I've been in the market to purchase a 2WD 99-03 7.3L diesel X for a couple months now. The main use of the X for me is going to be towing my racecar, at this point it's only on the 6k pound area. However, the point of purchasing the X is so I can get an enclosed trailer which will be in the 10k pound range.

I've been very picky in my search trying to see what the market was like in my price range (under $15k). I've been find one about once every couple weeks, however, I realize that I'm not going to get everything I want in this price range. My choices seem to come down to this...

1) 2WD XLT (no leather) 100-120k miles. Generally has some new items (tires, ball joints, etc.) on it, but usually not a rebuilt tranny. My main concern is the tranny really.

2) 2WD Limited w/ ~140-170k miles. I wouldn't even consider something in this mileage if the tranny hasn't been rebuilt, again some have new tires and/or replaced front end (ball joint, tie rods, etc.).

When I first started looking for one I kind of up a cap on mileage at around the 120k mile range, however, I think that I should start considering the higher mileage ones IF the tranny has been rebuilt. The transmission seems to the big ticket repair with these, and my main concern. I understand that it is used and things break, but when it starts to cost several thousands to replace broke items I'm not a fan!

With an additional 40-50k mileage things are going to have more wear and tear on them, but do you think it's worth it for me??? I know people put way more miles on these, I just don't know at what expense.

So which option would you take???

 

just an observation - from a relatively new EX owner - I have had for many years a prejudice against Ford products, for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to bad build quailty and poor long-term reliability of both major AND minor components.

I have had my share of "annoyances" with our "new" EX - all of which were quickly and responsibly taken care of by my local Ford dealer here in Prescott Arizona ( which is interesting, as they are fully aware I looked at EX's they had for sale, but bought the one I do have, in California !).

However, all in all, I am very pleased with my EX - in part, thanks to this "site", I had at least SOME idea what I was getting into, and what the "plus's" and "minus's" were of the different models and drive-train options.

I was frankly astonished, when I started shopping, both in person at dealer lots, and thru the Internet, how many HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of miles people are putting on these things ! Seems to me, that if you get one that has had regular engine oil and transmission oil changes, the reliability projection is going to be good at ANY mileage on the vehicle.

There are some improvements as you get towards the end of production in Oct '05 (mine was built in the last couple of weeks of production, so while it cost much more ( I paid $27,000 for it about this time last year - it only had 14,000 mi on it and so well-cared for it simply could not be told from brand new) I got "all the trimmins" in the way of improvements (better cyl. head, transmission valving, headlights, etc) and MOST important, Ford's "Certified" bumper-to-bumper warranty, that takes me out to 2012.

 

It all depends on how good the guy changed the tranny fliud and the engine fluid. If he changed them when they are required to be changed, i would have no problem getting the one with 140 to 170. What years are they? Also if i were u i would get a oasis report.

 

There isn't one particular one at this point, but most are 2000 or 2001. I plan to have someone get me an oasis report before I purchase one.

How is one supposed to tell if someone has changed the fluid correctly over the life of the engine, I don't think you can really tell without disassembly.

This is one plus with purchasing a diesel, most (not all) diesel owners are aware of what is required of a diesel when they buy them, they aren't just buying a 'vehicle with an engine' and driving it. At least that is my experience, people don't just buy diesel, they buy them because they have a need for them. But who is to say you aren't purchasing from one of the minority.

 

I know you are convinced on the diesel, but I bought an '02 2WD V10 limited for under $14K, it had just under 80K on it. I'm afraid your perceived need for the diesel is gonna cost you either $$$ or extra miles.

 

I have a V10 2003 Eddie Bauer Excursion that I bought in April with 54K miles. Excellent vehicle, but I'm getting ready to sell it and get an Ex with the 7.3L PSD. The mileage is a killer with the V10 (it is a daily driver and family trip-maker). The newer one I get with a 7.3 will give me two 7.3 engines, and my son is getting ready to get an F250/F350 with a 7.3 as well. Therefore, aside from the higher mileage efficiency, I'll be able to start working on not necessarily having to duplicate spare parts, and can order supplies in larger bulk (like oil, filters, etc.).

If you do begin to consider a V10, let me know and we may be able to work something out. I've had zero problems and have even put on a brand new set of Bridgestone Revos on the one I'm going to sell. (Oh yeah, it is leather, climate control, 6-disc changer, etc.)

 

Thanks for the offer, but I'm only looking for a diesel. For the same reason you are. =)

 

Ya'll are right in that the V10 will not get "deisel" mileage, but with alittle coaxing, you can easily get 14-16MPG............There is also the extra maint cost with the deisel. I have a 2000 V10 XLT with 108000 miles and was getting @14.5 MPG before switching to a 4.30 gear last week. That is combined hwy and city. I use it mainly for towing, but it sure is fun to drive.

Kirk

 

I was in the same place you where when I bought mine. I work at a Diesel Performance shop and had to have a diesel. Well in the end I ended up with a 2000 XLT V10. Love the truck it drives great and has everything we want. I was also able to pick it up for around 8 grand. You will never find a diesel at that price.
So one thing to remember with the diesel is that most people that own a diesel use it to tow and most of the miles you find on them are highway miles. Also most diesel people are very meticulous about the maintenance. If you find one with high miles and they have some records, or the truck looks nice it is probably a good deal.
Now I get to use the shop and all the tools and equipment we have. It is still pretty darn expensive to do the upkeep on a diesel.
So hey it's your truck but if you see a nice V10 don't rule it out.
Cheers,
Shawn

 

u can find a diesel for 8 grand, but it will have 250,000 to 300,000 on it.

 

I haven't seen one with that many miles on it for that much. But it is in Colorado also where all trucks are made out of gold.

 

Every once in a while youll see one with that kind of mileage on it.

 

Can I ask the reason you want an Ex? Do you have a large family to haul as well?

The reason I ask (flame suit on)...is the Ex is NOT the best out of the box tow vehicle out there. Ford compromised in a few areas that many of us constantly FIGHT to reduce to make it into an "acceptable" tow vehicle. mainly the front and rear spring packs that Ford installed in these vehicles to "cough cough" soften the ride for family haulers...but if you are serious about haulling a 10K# enclosed trailer...the PSD is MORE than strong enough...you just may be surprised at the handling (or lack of) characteristics of an Ex.

If I didn't like the 4x4 and third row seat the Ex gives me...I would have gone 3/4 ton full-size non-extended van for my tow vehicle. If I just needed a second row...it is HARD to beat a crew cab pickemup.

I tow 9000#'s and have put 11,000 TOWING miles on my Ex but I have also tweaked my setup ALL on the rear axle...and I still have a small sensation that I truly to believe to be coming from the front end. My Ex is a pleasure to tow with but I know it can be better.

If you don't have a need for 4x4...you may want to look for an E250 or E350 with a 7.3L...you will likely find that much cheaper than an Ex...

It is my opinion (double flame suit) that there are MUCH MUCH better tow vehicles out there with a diesel. If someone only wants a people mover...the Ex is hard to beat...but hang 1000+ #'s on the rear receiver and things can get squirely REAL fast...just do a search on any of these topics:

1) Rear Steer
2) Wander
3) White knuckles
4) Sway
5) Steering play
6) Axle wrap

and you will likely have more reading than you can stand.

Good luck. For me the Ex has enough pluses that overshadow the minuses...but I went V10 and didn't pay the extra $$$ for PSD option. On the used market the PSD option is commanding way more (IMO) than what it should for those that want a TOW VEHICLE...there are better and cheaper options of PSD's out there for TOW VEHICLES...but that is just my opinion...

joe.

 

X_Hemi_Guy-
Thanks for the comments, I appreciate it... and I have had similar thoughts about the X, and of getting a E350 (hard to find E250's with diesels). This is mainly a tow vehicle, but I plan to use it for people moving in the offseason. The X offers more luxury over the vans also which is nice, but it is less room too.

My plan is to tow the car and store most of the equipment in the back of the X, I could do the same thing with a van too, the vans just aren't as nice as the X. Finding a diesel X hasn't been easy, and I know I could find an F250 or E350 without a problem... I just don't know if I can bring myself to do it because I think I will just regret on getting the X in the long run. =(

 

There is also the fact that I'm needing to drive/fly 800+ to find a 2WD version of the X, that is sort of annoying really. If I went with a F250 I could probably get one locally...