I'm the guy posting about the 8.2mpg V10 and looking for a Diesel Limited. That said, I have found a very clean looking 2000 model on a lot 5 hours away. Very good pictures on the website. It was bought at an auction and the carfax looks clean. They have had it for 2 months and in that time have replaced door lock actuators and had a diesel shop locally (to them) replace the oil pan as it was rusted. New rotors and pads as well. The salesman seems to be fairly straightforward in regards to the condition. It is loaded and even has a VCR (!) and DVD system. The interior and exterior look mint and it has 119,000 miles. Their asking price is $16,900 and they have quoted me a difference of $8500 and they say that is their best as mine is a V10 XLT and the desire for this type is just not there. This is one of the better deals I have received regarding difference for what I was looking at. Thoughts??? Downfalls to a 2000?

 

Not sure about prices in your area, but that seems awefully high to me for a 2000. They are no doubt trying to recoup some of the cost of replacing the oil pan as it's a labour intensive job and would have cost a pretty penny to get done. That being said, you now know that you're good to go on the oil pan which do rust out after time. Others may not feel the same way, but auction vehicles send up red flags for me.

Unless you are in a big hurry to get a diesel, I'd wait a few months as I suspect it will still be on their lot. I wouldn't pay over 12-13k for it but thats where I'm at.

Good luck...

 

You didn't say if it's a 2 or 4 wheel drive, but based on the price, I'm assuming 4x4... If so, the manheim auction average is $12,950 adjusted for it's mileage and location, up to $15,850 for one in awesome condition..

I'd say $16,900 isn't outrageous if it's flawless, but I'd be shooting for more like $15k-15,500.. or less if it's less than perfect.

If it's 2 wheel, Manheim average is $8850-9775... so it's WAYYYY overpriced if it doesn't have 4 wheel.

 

Thanks for the input. It is 4 wheel drive. I was thinking the same about the price, although the mileage is low for what I have found in this area. I think the price has been fluffed to recoup the oil pan (they had to lift the motor), brakes, door lock actuators, etc. The paint and interior look excellent. The salesman did say the underside is a little scaly as it came from New Jersey but the body panels have no rust. I think I am going to wait them out or keep looking. May even make them a low ball offer. I assume with them telling me $8500 difference that they have gone as far as they want with my trade, however. Locally, I have only been offered around $7,000-$7500 trade for mine and with their math they are offering me $8400.

 

Personally that is way overpriced esp for an east coast rust bucket... try looking in western or southwestern states for something with no rust... you can prob find a better deal and drive it back or ship it for less than what that dealer is asking..
here is one example 2005 Ford Excursion, Used Cars For Sale - Carsforsale.com

 

The price does seems a little high. Plus, at $8500 price difference, that would get you about 31,000 miles worth of gasoline at 10 mpg and 2.75 per gallon and you'd have to do at least 45,000 miles of driving to get to the break-even point of fuel savings between your V10 and the diesel.

Here are a couple of other points to think about. With the advent of USLD diesel, the mileage isn't quite as good as it was with LSD diesel. Both of my trucks dropped about 1.5 to 2 mpg when the newer fuel became available and I now probably average about 14-15 mpg. Also, you'll not get much MPG advantage if you're doing local, short-trip driving. I get around 10 - 11 mpg on both of my diesels with that kind of driving and it's even worse in winter. I've noticed that the real MPG advantage is attained on over the road, sustained speed driving or heavy towing. Also, keep in mind that the 7.3 requires 15 quarts of oil at oil changes and the oil filter is about twice the cost.

Now for the other consideration which is personal preference. I personally love both my diesels and am really glad that I forked out the extra bucks for them. I ordered my 2000 E350 work van and received it new in October 1999. With my documented operation expenses, at 108k miles I've paid for the diesel option over three times now. For the first 7 years I also used it to pull my 24' 9500# enclosed car trailer and I'd get 10 - 12 mpg towing as compared to 5.5 - 6 mpg with my 2500 Suburban with a 454 that I had at the time. Plus, the van would tow circles around the Suburban.

Because I needed the extra seating, I sold the Suburban and bought a used 2000 Excursion with a 7.3 over three years ago. It has been a phenomenal vehicle and has even more towing power than the van, primarily due to the intercooler on the Excursion. It makes for some really low stress towing when you've got plenty of reserve power to merge quickly into fast Interstate traffic and to be able to maintain speed up steep grades if you happen to be in the left lane passing. I find that I get to my destination much less fatigued when towing with either of my diesels than I did when towing with the 454. Part of this is due to the extra towing power and the other is due to less engine noise because the diesel usually stays in overdrive on most grades whereas my gasser was always dropping a gear and running higher RPMs. I hear very little engine noise at Interstate speeds.

Plus, I've had a fascination with anything with an engine in it since I was a little guy and I hobby with antique cars and tractors and for many years worked with both steam and diesel-electric locomotives. I just love the solid power and torque of my diesels and that alone was worth the extra money to me.

I'm sorry to ramble on but I wanted to share one more perspective while you're making your buying decision and hope it helped somewhat.