Early 00's 7.3L Excursion?

[CABilly]

Boy is starting high school in a few months and is finally gaining a social circle. We are also getting another dog. Wife says we should get a larger vehicle. We currently have an '05 Tahoe sans 3rd row seating and an '07 CR-V.

Well, I was thinking about a Suburban, but I've always thought those Excursions were just badass. And I hear that 7.3L engine is the stuff of legends.

But what should I be looking out for? The only other diesel I've ever owned was a 1981 Mercedes 240D. These Excursions must have a following because they're pretty dang expensive.

Other considerations: E250 van, Sprinter. The only requirement is 4WD and towing capability because it would also double duty as my hunting/adventuring rig and I one day want a boat. Also I know size is an issue. I have squeezed my Tahoe into some sketchy places, but I can't imagine being able to do the same things with a significantly larger vehicle. I guess I'm OK with it for now.

 

[TheRobSJ]

The Excursion with the diesel still has quite a following out there. For a nearly 20 year old truck, the resale values are just stupid. But really, if you want Suburban level passenger/gear hauling plus the ability to effortlessly tow a boat or whatever? There’s really nothing else that’s been made to handle that task.

Would advise against pursuing any of the countless amounts of lifted and blinged out Excursions for sale right now. All that stuff is hard on what original suspension is left and the rest of the drivetrain. You’ll be chasing problems left and right in that money pit. Plus most of those things sell for $30k or more. Would advise against a stock one with 150k miles or more but is less than $15k. The 7.3 is a stout engine sure, but 20 years is 20 years. That time plus the high miles, and lets not forget the transmission, means a major going through will be right around the corner. Which leaves finding a low miles, unmolested example. Rare. And people know it. You’ll easily pay $30k. For a 20 year old rig.

Unless you really need to add the towing capability in addition to the people hauling, the money would be better spent on a much newer Suburban. $30k could probably get you one that’s only a few years old. $20k would still get you something 10 years newer than an Excursion.

 

[Shaggy]

Anything with a 7.3L is usually overpriced since it’s the last generation Ford diesel before they started getting hampered by emissions crap. The 7.3L is a tractor motor that will run forever, but any of the newer diesels will tow double what the 7.3L can tow. A stock 7.3L is rated at like 250hp/525lb-ft. The 6.4L was 350/650 and the newest 6.7L is at 450/935...

You can probably find a decent priced 6.0L Powerstroke Excursion, but you need to make sure it’s had the EGR coolers and head studs upgraded at minimum. After these upgrades, the 6.0L is generally a reliable engine.

Also, look at the ball joints up front. They are prone to failure around 150k on most full size Ford trucks.

 

[aminalmutha]

A “bullet-proofed” 6.0L will run circles around a 7.3L. But then again, it has to have had work done to it. I think the 6.0Lmis overly maligned and the 7.3 is over glorified.

But if you don’t mind terrible fuel economy, V10’s are drastically less money.

 

[MrIncredible]

Boy is starting high school in a few months and is finally gaining a social circle. We are also getting another dog. Wife says we should get a larger vehicle. We currently have an '05 Tahoe sans 3rd row seating and an '07 CR-V.

Well, I was thinking about a Suburban, but I've always thought those Excursions were just badass. And I hear that 7.3L engine is the stuff of legends.

But what should I be looking out for? The only other diesel I've ever owned was a 1981 Mercedes 240D. These Excursions must have a following because they're pretty dang expensive.

Other considerations: E250 van, Sprinter. The only requirement is 4WD and towing capability because it would also double duty as my hunting/adventuring rig and I one day want a boat. Also I know size is an issue. I have squeezed my Tahoe into some sketchy places, but I can't imagine being able to do the same things with a significantly larger vehicle. I guess I'm OK with it for now.

You'll pay a lot more for maintenance and parts for the diesel.

A lot more.

If you're not towing very often, I would get a gasser.