FordExcursions.com Forums
Mike Margolis
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• Hartford, CT, USA |
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• Registered on 3/4/2004 |
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• 45 posts |
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 Posted:4/17/2005 22:21 |
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OK, I have been lurking and posting for a year or so while I kick around the decision.
This will be a family car, we have four kids and lots of musical equipment. 95% will be around town driving, the rest long highway trips (we're leaving tomorrow for a 1000 miler).
I don't tow anything, never have, never will.
I am looking for a used vehicle, 4x4, a year or two old, 20K miles at the most.
Diesel is about $0.50 a gallon MORE here than regular, and it seems that the buyin to a diesel is at least an extra $5000, and my mechanic tells me that an oil change is about $100.
There is a 2003 loaded on ebay, 15K miles, V-10 for $30K. With the 7.3 or 6.0 that truck would be more like $40K
So, on paper, the diesel makes absolutely NO sense at all. To get an extra 10 or so MPG and have all the added expense, the break even point is at about 100,000 miles. After that, I can save a littlewith a diesel.
I will run the vehicle to about 150K miles. If I like it, it'll go longer.
Anyway, I'd love some pro's and con's. I am in New England, if the weather matters.
2003 Excursion 5.4L |
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E. Long
 
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Kessler
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• Prince George, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 2/13/2005 |
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• 23 posts |
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Posted:4/18/2005 17:07 |
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| Quote: | my mechanic tells me that an oil change is about $100.
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It's none of my biz,but isn't that a little high?
99 F350,4X4, S.R.W.,7.3,K&N intake,Banks down pipe connected to Gibson stainless steel dual exhaust.Programed with Super Chip and had pod gauges installed
05 X,4X4,6.0 Very stock..................for now |
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Pharmer
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• Mackinaw City, MI, USA |
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• Registered on 12/19/2002 |
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• 52 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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Posted:4/22/2005 19:45 |
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Mike,
First of all you won't get 10 more mpg. You should also be able to get an 03 V10 for closer to 25-27K. I've owned a 2000 Ex with V10 for almost 5 years now and it has been trouble free, now near 90K miles. I considered a 6 liter last year and a Ford tech steered me away from it. So after that I looked for a used 7.3L. Have not been able to find one at a fair price. You answer your own question. Get a V10 and enjoy it.
Kevin |
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Mark Rychel
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• Chesterland, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 3/10/2003 |
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• 54 posts |
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Posted:4/23/2005 08:56 |
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Hi, I owned a 2000 v10 Ex, I bought it with 45000 miles, at 104,000 miles after I had changed the plugs at 100,000 a plug blew out of the socket, part of the plug dropped in the cylinder and scoured it. The dealership wanted me to put a new engine in it (because it was more cost effective). I traded it for a 2005 6.0 powerstroke .
I liked the V10, the gas milage was about 11 mpg, The powerstroke gets better milage about 14.5 but the diesel fuel is more expensive. Both are around town milages.
The suggested oil changes on the powerstoke are every 7500 miles on the v10 they were suggested every 5000. I have had only one oil change on the powerstroke and I had a free coupon from the dealer., so I am not sure of the cost.
The powerstroke has better pickup than the v10, takes longer to warm up in the winter and is noisier.
I like my 2005, It seems to have a better ride, from what I've read they changed some of the suspension components, you can feel the difference in torque with the diesel, especially in the snow,
Be careful with the v10, the plug problem has been cited in many forums. Their are not enough threads on the head and if there is any dirt on the threads the plug may bow out. At least that is my understanding.
Mark
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Eddie Henson
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• Cordova, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 12/8/2004 |
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• 122 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:4/23/2005 18:15 |
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Hi Mike,
I went through the same process 2 years ago before I decided on my excursion. Drove both the 7.3 and the v10. At the time diesel was cheaper than reg. unleaded and that played a factor in my decision. I had never owned a diesel before but several friends have one and they say they will not own anything else. Another factor was the warranty. 5 yrs 100,000 miles on the diesel. After taking both vehicles home and driving around I decided on the diesel. If I had to make the decision today I would make same decision again. I have had no problems with the diesel. It is strictly a people hauler. With a few upgrades to the suspension and performance enhancements, you could improve the ride and mpg as well; not to mention have all the power and torque you will ever need. I hope this helps your decision making process. Good luck 
Eddie Henson
2000 Ford Excursion XLT 7.3L PSD
203 degree Thermo; Factory Tech valve body; CCV mod; HX mod; Rancho RS9000 shocks; Shimmed FPR @ 67; Walker BTM; Evans NPG Coolant; Dieselsite Coolant Filter Kit; Dieselsite Heater Shutoff Valve; Zoodad Mod; WeatherTech In-channel Visors; Acetoned Badges; PSD Badges; Landyot's Gen II Radius Rods
"If you don't like America, Get the hell out !!" - John Rich |
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