Finally have outgrown my ext cab pickup and am in the market for an Excursion. I live in a small town Spokane, WA and do not drive more that 3-4k a year (my 93 c2500 6.5 TD has 63k) so I'm not too worried about the mileage.

I found a stock 2000 XLT in what looks like work truck trim which I really dig, the fewer gadgets, the less to fix at higher mileage. Basic Specs are v10, bench seat, vinyl floors, 4wd, steel wheels. Silver on Grey. Pics look great, looks brand new, carfax checks out, two owner and the price is not outlandish but well below book. Only problem is that it is 6 hours away, though I don't mind the drive through for the right rig this is a one shot deal or no deal scenario.

I have looked around the forum a bit and cannot find a buyers guide for a v10 Excursion so I was wondering what the common problems are to watch for. What should I pay special attention to on the inspection an test drive? What should I not be too concerned with, what's normal wear, what's a known issue, and what is a red flag run out of the dealer as fast as you can change your cell number so the dealer can never reach you again deal killer?

I'm not inept with a wrench (brakes, oil changes, belts, and so forth) but in no means would I consider myself a mechanic.

I'm going to be paying cash and want this to be the last rig I need to buy for some time.

If there is another thread on the forum already dedicated to this please feel free to direct me to it.

I have been speaking with the dealer over the phone and the trade in is really the only sticking point right now but we are close to a deal on both ends. I have until 1/4/10 off (I work for a University) and would really like to get this all wrapped up before then!

Thanks in advance for all your assistance! Hopefully this is a clean honest rig and I'll be updating you on the purchase of my new to me Excursion!

 

biggest issue on the v10s is the exhaust manifolds from what i've read. luckly mine are all good at 91k miles. there is also the remote chance of spitting a spark plug on the older ones. honestly though they are pretty damn reliable and i dont see a reason why a good low mile '00 wouldnt be a good truck to buy.

 

Thanks for the input. I got the full carfax from a the dealer and it looks good. All service was completed by a dealer. Looks honest and the dealership has treated me well. Forcast looks clear for the next week. Time for an road trip I think.

 

If I was in the market for another one, I'd seriously consider it ( I am one of the diesel lovers) so that would be a personal sticking point for me. But with that said 146,xxx on mine and the only real replacement needs have been, upper and lower ball joints on both sides at 90,xxx and a new water pump at 137,xxx. Good hunting.

 

I love diesel as well, my 6.5 TD has been awesome and would love a Powerstroke but the cost average is about 5-8k more. That buys a ton of gas. Plus good luck finding one with less than 100k for under $16k.

 

You can feel it when the time is right, but then get butterflys when it comes crunch time. My girlfriend, her family and myself drove from NC to PA then to NY and back to NC to complete our family vacation. I had been looking for 3yrs for the right one and feel lucky to have found mine. You're going to enjoy yourself picking it up and will now find yourself on FTE more often. Only if it was a PSD. Lets is the pics

 

Check the hubs and make sure you can get in and out of 4wd. If they'e stuck or won't cooperate, there is already a complete teardown guide here in FTE to help.

Make sure the trans shifts nice and frim, studs aren't broken, no misses or any type of abnormal engine noises sounds or shakes. Make sure the brakes feel good and take note of what you find/feel is wrong. Make sure the owner or dealership fesses up to anything it may need; more importantly make sure they fix it before you take delivery.

V10s are normally solid engines and very few things actually go wrong with that engine unless you're really neglecting it.

Just drive it and see how it feels...

 

Check the V10 forum on this site for more details about the two somewhat common problems mentioned--the exhaust studs and the spark plugs.

I'm not sure when the plug issue was resolved by Ford, so not clear whether or not it would be a problem on the 2000.

The brakes might be needing work, as that's a notorious problem on EXs and SDs, but it's not hard to solve. If it is shuddering/pulsing when braking, don't make it a dealbreaker, but you can use it to point out that it needs brake work, and negotiate the value of that repair in your favor.

Other problem you might see is steering being sloppy. Again, it's fixable, but you might be able to use it as a negotiating point.

You might see if there's anyone local to the dealer who can do a checkout for you, before you make the road trip. I'm pretty sure I can't help you, though, since I'm more than 6 hours from Spokane.

Good luck--sounds like a potentially great find!

 

Thanks for all the valuable feedback. These types of forums are really invaluable for owners. The ih8mud and dieselplace have been instrumental in saving me a ton on my Land Cruiser and 6.5 TD.

Dealer has been forthright so far and we have come to a tentative deal. I will be driving out Monday early, truck is in Sequim, WA, 5-6 hours depending on weather and have a hotel reservation for Monday night. I'll take a look at it first thing Tuesday morning, want to be 100% when talking turkey with a dealer. If all goes well then I'll be driving home either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning (depending on how long things take at the dealer).

I told him not to start it up until I get there Tuesday, I want to do the cold start myself.

If I pick it up I'll get some pics up right away.

 

Here are the pics from the ad.

 

price? looks good in the pics...

 

it does look great! very clean! and wow a real bench seat? i've never seen that before.

 

Let's just say I'm getting a good deal. Don't want to jinx it, I'll let you know if the deal gets done the details. I can't believe they have not sold it but too many people who buy these are looking for the Limited. Mine will get a work out towing the boat, camper, going to the dunes, family vacations so I want something basic and easy to care for.

Wife is not a big fan of the bench, I wish it was at least a split bench. Seats nine. We have come to terms, leaving Tuesday morning to go get it.

The only thing I am waiting on is the faxed paperwork showing the deal we worked up. Don't want to get there and get blindsided. I tried this once before while I was on a business trip to PHX and had to walk out empty handed because the dealer tried some last minute BS.

 

I like it, nice find.

 

Oh thats easy to fix, you can easily replace the bench with some captain's chairs...leather too!