First time poster of the forum, so hello. I live in OKC, OK and about to move to KC, KS for a new job. The job requires me to buy an Suburban, Tahoe, Excursion, something to this effect. Absolutely love the excursion Big Nasty and luxurious. Looking at 04 05 Eddie bauer 4x4 deisel. Not completely shut off on the V10 yet but more worried about longevity. I have heard some things though and thought you guys would be the ones to ask.

1. I've heard the 6.0 is junk (turbo blower)

2. i've heard the 7.3 is the way to go

3. I've heard that theres possibilities of getting 20 plus mpg on both

4. With all the proper TLC how long will the V10 last me

5. And last but not least is there anyway possible to get around 15 mpg out of teh V10. ANY

By the way im looking at 50,000 miles and looking to but 150,000 on it in the next 4 years. Your input is greatly appreciated. Great site!

 

I get 10 city and 14 to 15 highway. It just depends on your right foot and how well you keep up with your maintenance. If you maintain your v-10 properly they can last upwards of 250,000. Some people even have 300,000. If you do get a diesel the way to go is with a 2000-2003 7.3l or a 05 6.0 because by then they fixed the problems with the 6.0l

 

Have you done anything to your V-10 to improve economy or is this even possible

 

I have an 04 EB X, problem free for over 70,000 miles so far, fuel milage when not towing is 20-22 MPG on interstate at 70+ MPH. Towing 10K travel trailer, I get 10-11 depending on how fast I want to drive, usually around 70 MPH. I have the 6.0L diesel, again, 70,000 problem free miles. Change the oil every 5K, sample every other or 3rd change. According to Blackstone, I have a nice engine, no problems at all. If I were looking to buy, I would get another in a heartbeat.

Don

 

Don

have you done anything aftermarket
adam

 

Have 2000 V10 Ex 4x4 4.30's 100K, bought it used from a contractor, NO problems so far, puling a 33' - 9k # toy hauler. Get 7-8 mpg towing, 10-13 city and 14-15 @65-70/cruise. NO mods

 

I have both a 7.3L 2000 and a 6.0L 2004 and they both are ausome. I would never buy anthing with out a diesel but that is just me. Both truck have treated me ausome if you have anny more question just holler at me,
Nick

 

somebody please give me a negative it cant be all this good

 

OK you asked for brutal honesty:

1. Somewhat true 6.0 not as reliable as the 7.3

2. 7.3 has better reliability but has less power

3. 20 is possible going downhill with a tail wind. My 6.0 has gotten 17.5- 18.5 cruising the highway at 70 mph...In town 15-16

4. V-10 will run 200k with TLC.......

5. Ya aint getting 15 out of a v-10, don't care what anyone say, aint gonna happen. I own a 04 Eddie Bauer, love the truck breaks down a lot with the 6.0.

If you have to work out of this thing on a daily basis I would skip the Ex and go for a Sub. My last SUV before the Ex was a 2005 Sub 4x4 5.3. Why? The Sub drives like a caddilac very little steering effort to drive, braking is awesome, rides softer, quieter than my Ex-(wind noise etc..) More comfortable ergonomics as far as seats and steering go! THe EX wanders the road like a vulture looking for roadkill. If there is a bad road with ruts you will know for sure, I have installed new tires and dual steering stabilizers and the thing still wanders like he!@

I dumped my Sub because it could not tow my toy hauler, that's why I got the Ex. THe Ex will tow better than a Sub for sure!! But if this SUV is for driving lots of miles and not towing, I guarantee you will be happier in a Sub....I love my 6.0 Ex but I would not ever use it for work day in and day out, I drive a GMC SIerra for work every day!! Hope this helps, hate to push a GM but man it's so true, I do drive both makes so I can say these things with 40k miles driven in the Ex and 103kl miles driven in the GMC!

 

I am disgeeing with you had a sub before this and I cracked the engine cace on a normal road. Also there severice sucks,'
You will like the excursion way more,
Nick

 

I have a question for you before I answer yours...what is your real need for the truck?...towing or hauling stock and/or people?

I ask that question for one reason...have you considered a full-size E350 with a PSD? You will not be able to have 4x4...but you 'should' also get better mpg's as the van weighs less than an Ex.

Don't get me wrong...I wouldn't trade my Ex as I tow a 9000# TT and have had situations in campgrounds that I would have been stuck without 4WD and may have had to ask some chick in her girlie man bowtie 4x4 to un-stick me! ... so for me...right now...the Ex was the only way to go for 4x4, towing and people moving. I was just curious as to why you limited your choices to SUV's...that's all...

NOT TRUE of all 6.0L's. Some of the early 2003 and 2004's were more prone...BUT I really think that some of the issues were NEW DIESEL OWNERS that didn't understand start up and shut down procedures...so Ford changed things to help customer proof (idiot proof) the hardware...but that is just my theory...

I've been told the 2000 7.3L with its forged pistons (I think) would be the best...but I may be mixing that up...the 7.3L if I were going to go to the dark side would be my first choice...the 6.4L is a sweet motor but obvioulsy not offered in an Ex

I think you've seen this answered above...and I have no first hand knowledge...remember that is UNLOADED mileage (both Ex AND driver when calculated! )

The V10 is a VERY UNDERATED TOWING MOTOR. As far as just tooling around town...well frankly I wouldn't go that route...I bought my V10 for towing heavy...if this is a work type truck that you have to just drive around...frankly...miles WILL ADD UP...and the oil burner will certainly shine in that situation...

As I commented in the last statement...sounds like you will be driving a bunch each year (near 40,000 PER YEAR)...I really think the diesel would be the way to go...BTW...the 7.3L's with their lower stock power output will GET BETTER MPG's...

The new 6.4L's are getting horrible MPG's...but then again they are thumping out 650 ft-lbs of torque!

It really sounds like you are in the need of a diesel...and the lower power and proven 7.3L would be my suggestion for you...

Good luck,
joe.

 

Wow a VAN?

Got to have 4x4 and will be hauling around light loads in rear cargo. about the biggest thing i will tow is 6000 #s or a boat, but rarely. Alot of highway and a hunting trip every once in a while, God i hope.

thanks

adam

 

by the way have an 04 Caddy esv and hate it. 60,000 mi, nice car, but feels like a car, too prissy

 

Go test drive an Ex and hit some bad roads on your run and then give the Sub a run and buy what ya like!! Stay away from the V-10 if you drive lots of miles, it will be exspensive!! 6000 pounds towing is nothing for a gasser or diesel...........

 

Wife drives a '02 Ex 4X4 with the V10. 12 mpg city. Interstate 15 mpg. She loves it. Smooth ride, lots of room. Has about 91K on it and has never been in the shop except the cruise recall (about 10 minutes) and service work. We love it. I just bought a F350 Dually with the 6.0L, 2003 model. So far, so good.