I've been shopping around for a tranny for the SRW. Ford wants $1,850 for a rebiuld which is warrantied for 3 years and 75K miles. The tranny in that truck now is a Ford rebiuld with 170K miles on it. It towed overweight weekly in all of 06. It does have two aftermarket tranny coolers, an in-line tranny cooler and synthetic.

Small tranny shops I've called told me $2,300-2,800. Ford would get closer to $3K for the R&R.

My wifes diesel SUV has 186K miles and the tranny is original. That one has a aftermarket tranny cooler an in-line tranny filter, and synthetic. It gets good fuel mileage but it costs $4 a gallon to do so.

 

Without a doubt. I think the Ex has a lot more cargo space and leg room. The biggest key is behind the third row seat (if needed). There is very little room in the Expy and quite a bit in the Ex. For example, I can have the third row seat in for the Ex, and still put my two labs in behind it. For the Expy, I had to remove the third seat, then put it back in when I needed the passenger space. If you are worried about getting a bigger trailer, and cargo space, my two cents is get the Ex. Otherwise, you may be upgrading later!

 

I really like the fact that the Ex has 4 bucket seats, most SUV's I've seen have uncomfortable 2nd row seating and if there is a 3rd row its even more back breaking. I'm assuming the 2nd row is somewhat adjustable like the bucket seats in the front? I've read that they fold down. Do they fold down but then stick up about 1-2ft or do they lay pretty flat?

 

Another key to the X is that you can put a full sheet of plywood in the back with the 3rd row seating out. The 2nd row folds down quite flat, has those flaps on the back to pretty much make it smooth.

I do allot of wood work and having the ability to pick up a nice sheet of finished plywood without having to haul around a trailer is a real bonus.

 

Alright I got the window sticker faxed to me, here is the correct VIN for the reports if anyone is willing: 1FMNU43S0YEB85532

Again my email is patrick (at) patrickdonlin.com

Also, it looks like the LTD edition comes with most of the options because the only optional equipment were the tires which have since been replaced, the Heated Front Seats and CD Changer.

Thanks.

 

According to CARFAX (thanks to 4griffins) the registration was transferred to a new owner in 12/2006 and since then has only have only driven for 5-6k miles?

CARFAX Vehicle History Report on 1FMNU43S0YEB85532

When a loan is payed off and the bank releases their interest on the title is a new title issued? I have not asked if they are the original owner, but that could account for the title change.

 

No, that would be a 2-owner.

 

In an email he said: "Used as regular transporation until June of last year", he said because of health reasons they needed to get a vehicle easier to get in and out of. So I guess the small amount of miles he put on is more reasonable knowing it was only drove for 6 months.

 

You should be able to get a truck like that one for $7500 or so if you look around. Private party obviously would be your best bet. If this is from a dealer they probably gave $5,000-6,000 in trade.

 

Alright I just got back from looking at and driving the Excursion and I am impressed. I was wrong about the 2nd row, this one has the bench seat instead of the two captains chairs so I'm not sure how that changes what its worth.

Overall the Ex is in great shape for its age. The back seats have probably never been used and the front one show no real wear. He covered the steering wheel with one of those leather wraps because he said it was as if the dye in the leather on the wheel would come off and onto your hands.

There are a couple small dings and on the back door there is a scrape mark from where the owner previous to him had his jetski trailer get away from him when hooking up. On the rear passenger side corner just ahead of the tail light there is a dent/scrape from someone who swiped the Ex with their side mirror, but he popped the dent out from the inside. Behind the rear passenger wheel on the lower plastic panel/trim there is a scrape from something but it would be hard to guess.

He knew the previous owner well and both of them have been very meticulous about caring for the Ex. He does all his maintenance himself so he knows that every 3000 miles the oil has been changed and the fittings greased. He did replace the plugs this winter because when it was cold it would sorta misfire until it warmed up; replacing the plugs fixed this. He has not had any issues with a plug popping out and was surprised having replaced them that it could have that issue.

The tires look brand new and the whole Ex is very well kept although it could use a little body work to fix those things I mentioned (although it probably wouldn't be worth it, its to be expected on such a huge SUV that is 8 years old).

The Ex drove very well and shifted very smoothly even under heavier acceleration. I didn't test the 4wd myself but he said he used it twice this winter to get up a steep driveway when the snow was really deep.

He said that he would take $8999 without me asking.

My initial thought was that maybe I could get him to do $8500. I could probably get one similar for the same or a little less that might not have the same amount of dings/scuff marks. The nice thing about this one is that I am confident he does know what he is talking about and he has maintained it very well, but when buying from a dealer who knows how the person before took care of it.

What is everyone's thoughts? I'm curious to see the details of the OASIS report to see if the owner prior to him had any problems with it. I now wish I would have taken some pictures of the body marks because its very hard to describe and to picture from words.

 

Everyone thinks his truck is worth more than it is. Edmunds average condition pricing below. Add $1800 if you think it's "clean" which you've just said it isn't.

Step 5 Review Edmunds.com Pricing Report
2000 Ford Excursion 4 Dr Limited 4WD Utility2000 Ford Excursion 4 Dr Limited 4WD Utility True Market Value Pricing
Trade-In Private Party Dealer Retail
National Base Price $7,565 $9,170 $10,841
Optional Equipment $45 $56 $75
Heated Front Seats $45 $56 $75
Color Adjustment
Black $-8 $-10 $-12
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code 60134 $-98 $-119 $-141
Mileage Adjustment
140,000 miles $-1,440 $-1,440 $-1,440
Condition Adjustment
Average $-1,493 $-1,792 $-2,118
Total $4,571 $5,865 $7,205

 

My only concern when looking at vehicles with this amount of mileage was the transmission. That was probably the main reason I went with a lower mileage vehicle, but paid twice what you are looking for. It sounds as if you are comfortable with the way it drove (nobody here can tell you any difference), which is important. Are you comfortable with the dings? Do you feel that it is a solid car? I would not take what they tell you as gospel, just because that's how I am. If it were a vehicle that I thought I wanted, I would offer $8000 and see where it goes! Compare Blue book values, as they seem to be a little more realistic. Edmunds seems to be a little on the low end, from what I have seen and been told. That being said, I would use the Edmunds report if it were advantageous to you getting a better deal. Remember, gas prices are going up, which should help you as well!

 

I'm comfortable with the dings but I wish they were not there. I also want to be realistic and realize that I will probably not get a $41k vehicle for $7-8k unless it has some flaws.

I forgot to mention that the windshield is cracked but it is not spreading.

The biggest problem is the lack of Excursions around here without having to drive 3 hours. The ones that are ~3 hours away in Illinois are about the same mileage (130-140k) for about $10k. Seems like in this region the prices are inflated from kbb.

 

novacoke,

It is only worth what you are willing to pay. Like you, i had to drive 8hrs to get mine because there were just no X's in my area and secondly, when i would find one, they were going for almost 10K more than what i ended up paying for the one i eventually bought!!!

For me, i was willing to go through the troubles of importing an X into Canada to save the money i did. Secondly, with little to no road salt in the area that i bought it, the X is practically rust-free. This would never be the case had i bought the X in Ontario, Canada......

 

I am starting to look in neighboring states. I found an XLT that has a decent asking price $6800 with 109k miles but I am awaiting more information on the options it has. I would much prefer a Limited Edt. and have a couple of them lined up as well. If I can get one in better condition for less I suppose it would be worth the 3-5 hour drive.