Buying Decisions
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Buying Decisions
I posted this on a few forunms to get some different reactions:
Hello Ladies and Gents,
I'm sure this may stir up some controversy, but I've talked myself into getting rid of my 2005 Duramax truck and switching over to an Excursion to better suit the family. So here's the big question: What year do I get? It's gotta be a Diesel, 4x4, and either Eddie Baur or Limited, but which year and which engine? I also really want the quad captains seats and DVD system - is this easy (and worthwhile) to retrofit, or should I hold out for one factory equipped like I want? I have read a ton of good and bad about the 6.0 and the 7.3, but I need facts. I guess either way, I should steer away from the early 6.0's engines (late 2003 and early 2004) and the 2001 transmissions unless the diode has been replaced? Also, I have pretty great power (and mileage) from my duramax and I'd like to make sure the new one is close to the same. I'm not (for once in my life) concerned about initial purchase price - I just want to get the best, most reliable and fairly easy to modify, yet still be reliable year. And I'll be trying to purchase one with about 40-80k miles on it. Please help, and thanks in advance!
Hello Ladies and Gents,
I'm sure this may stir up some controversy, but I've talked myself into getting rid of my 2005 Duramax truck and switching over to an Excursion to better suit the family. So here's the big question: What year do I get? It's gotta be a Diesel, 4x4, and either Eddie Baur or Limited, but which year and which engine? I also really want the quad captains seats and DVD system - is this easy (and worthwhile) to retrofit, or should I hold out for one factory equipped like I want? I have read a ton of good and bad about the 6.0 and the 7.3, but I need facts. I guess either way, I should steer away from the early 6.0's engines (late 2003 and early 2004) and the 2001 transmissions unless the diode has been replaced? Also, I have pretty great power (and mileage) from my duramax and I'd like to make sure the new one is close to the same. I'm not (for once in my life) concerned about initial purchase price - I just want to get the best, most reliable and fairly easy to modify, yet still be reliable year. And I'll be trying to purchase one with about 40-80k miles on it. Please help, and thanks in advance!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: WI
I think some of your questions can only be determined by the time and money you have.
I have had a 7.3 before, so I chose a 7.3 for my Excursion as a result. I understand how it is, and I feel that it's durability, reliability, and a certain amount of simplicity were the way to go for me.
I got a Limited and it had an aftermarket DVD system with a screen in the back of each of the front seats. Has worked well.
My fuel log is here which includes some towing of my 24ft enclosed trailer and recently very cold weather driving using 4X4 and idling time.
I have had a 7.3 before, so I chose a 7.3 for my Excursion as a result. I understand how it is, and I feel that it's durability, reliability, and a certain amount of simplicity were the way to go for me.
I got a Limited and it had an aftermarket DVD system with a screen in the back of each of the front seats. Has worked well.
My fuel log is here which includes some towing of my 24ft enclosed trailer and recently very cold weather driving using 4X4 and idling time.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
FWIW, my two cents is this; 
If you want low mileage, not concerned with buy-in cost, don't want to worry about which one to stay away from, want a better transmission with no diode issue, need the one with the highest power rating: look for an 05.
I would look for with the quad seats as they are like gold in the aftermarket. However DVD systems are a dime a dozen.
If you want low mileage, not concerned with buy-in cost, don't want to worry about which one to stay away from, want a better transmission with no diode issue, need the one with the highest power rating: look for an 05.
I would look for with the quad seats as they are like gold in the aftermarket. However DVD systems are a dime a dozen.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
SD26, that Fuelly site is cool, just added my vehicles so now 2 Ex's there. will use it if it works with my T-moblie sidekick.... if not, planning on getting blackberry curve in a couple months so ill start then
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: WI
