load and unload it as necessary? How long do you plan to keep it, and how many miles will you put on it over that period of time?
When the Excursion was first released I began to drool and try to decide on the powertrain I would be most pleased with over 200k to 300k miles. And I simply could not justify paying retail price for a spanking new Excursion. Not when I had a perfectly good Suburban (my second) at home. Several years later, with 130k on the Sub, I was ready to "trade up". I found an '01 Ex with 7.3 Powerstroke and just over 100k miles. Three years later she has 210k miles, worn leather on my seat, and the color worn off the leather on the steering wheel. Over the past 110k miles I've had to replace an alternator, water pump, and just a few weeks ago the transmission needed a little work. None of which did I think was unreasonable. And the 7.3 will use/burn about a quart of oil between synthetic oil changes every 5k miles.
Yes, I am biased. I do prefer the Excursion over a pickup, even a crew cab. I keep a lot of "stuff" in the back, most of it in large containers. The few times a year I need that space for something else, I can easily set out some or all of the storage containers. Even the cooler, if I really need all the space. lol
And while I travel 30-40 miles alone daily to and from work, on the weekends I most often have 5-7 other people in the X with me. And at least once monthly those trips are 100-300 miles. THAT is when all the space is valuable. Not to me, but to those that travel with me. Like vettdvr, I like, need and want the "people room".
My bias is also towards the diesel engines. I've not got any issues with the V10, as I think it is a worthy engine in the X. But the 5.4 V8 should be limited to soccer moms or those that will never attach a trailer. And as someone has already noted, there are reasons why those with a diesel engine have a higher resale value. It's not that it is a superior engine over the V10, but it has a track record. Perhaps one day the V10's will not be classified with the other gas engines, with regards to longevity. However, I doubt that anyone will ever get the MPG out of a V10 that can be had from the 7.3 or 6.0, assuming they are equipped/modified and used in the same manner.
So it all boils down to your decisions. Neither will be a bad choice. But one will be a better choice for you and your needs. (And we're not even considering what you may simply "want".) Good luck with your search, and your choice. Either will be one that you can easily live with for years and years. I know I've not regretted my decision a single day, even when I had to shell out several hundred dollars for a water pump for a diesel engine.
FWIW, I bought my V-10 X 1 1/2 years ago with 17k miles for $19k. and it still had 6 mos. of factory warranty left when I bought it!
Keep looking!!!
There is a place on ebay that sells trucks out of Texas. I've seen several people on here say they got great prices and fantastic service. Don't know where you're at but that's an option. I can't remember the name. Maybe someone will chime in.
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
How any miles on your EX when you bought it?
Only issues I have dealt with were maintenance.
Brakes (turned rotors new pads)
change oil in tranny, engine, txcase, diff, lubed 4x4 hubs,fuel filter,tires
and of course the door locks didn't work had to repair those. That is a at home cheap fix and a bargin chip for getting lower prices at a dealer if they don't work.
Also only had 1 key had to pay $125 for another key from locksmith.
It uses about 1 qt of oil in 4500 miles and I change at 5000. Excellent truck.







