So I'm in the process of shopping around for an Excursion. My old man has a V8 5.4, which I really like, but I'm looking to go with a diesel for the longevity and ability to haul my Jeep to the beach in the summer.

All the information that I've read so far has me looking towards a 2003 7.3 Liter. However, I came upon a nice 6.0 /w low miles. It also has all the mods that I would like to make to my ideal truck. Rims, lift, aftermarket stereo etc. It's a 1 owner vehicle and the only thing I don't like about it is the fact that is has a 6.0 Diesel instead of the 7.3.

My question is as follows:

I've seen a few posts stating that by 2005 FORD worked out lots of the issues with the 6.0. How so?

What are the most common things to look for a 2003-2005 Excursion? The Truck has just over 100k on it, what usually goes around then?

Thanks in advanced!

 

I jad the 7.3 in a work truck that did very well with towing constantly and all, however the 6.0 litre is one i have not drove as much. im sure someone will chime in on this here shortly. good luck with your quest.

 

Since it's one-owner, check and see if they have had any problems with the engine (ask the owner and the Ford dealer). If they haven't had any trouble, the problems may pop up after you buy it, or it may be a problem free engine. If the engine problems happen after you buy it, you will regret buying it because the money you spend to fix the 6.0 diesel will make you cry. I'd look for a 7.3 and spend the money on lift, tires, etc to get the truck you want. It would be cheaper than fixing a 6.0 down the road.

 

Even the newest 6.0 Ex is going to be 5 years old at this point, most of the issues should have come up by now IMO. I've only had a couple small (I think) issues come up and they were taken care of under warr. Personally I would stay away from from a '03 and '04 6.0s but that's just me....I'm sure there are a lot that have been great. Everyone knows the 7.3 is a great motor...... Whatever you look at get an OASIS report so you know the history.

 

yeah, one thing that I forgot to mention is that the dealer offering it has a 5 year / 100k warranty on it.

 

That's all good and well, but are they offering it from the orginal inservice date? Or from the point they hand you the keys? That's the million dollar question...

As a proud and satisfied 7.3 owner of 9 years, I'd also recommend a 7.3. But if that dealer is willing (and dumb enough, I might add) to give you a 5yr/100k warranty from the time YOU buy the truck till 5 years or 100k later, I say take it!

Just make sure it's a comprehensive warranty and get it in writing!

 

I'll have to get more details to confirm the terms of the warranty.

Here are some off the vendors website

1.
ENGINE: (Gas or Diesel) Cylinder block and cylinder head(s). Including all internal parts requiring lubrication: oil pump: timing belt or chains (only when broken, maintenance schedule must be followed: camshaft, intake and exhaust valves, valve springs and retainers, valve keepers, cam followers, rocker arms, tappets/lifters and hydraulic lash adjusters, intake and exhaust manifold(s)
2.
TRANSMISSION: (Automatic or Manual) Transmission case and all internal parts requiring lubrication. Torque converter and torque converter housing.
3.
DRIVE AXEL: Primary drive axle and all internally lubricated parts: Universal joints and constant velocity joints: drive shaft(s). Yokes and drive shaft carrier, four wheel drive transfer and all internally lubricated parts.
4.
COOLING: Water Pump, thermostat.
5.
FLUIDS: Covered in conjunction with a covered repair, with the exception of Air conditioning refrigerant, up to $70.
6.
SEALS AND GASKETS: The cylinder head gasket(s) and intake manifold gasket are the only gaskets covered as a gasket failure alone. All other seals and gaskets are covered only when required in conjunction with the replacement of a covered part or component.
7.
TOWING: If your vehicle becomes disabled you are covered by a five year roadside assistance program.
8.
LIMIT OF LIABILITY: Total aggregate claims shall not exceed the trade-in value of the vehicle as listed in Kelly Blue Book Official Used Car Guide at the time of the present claim. Any claim within 350 miles of the contract purchase mileage may be considered a preexisting condition at the discretion of the warranty company.

 

Oh found this ...

A quote from their website.



Nationwide Warranty beginning with miles at delivery

(This means a car with 100,000 miles at sale would be covered to 200,000 miles!)
This coverage is good ANYWHERE in the United States so you can feel totally at ease with the purchase of any vehicle.

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The car is in great shape, it was owned by a former NFL player and he did a nice job making it look good. He didn't over do anything, looks very clean. Doesn't look like it was used to Tow much if any, prolly just lugged him and his entourage around. I'm seriously considering trading in my 2010 Trail Teams Edition FJ Cruiser for it. Same gas mileage, more luxurious, more passengers, can tow my jeep and has a better/longer warranty. The only thing that turns me off is the mileage being over 100k, but if I got 5 years out of it without any major issues, I'd be alright with that. From the looks of it all the major things that could go wrong in a 6.0 are covered under warranty.

 

I don't think anybody in their right mind is going to offer an extended warranty on a Ford 6.0L diesel to 200,000 miles. Not gonna happen. Be very careful, and as someone else said.... get it in writing if they do.

 

I wonder if they would be like that home warranty company I signed up with when I bought my house. I filed a claim and they made every excuse not to honor it. I even had to pay $45 for the house call and they didn't fix a thing. They have a class action lawsuit pending.

 

yeah, I'm gonna call the dealer and ask what company offers the warranty and do some research on them online.

Half the time those warranty companies go out of business and there is nothing you can do about it.

 

Now you're talking!

Call and ask questions. Research the company, and get everything in writing that you can regarding what is and is not covered and until when.

All of the warranty companies are nothing more than insurance companies. And we all know how honest, reputable and fiscally competent insurance companies are, right?

It sounds like an aftermarket plan and not a "factory" warranty.

If you want to pm me the information, I'll be happy to do a little digging for you.

As someone else said, get an OASIS report, check carfax (not the best out there but a resource all the same).

I have friends with the 6.0 that swear by them. I've read others that hate them. I guess as with anything, it's the luck of the draw?

Do your research, Get everything in writing, then hold your breath and take your best shot

 

The Ex is a great vehicle. I have an 02 V8 and was happy with it. I traded it in on an 05 6.0. I love the diesel. I joke with my brother-in-law and his Sub. I tell him that when his Sub grows up it wants to be an Excursion.

THe diesel is a great engine. Don't be scared of the 6.0. Most of the issues were with the dirty diesel. Now that we only have clean diesel the issues have pretty much been solved.