I am looking to buy an Excursion within the next 6 months, patiently hoping to find the one just right for me.


What model do I need to look for , what ones to avoid and what problems are there with the Excursion itself?

 

What are your planed uses for the Excursion.

 

I plan on a daily driver and maybe later on a boat or camper.

I plan on keeping it for a long time.

 

Well do you want or need a diesel? if so you want a 2000-2003 with an 7.3L, the 6.0L have a lot of problems, if not then I would to try and find an 2005, its the last year they where made, and they have the newer looking grill and headlights. and just over all they will need less work right away, not saying that the older ones will right away, but just with the truck being newer less likely, I do own a 2000 7.3 4X4 and the X was stock until I just put a 6in and 35’s on it about 8 months ago, but everything else is stock never had any problems, and I go mudding about 2 or 3 times a month. They are great tucks and I hope to have it for many years to come!!!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

Just out of curiosity, why are you waiting 6 months?

In any event, there really are a multitude of variables here. As far as what type of Excursion you want, it's really all about personal tastes. You have the XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. The XLT is the "basic" model, and then they get more loaded as you go to the Eddie Bauer and Limited. They all look nice IMHO.

Secondly, do you live in an area where you need 4 x 4 capability? I would NOT want to drive a 2 wheel drive Excursion in an area where the winters are snowy. I live in NW Ohio, so the 4 x 4 is a necessity to me. Now, if you live in an area that never, or hardly sees the stuff, then there is no need for it, unless it's a consideration to have when it comes to towing a camper or boat (and it might be, I've used mine while towing before).

Also you need to decide between diesel vs. gas. I've had both the Triton V10 and my current 7.3L Powerstroke. It's really in what you're going to use it for. Diesels are generally more expensive, but get better fuel mileage whether just driving or towing, they are also more expensive to maintain, but give you better tow power.

The bottom line is there are plusses and minusses to both...and IMHO you can't go wrong....but it would help if you could give us more information..and also what price range you're looking at.

 

I live in Eastern Kentucky and want a diesel and 4x4 and would like to have a Limited but plan on putting a nice rim/tire combo and modifying it with brush guards, winch, etc. no matter what model I get.

scottf4444 and yellowsled have two that I really like the look of here.

I am waiting 6 months because I start teaching this August, if I find one I really like before then I will get it but its not a rush.

 

Next1....well as a school teacher myself welcome to the club!!


BTW, if you would, please check your mailbox, I've sent you a message.

 

Check out my posts here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7557584 and here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7639541

There are differences in reliability, performance, and available mods. You just have to decide which you like better. Happy Hunting.

 

I read your threads and am wondering -

I am leaning toward a 05' and want to know if I have to pull just the front end off the truck to change head gaskets and turbo or pull the body off frame?

Which will make more power with mods?

 

you can do both heads and turbo in the truck, the turbo is really easy to do in the truck, the head gaskets on the other hand are a real PITA, when i do them i take the body off.

 

Perfect timing. My wife and I are expecting, so I'm thinking about upgrading the Bronco to something with 4 doors. I'd love a diesel for better mpg, so I'm thinking about an X or a 250/350 CC.

What kind of mileage can one realistically expect from a diesel?

Thanks!

 

In 30k so far w/our excursion we see about 16.5 in town and 20ish hwy, depending on who's driving. It has an AIS intake (Ford's 'extreme duty' system) and DP-Tuner chip run in 80 'economy' and 100 'performance'. (wifey usually runs the 100 tune! )

Yes, the overhead lies (especially in 100 tune) - 600+ miles/30 gals on the highway...

F350 (see sig) is about 15mpg the way I drive, but has seen 17's when I used to care how much fuel I burned!

 

For a stock 7.3 about 15-16.5 city and as high as 17-19 mpg highway. For a stock 6.0 16, maybe 17 around town and 18-22 on the freeway. The same fuel economy (or better) is easier attained with a chip, tuner, and intake.