FordExcursions.com Forums
ssjace
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• jackson, NJ, USA |
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• Registered on 10/25/2005 |
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• 2 posts |
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 Posted:10/25/2005 12:17 |
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I have browsed this website several times during my search for an Excursion and have found it very valuable in narrowing down my search. I am currently looking at 2 used vehicles, both are in mint shape and very run well. I am looking for the best value for my $ as well as the one that is going to give me the best mpg, least headaches mechanically and longevity (since I'll be paying for it for a few years). The truck will be used for driving to work (50 miles each way) and traveling to dogshows. I currently drive a 1999 F150 V6 with 150,000 miles on it and it has been worth every penny I paid for it and still runs like a champ, so this will be my first diesel. Also were there any major changes in theses 2 yrs that would make one vehicle better then the other?
Vehicle #1 - 2003 Limited 6.0L PSD Mileage - 35098
Asking $32,995
Vehicle #2 - 2002 Limited 7.3L PSD Mileage - 42,184
Asking $30,995
Thanks
Sharon - |
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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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Posted:10/25/2005 15:42 |
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You should find out the build date on the 2003 X, if possible. Early 2003's were very buggy and problematic as they were the first batch of 6.0L diesel Excursions Ford produced. Never really a problem with the mechanicals -- more electronic bugs. My neighbor purchased a used '03 King Ranch with the 6.0L and has had a few problems with it. It depends on whether or not the previous owner took the time to get it serviced and have any TSB's performed on it during their ownership. I would find out why it was sold with such low mileage. That's not to say the problems can't be fixed, but it's just one of the issues that the '03s had when they first came out with the 6.0L.
If it's a later-model '03 6.0L, then I would confidently recommend the '03 6.0L over the '02 7.3L. The 6.0L will provide better fuel economy than the 7.3L in stock form. I'm not sure how big you will be on "hot rodding" your Excursion, but there are great products available for both the 6.0L and 7.3L to improve fuel economy and performance.
I have 6.0L envy but am 100% satisfied with my 7.3L. The 6.0L is much quieter too, if that matters to you. Either diesel is quiet at highway speeds. With the radio on, you won't even notice the sound (other than the turbo whistling away).
Either way you go, the Powerstroke carries a 100,000 mile transferrable warranty. I would also consider an extended warranty for peace of mind.
Your dog(s) will love the space in the X. Our 100-lb. German Shepherd fits nicely behind the 3rd row seat. He loves road trips in the X!
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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jscarb2
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• MANTEO, NC, USA |
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• Registered on 10/25/2005 |
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• 10 posts |
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Posted:10/26/2005 00:29 |
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all i am going to say is do a search on 6.0's! read up on them, i will never own one. i am in the same place as you i am looking for another excusion myself, a 4x4 but will not get the 6.0 wanted a new one so i am looking for a early 2003 limited with the 7.3 and low miles(as i plan on keeping it forever  ) last of the 7.3's. if i was in your shoes go with the 7.3!
but do a search dont just ake anyones word for it! |
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Chainsaw
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• on the Chattahoochee River, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 9/30/2005 |
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• 9 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:10/26/2005 07:01 |
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Of the two choices, me personally , I would definetly stay w/ the 7.3L , the only 6.0L I would own would be a '05, maybe a late '04. Just for what I've read about the earlier 6.0L. I love my '01 7.3L EX.
C.
p.s. Sharon, on a side note the $$$ seems alittle high. I paid $27,500 for my '01 4WD PSD two years ago. |
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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Posted:10/26/2005 08:57 |
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Ok,
this is a continual "battle of wills" between the 7.3 and 6.0 crowd....
unfortunate, but it is what it is...
Like said above - don't take anyone's word for it.... most have not had one... and the ones on the net that scream about problems may be 2% of the 6.0's out there....
Not everyone gets on the net, not everyone that DO get on the net post that they have no problems, so..... here's MY $.0000002 
First, get what YOU want, no one else's opinions matter at all... but you asked for it and you're getting it
I have owned three excursions, an 02 7.3L Limited, an 03 6.0 Limited, and now an 05 6.0 Eddie Bauer.
I really was headed to the Cadillac dealer to get an Escalade that my wife wanted and talked her into stopping at the ford dealer...
the 02 was a closeout, I test drove the 03 and the 02, and basically the same except for the engine....
the BIG $$$ discount swayed me in favor of the 02 since I had no experience with either...
My wife was disappointed she didn't get her Escalade, but we now have had 3 Ex's so she likes them...
the 02 got upwards of 21 mpg via the overhead
(never had calculated it cuz mpg is NOT why I bought this mobile home !)
I had trouble with the 02... not related to the engines, but the tranny went out and Ford gave me the option of getting the 03 as a replacement ....
I jumped on getting a $52K list truck for under $42...
Infinetly better truck... and I had the "BAD" month build everyone said to stay away from....
The 03 had some tweaks that needed to be done, but nothing of import and no where NEAR the problems some whine about....
Tuned it and upgraded the shocks, put accessories on it just like i wanted... drove it hard for 50K miles and then heard they wee not making any more....
so while family pricing was going on I looked at a new 05 and obviously liked it and the numbers so I traded....
MPG wise, I've never been a stickler for measuring... but would guess if I drove it around and kept it under 2k rpms and no heavy throttle, it could get over 20 mpg on the hwy... but what fun is that
I guess I avg about 17 around dfw (lot's of interstates) and about 19 to 20 on the hwy at SERIOUS speed.... love to drive/travel, but like to get there quickly !
Make your own choice, but both of my 6.0's have served me well thus far
(granted the 05 only has 5000 miles, but nary a hiccup so far...)
(We're not counting the rear ender I had where I dented my bumper and totaled his pickup before the paper tags where off it are we ?)
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo)
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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monsta
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• The Big Island, HI, USA |
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• Registered on 1/5/2002 |
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• 1,056 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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Posted:10/26/2005 15:03 |
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| Quote: | Ok,
this is a continual "battle of wills" between the 7.3 and 6.0 crowd....
unfortunate, but it is what it is...
Like said above - don't take anyone's word for it.... most have not had one... and the ones on the net that scream about problems may be 2% of the 6.0's out there....
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Well, those 2% of 6.0L owners are killing Ford's bottom line.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0510/24/A01-358226.htm
If you can get a nice 7.3L with low miles at a fair price BUY IT!.
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scott young
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• Lexington, KY, USA |
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• Registered on 9/30/2004 |
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• 29 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:10/26/2005 21:49 |
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I don't own a diesel, I have the Mighty V-10..But I would not even look at the 6.0L..I'd would for sure go with the tride and true 7.3L..
Big Rig |
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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:10/26/2005 23:13 |
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I purchased my excursion 2 1/2 years ago and I am VERY satisfied with what I got. It was the first diesel I have ever owned and few simple mods I've done to it have made it even more enjoyable to drive/ride in. Although I can't say what I would have done given the choice between the two engines, I can say find what is comfortable to you and what you like. Try and find the maintenance records of each and see what was/wasn't done to each engine/drivetrain. Don't lose sight of the fact that while the engine is important, so is the tranny. As for mpg, I average 16-17 around town and the two long trips I took to Florida and back, I averaged 20. That was a benefit, not something I was looking for when I purchased an 8,000 lb vehicle. As for space, I can load up my three kids, my mother-in-law and all of our luggage and everyone rides in comfort. No other vehicle can match this that I know of. Hope this helps, and good luck with your decision
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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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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Posted:10/27/2005 05:13 |
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You're right Monsta....
and we all KNOW how truthful and factual the media reporting is
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143943,00.html
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo)
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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ssjace
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• jackson, NJ, USA |
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• Registered on 10/25/2005 |
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• 2 posts |
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Posted:10/27/2005 08:14 |
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Thanks to everyone for your input on the two vehicles I am looking at. I still have not made a final decision, though I will have to shortly or both vehicles will be gone. It seems that clean, low mileage diesels do not last in NJ and the dealers are not willing to bargain too much on $. The last time I held out I missed out on a great deal for a mint 2002 7.3l PSD by hours.
From your input I was able to research & ask the dealer questions about the 6.0L's initial problems & a few other things. I think he was impressed that I had done my homework. I have seen CarFax's on both vehichles and seen their maintanence logs from the Ford dealership. Both were clean. The 03 6.0L had only 1 owner while the 02 has had 2 owners. I have a friend who has owned diesels for yrs going out to look at them today. He feels the 6.0L is the better vehicle for me but is also concerned about the initial probs the 6.0 had when it first came out. He says they have been rectified and that the Ford stands behind correcting it but it is still a concerned and who wants to deal with a problem right off the bat.
Thanks again for everyone's input. I am sure I will be posting again once I become the owner of one of these beast!
Sharon |
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